Manager, Restoration Programs

Company description:

Our commitment to conservation is the foundation of our vision to create a better world for all.

Job description:

• Located at Sydney's Iconic Taronga Zoo
• Full-time Temporary 3-year position
• TCSA Salaried Employees Award, Clerk Grade 9/10, annual salary package from $146,736 to $161,698 (includes base salary $129,464 to $142,665 + plus superannuation & leave loading)

Taronga Zoo is looking for a strategic thinker with strong technical expertise, proven leadership in conservation project delivery, and the ability to build partnerships across sectors.

As Manager, Restoration Programs, you will head a multidisciplinary team to design and deliver innovative, best-practice conservation initiatives that are ecologically impactful, financially sustainable, and culturally inclusive.

About the Role…

The purpose of the Manager Restoration Programs is to lead a dedicated team who, together with the Director Welfare, Conservation and Science, are responsible for the development and implementation of Taronga Habitat Positive. Habitat Positive is Taronga's strategic landscape restoration program aligned with our priority species and associated ecosystems. The role is responsible for applying technical expertise and developing strategies, policies and practices that deliver projects which meet Taronga's conservation objectives, are financially sustainable and culturally relevant, creating a shared future for wildlife and people.

Key Accountabilities…

• Lead the design and delivery of best practice, landscape scale, habitat restoration and management programs that deliver biodiversity outcomes, generate revenue, and generate social and cultural opportunities.
• Manage and oversee all aspects of project planning, development, implementation, including developing project plans, coordinating resources, managing budgets, meeting internal and regulatory reporting requirements (e.g. Clean Energy Regulator).
• Monitor and evaluate all aspects of project implementation to identify and address issues, assess project progress and effectiveness. Establish and/or implement appropriate frameworks for biodiversity and carbon accounting, risk and contingency management, project impact and quality measures.
• Establish and maintain stakeholder relationships through effective communication, negotiation, and issues management to engage stakeholders and ensure project deliverables are met
• Manage a multi-disciplinary project team (extending to contractors, consultants & service providers) to ensure projects are planned and implemented to a high standard, monitoring frameworks and documentation meets all regulatory and stakeholder reporting requirements and compliance with Taronga and NSW government policies and procedures.
• Provide advice and information to Managers and/or stakeholders on emerging project issues and to support project delivery in line with established plans, budgets, timeframes, policy objectives and other project and priorities

About You…

We are looking for candidates that have:

• At least 5 years of demonstrated experience in development and delivery of landscape scale restoration programs, including knowledge and experience of woodland restoration, revegetation, and natural regeneration techniques.
• Demonstrated experience in Australian carbon projects, including project development and implementation, project administration with the Clean Energy Regulator, biodiversity monitoring & assessment, analysis and reporting. Qualifications and certifications in these fields will be highly regarded.
• Demonstrated experience in managing teams, processes, budgets and strategy.
• Experience leading multi-disciplinary stakeholders groups and partner organisation's (Government, NGO, Commercial) to deliver mutually beneficial project outcomes.
• Working knowledge of GIS including mapping and analysis
• Understanding of protected area management (infrastructure, fire, weeds and pests)
• Relevant tertiary qualifications: Environmental Science, Environmental Management, Environmental Planning, Ecology, Conservation Biology or similar
• NSW Drivers licence or equivalent
• Hold and maintain a current volunteer NSW Working with Children Check.

Benefits…

Our employees enjoy generous employment conditions including some of the following:

• Flexible Hybrid work model - Taronga supports a blend of in-office, remote, and on-the-go workers
• Complimentary family and friends passes across both Taronga's Sydney & Dubbo Zoo's
• Free onsite car parking, outside of peak periods
• A wide range of discounts on our award winning accommodation across both sites
• Discounted food and beverage purchases across the sites
• Discounted Fitness Passport
• We're a social team - there's always lots going on around the zoo that we get involved with
• • more

We Value Diversity…

Taronga is an equal opportunity employer, where we recognise the diversity of our workforce and community - be it on the basis of gender, age, culture, religion, language or personal circumstances.

Taronga is also committed to building on the perspectives, experience, knowledge and skills that this diversity brings to our organisation.

About Applying…

Please submit your resume and a cover letter of one page. You are also required to complete the two target questions as part of your application.

1. Describe your experience in ACCU scheme projects that involved landscape scale restoration and/or revegetation projects. What opportunities do you see over the next decade to progress new and ambitious revegetation programs? (Response max 2 pages).
2. Please give an example of a project that you played a leading role in which required consulting and managing a diverse range of stakeholders. Describe the project, your role, the key challenges, outcomes and your learnings from the project. (Response max 2 pages).

Applications Close:11:59pm Sunday, 26 October 2025