Ecologist Guide

Are you looking for an exciting and rewarding opportunity to work in science communication and field ecology across Australia? This role requires excellent communication and relevant Australian ecological experience.

If you are interested in joining the Australian Wildlife Conservancy (AWC) team and helping us deliver our mission of the effective conservation of all Australian animal species and the habitats in which they live, then read on.

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 seeking an exceptional, highly motivated, engaging, and professional Guide/Field Ecologist to work across both our guiding and science teams in the delivery of outstanding visitor experiences and in the delivery of our world-class science program. Opportunities to assist AWC's land management teams may also arise from time-to-time.

Led by the Senior Guide and Field Ecologist, you will work as part of a team communicating AWC's conservation science and land management programs to public visitors and AWC supporters.

Critical competencies:

• A passion for the conservation of Australia's wildlife and habitats.
• A highly engaging, friendly, professional and confident personality.
• Outstanding communication skills - the ability to clearly convey AWC's mission and inspire support for that mission amongst a wide variety of stakeholders and deliver presentations to a wide range of people.
• The confidence to lead and deliver an exceptional and thoughtful visitor experience (e.g., bird watching and helicopter tours).
• Exceptional interpersonal skills including a demonstrated ability to:

o Work effectively as part of a small team or, as required, independently.

o Engage with high-net-worth individuals, the public and/or government officials.

o Support other staff in the delivery of events.

• Demonstrated ability to prioritise and execute many tasks in an efficient manner.
• A strong work ethic including a willingness to work long hours and weekends as required.
• An ability to work under pressure and a willingness to adapt.
• A good level of fitness, including competent swimming ability. The role involves physical activities including lifting, carrying, pushing and pulling loads, bending and climbing.
• Confidence and experience driving a variety of 4WD vehicles.
• Skills and experience in wildlife spotting and identifying, wildlife surveying, experience in conducting applied ecological research; and a capacity to work as part of a team of ecologists in remote locations.
• Familiarity with the ecology and function of Australian ecosystems, conservation of threatened species, impacts of threatening processes and ways of mitigating those impacts, and principles and practice of reintroduction biology.
• Motivation to work in the private nature conservation sector and be willing to help develop and promote AWC's conservation model.

Qualifications:

• A degree in ecology (or equivalent) is essential. Honours is desirable.
• Field guiding or science communications experience is essential.

Licenses, Certificates and/or Training:

• A current valid Australian (or recognised international) manual driver's licence, with experience in 4WD/off-road conditions is essential.
• Current first aid certificate (essential), senior and/or remote first aid (desirable).
• Nationally accredited current RSA (Responsible Service of Alcohol) certificate (desirable).
• Working with Children Check (if relevant).
• National police clearance certificate.

PLEASE NOTE: This is a two year fixed term contract based out Sydney, with frequent travel to site where basic accomodation and catering covered whilst on site. 

To view the detailed position description for this role, click here: Ecologist Guide Job Description (if viewing on an external platform such as SEEK please go to our website to access the link)

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 enquiries: 

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.