Sanctuary Manager

About AWC:

AWC is a pragmatic global conservation leader, restoring landscapes and providing hope for Australian wildlife. Guided by science, AWC delivers measurable conservation impacts at scale to secure the future of our most endangered species.

At AWC, we are inspired by the unparalleled richness of Australia's wildlife and we are united by our determination to protect its unique animals and landscapes. It is our mission to effectively conserve all Australian wildlife and habitats and our vision is for a world where Australia's biodiversity is valued and effectively conserved by an engaged community.

The delivery of AWC's mission is highly reliant on all AWC working collaboratively with each other as a cohesive, engaged, collaborative, high performing group guided by strong, effective leaders.

AWC's work is guided by the following values. At AWC, we are:

• Accountable – taking ownership of our actions and outcomes
• Informed – working together to acquire and apply evidence, knowledge and experience
• Respectful – demonstrating care, recognition and integrity
• Dedicated – committed to delivering effective outcomes, with resilience and tenacity
• Innovative – applying creative thinking for effective solutions
• Sustainable – delivering long-term financial and ecological viability.

About the role:

We are looking for a passionate and Sanctuary Manager to join the team based at Yookamurra Wildlife Sanctuary in South Australia. Yookamurra is located in the Mid-Murray region and is one of Australia's longest-running 'safe havens', with a 1,100 ha fenced feral predator-free area supporting a number of reintroduced species such as the Numbat, Greater Bilby, Brush-tailed Possum, Burrowing Bettong, Brush-tailed Bettong, and Malleefowl. The property protects over 5,000 ha of habitat, including regionally rare old-growth mallee.

In this role, you will have the opportunity to lead hands-on, science-driven conservation. You will manage resources effectively within an approved budget and operations plan, overseeing key on-ground activities such as feral animal control, weed management, and fire management. Your impact will be measured and celebrated, and you will also engage with stakeholders and inspire AWC supporters through events and communications, proudly championing AWC's conservation model and achievements.

This reports directly to the Senior Operations Manager, with oversight from the Regional Operations Manager, and is responsible for the sanctuary's day-to-day operations while supporting the delivery of AWC's land management programs. Science programs are led by the Regional Ecologist and Wildlife Ecologist, and together, the operations and science teams work in an integrated way to design and implement conservation actions across Yookamurra. The sanctuary also hosts AWC's major school education program, providing students with curriculum-linked environmental learning through day trips or overnight camps featuring guided science-based activities.

Critical Competencies:

1. Getting things done:you need exceptional planning and organisational skills, including a demonstrated ability to prioritise and execute a large number of tasks in an efficient manner.
2. Managing staff:  you need excellent people management skills, including the leadership of, and managing and coordinating remote teams of Operational Staff, Volunteers and Contractors.
3. Working with people: excellent communication and interpersonal skills including the ability to establish and maintain relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders.
4. Practical land management and asset management or comparable skills/experience:You need to demonstrate knowledge and practical experience delivering land management programs including fire management, weed and feral animal control programs or comparable experience that is readily transferable.  Demonstrated practical skills managing assets and infrastructure is required including:
5. The implementation of infrastructure projects such as fencing, road maintenance and building.
6. The management and use of a wide range of plant and equipment (graders, tractors, generators, pumps and power tools, including chainsaws, welders etc
7. A broad knowledge of all trades (building, mechanical, fencing, plumbing, welding & electrical) is desirable, including the ability to carry out routine tasks and maintenance.
8. Bushfire control training and experience.
9. 4WD experience in relevant off-road conditions is essential.
10. Financial management: demonstrated ability to deliver projects in a cost-effective manner and be able to coding and track expenditure, operating within the budget.
11. Paperwork/compliance: demonstrated ability to maintain records, and implement permit/authorization processes.
12. Resourcefulness: the ability to improvise and 'problem-solve', developing practical solutions with limited resources.
13. Living in the bush: previous experience of working and living in a rural area, preferably remote, and the supervision of teams in geographically diverse locations. Ability to work in an isolated small team environment.
14. Information technology:  Ability in using standard business software packages (including Word, email, Excel) is essential.
15. A passion for conservation: Understanding of and interest in Australian (with a particular focus on the arid region of Australia) ecology and conservation issues.
16. Willingness to travel.

Qualifications:

Formal qualifications in a relevant discipline would be an advantage, but is less important than strong, practical experience and a good track record of delivering 'on-ground' results.

Licenses, Certificates and/or Training:

Required:

1. A manual driver's licence, and 4WD experience in difficult conditions.
2. Firearms licence and experience.
3. First Aid certificate.
4. National Police Check.
5. South Australian Working with Children Check (or ability to obtain one).

Desirable:

1. Recognised certificate in safe handling and use of chemicals e.g. Chemcert.
2. 1080 Bait Handler Accreditation.
3. Experience in the use of tractors fitted with front-end loader buckets and grader blade attachments.
4. Training and experience in use of chainsaw and working at heights.

PLEASE NOTE: Our Yookamurra vacancies are open to individuals as well as two people who know each other, with on-site accommodation available as shared or individual. The proposed start for the successful candidate will be approximately mid-December.

To view the detailed position description for this role, click here: Sanctuary Manager | Yookamurra

Join our Journey:

Take the leap and start your next adventure with the AWC  AWC reserves the right to start screening applicants and interviewing throughout the recruitment process.

Initial

Applications:To submit an application, click 'Apply' and follow the prompts to complete an online application form. Your application must include CV and covering letter, briefly addressing the critical competencies listed in the detailed job description attachment.

Please note:

1. Applicants must be an Australian citizen/permanent resident or have a suitable visa in place in order to apply. Sponsorship is not available.
2. Applicants will undergo relevant pre-employment checks, which may include a national police clearance, online medical and a values-based assessment.
3. If you apply for this role, AWC will include you in its ongoing updates and communications about its events, activities and fundraising initiatives. You may opt out of these communications at any time.
4. Any application submitted to AWC will be handled in accordance with our Privacy Policy, available at By providing us with your contact details, you consent to receive communications and direct educational material will remain current until you advise us otherwise.

AWC is a welcoming and inclusive organisation that invites individuals from diverse backgrounds, such as those who identify as First Nations and Torres Strait Islander, individuals with disabilities, the LGBTIQA+ community, neurodivergent individuals, and those from different cultural and linguistic backgrounds, to apply for the opportunity. AWC values and is dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment where everyone feels comfortable to be themselves, and where a range of perspectives, cultures, and voices are respected and recognised as a key part to the success of AWC. To be eligible for consideration, applicants must also have the right to live and work in Australia.