Science Director

The Science Director is a new position at Odonata, created to lead the organisation's conservation science, research, and evidence-based species recovery strategies across all programs and landscapes.

The Science Director will provide intellectual leadership across Odonata's scientific priorities and will have the autonomy to build and grow a small research-focused team over time. This may include supervising postgraduate students, early-career researchers, or specialist collaborators. While distinct from operational management, this role will cultivate a hub of scientific inquiry and innovation, ensuring Odonata's conservation strategies are informed by cutting-edge research and best practice.

Working closely with the CEO, and key internal and external stakeholders, this role will:

1. Lead the development and implementation of Odonata's science and species program, ensuring best-practice, innovation, and measurable impact in threatened species recovery and biodiversity restoration.
2. Build and maintain strategic partnerships with universities, government agencies, First Nations organisations, research institutions, and conservation bodies to position Odonata as a leader in applied conservation science.
3. Oversee scientific integrity across all projects, ensuring data-driven decision-making, rigorous monitoring and evaluation, and transparent reporting to stakeholders.

Read more about the role in the Position Description found on the Jobs page on our website:

• Postgraduate qualifications (preferably PhD) in conservation ecology, zoology, or related discipline.
• Minimum 10 years' professional experience in conservation ecology, with a preference towards strong field-based experience and subsequent team leadership experience.
• Proven track record in leading complex, multi- stakeholder science or conservation programs.
• Experience in translating complex ecological science into policy influence and practical conservation delivery.
• Ability to think strategically and align with the organisation's mission, culture and goals.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to effectively convey scientific information to diverse stakeholders.
• Extensive public speaking, media and thought leadership experience to support organisational goals, or be open to appropriate media training.
• Proven capacity to lead high-performing teams dispersed across geographies. Ethical standards.
• Adherence to high ethical standards and a commitment to the values of the non-profit organisation.

Odonata Foundation is a leading Australian environmental conservation charity dedicated to saving species.

We are working to rebuild genetic resilience in threatened species populations, create and maintain feral-free habitats for animals to recover and support biodiversity rejuvenation across Australia.

Odonata's work is underpinned by its scientifically backed We Save Species Recovery Model. This model asserts that once a species has been recovered to a minimum of 500 individuals across at least 5 sites, the species is genetically secure and protected against climate related threats.

Our model is unique because we invite landholders to form part of the solution, supporting them to establish feral-free fenced areas on their land, often where farming and other operations are concurrently thriving.

Odonata's achievements to-date include being foundational to the downlisting of the mainland eastern barred bandicoot from 'extinct in the wild' to 'endangered' (just the second time this has happened with a land-based mammal in Australia) and leading the most successful semi-wild breeding program of the southern brush-tailed rock-wallaby (less than 100 remain in the wild).

To apply, please submit your CV along with a cover letter (no more than two pages) addressing the Key Selection Criteria outlined in the Position Description, available on our Jobs page:

Applications close at 5pm Friday 3rd October 2025