Conservation Ecologist

Zoos SA is a not-for-profit conservation charity that exists to save species from extinction and connect people with nature. We support and conduct many conservation, breeding and research programs and as part of our conservation efforts, operating at both Adelaide Zoo and Monarto Safari Park.

We’re proud to welcome more than half a million people through our gates each year and we’re not slowing down. With the roll out of our 20-Year Master Plan and a number of exciting projects on the horizon, we’re thrilled to be expanding and evolving our workforce to position us for continued growth into the future.

**ABOUT THE ROLE...**

The team at Zoos SA are currently looking for an experienced and committed Conservation Ecologist in a full time 12 month fixed term capacity, with the possibility to extend. This position will assist with project design, delivery and report writing for various field conservation efforts, playing a pivotal role in supporting threatened species conservation and research.

The successful applicant will be a motivated, organised and enthusiastic team player who is looking for a challenging but rewarding role in delivering conservation outcomes for threatened species.

Based across both Zoos SA sites as well as in the field, this position will work closely with Zoos SA staff, partners in the community and other stakeholders. The successful applicant must be willing to travel and spend short periods of time in remote locations (e.g., Northern South Australia, Kangaroo Island) with basic living conditions.

As part of our Life Sciences team, day to day tasks may include:

- Providing support for activities that deliver on-ground conservation, habitat restoration, and last chance conservation and wildlife health activities, which may involve:

- Carrying out on-ground works of a practical nature.
- Construction and routine maintenance of facilities, resources and equipment.
- Supporting captive breeding populations.
- Working closely with staff and teams from other departments to deliver conservation programs and projects.
- Building and maintaining relationships with external organisations and individuals that contribute to delivery of various conservation activities.
- Providing information about costings of activities as required.
- Keeping up to date with current conservation challenges and methods.
- Working consistently in accordance with established safety procedures to ensure animal security, personal safety, protection of coworkers and the public.
- Working in line with relevant Policy and Procedures/Standard Operating Procedures and providing feedback and proactive suggestions for change as required.

**ABOUT YOU...**

To be considered for these positions you will need to meet the following selection criteria:

- Experience in conservation biology or environmental management and a relevant tertiary degree.
- Knowledge and expertise in aspects of data collection, research, reporting and scientific writing.
- Experience in field logistics and associated WHS and site access planning.
- Well-developed verbal, written communication and presentation skills, and demonstrated ability to cooperate and work well with others in the pursuit of team goals.
- Self-starter and adaptable to changing field situations.
- Experience in a range of field survey skills including vegetation identification, animal handling/observation, camera trap surveys, and radio telemetry.
- Current Driver’s license and ability to drive 4wd vehicles.
- Preferably competent with use of ArcGIS, biostatistics and spatial analysis software programs.
- Flexible for weekend work where required for field projects

**WHAT WE CAN DO FOR YOU...**

Zoos SA are able to offer the following employee benefits:

- Income Protection
- Membership of the Royal Zoological Society of SA Inc - this also enables you and your immediate family free entry to any Zoo South Australia location
- 20% discount at the Retail stores at Adelaide Zoo and Monarto Safari Park
- Free Family Member tickets and discounted ticket prices
- Discounted Animal Experiences for employees
- Staff Well-being/Health Checks including Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) and Manager Assist Programme
- Professional Membership
- Salary Sacrifice
- Flexible working hours rostered to fit in with family, work, study, secondary employment or personal commitments

**HOW TO APPLY...**

**Zoos SA is passionately committed to equal employment opportunity. We believe diversity, inclusion and reconciliation are fundamental to our rich organisational culture and values, and we demonstrate this commitment through all our employment practices so that our people continue to reflect the local communities in which we work.**

If you have a strong passion in animal welfare, species conservation, and an eagerness to support the operation of a major Safari Park’s conservation team, we would love to hear from you