Introduction:
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:
Join a passionate team delivering world-class conservation outcomes across some of Western Australia's most important wildlife sanctuaries.
AWC currently manages four wildlife sanctuaries across the South West region: Faure Island, Karakamia, Mt Gibson and Paruna. Together, these properties protect more than 138,000 hectares of nationally significant habitat and support programs focused on restoring threatened species and ecosystems. Three of these sanctuaries are home to major species reintroduction and recovery projects within feral predator-free areas, providing a unique opportunity to contribute to the conservation of some of Australia's most threatened wildlife. AWC’s work in the region may expand over time.
Reporting to the Regional Ecologist (South West), the Field Ecologist will contribute to the delivery of AWC's science program across one or more sanctuaries in the region. This is a diverse and rewarding role that combines hands-on fieldwork with data management, reporting, planning and scientific analysis. You will work alongside a passionate team of ecologists and conservation practitioners to monitor wildlife populations, inform land management decisions and contribute to cutting-edge conservation outcomes.
This position is ideally suited to someone who is passionate about conservation science and motivated to make a meaningful contribution to nature recovery. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to apply their scientific expertise in real-world conservation settings while helping shape and communicate AWC's conservation programs across the region.
Key responsibilities include:
- Contributing to the delivery of AWC's conservation science program across sanctuaries and partnership sites in the South West region.
- Undertaking ecological monitoring, field surveys and associated scientific activities as part of a collaborative team of ecologists.
- Supporting data collection, management, analysis and reporting, ensuring the highest standards of scientific integrity.
- Working closely with Operations teams to inform conservation and land management strategies across AWC properties.
- Building and maintaining positive relationships with key stakeholders, including Indigenous groups, government agencies, conservation partners, recovery teams and local communities.
- Assisting in communicating AWC's science and conservation outcomes to stakeholders, the scientific community and the broader public.
- Contributing to AWC's fundraising and engagement activities that support long-term conservation impact.
Critical competencies:
- A demonstrated commitment to wildlife conservation, evidenced through work, education and other relevant activities.
- Strong ecological field skills including knowledge of, and experience in, the application of standard survey methods in vertebrate ecology, and sound skills in field ecology generally.
- Well-developed knowledge of the conservation of Australian wildlife and ecosystems including the nature and functioning of the Australian biota; major threats to native wildlife and their habitats; and how these threats can be mitigated.
- Capacity to undertake ecological research including sound knowledge of the ecological literature; knowledge of experimental design and sampling methods; skills in the management and analysis of ecological data, and familiarity with computer programs and apps, commensurate with the position.
- Getting things done: you need good planning and organisational skills, including an ability to prioritise and deliver a range of tasks in an effective manner.
- Leadership: Good interpersonal skills are essential, including the ability to work positively and productively as part of a small team in remote locations, with the capacity to manage a small team as required.
- Collaboration: you need good relationship-building and collaborative skills to perform your role as part of a team of conservation ecologists. You must be willing to contribute your expertise, and learn from the skills and ideas of your colleagues. You must be willing to engage with the experience and world-view of a diverse range of stakeholders involved in conservation management including AWC Operations managers and other staff, AWC partners, Traditional Owners and the broader community.
- Scientific communication skills: you will have a capacity to draft scientific reports and publications, contribute to funding applications and reports, and communicate science and conservation messages to a general audience.
- Financial management, paperwork and compliance: you will have the ability to deliver projects in a cost-effective manner and to manage financial resources, commensurate with the requirements of the position.
- Resourcefulness: you will have the ability to improvise and ‘problem-solve’, developing practical solutions with limited resources.
- Travel and time in the field: you must be willing to travel away from base and conduct field work to meet the requirements of the position.
Qualifications and Experience:
- Honours degree in ecology or a related discipline (or a degree plus equivalent experience).
- Experience working in conservation or a related field is well-regarded, but not essential.
Licenses, Certificates and/or Training:
- A valid manual driver’s licence is essential. You will need to be competent in driving a 4WD in field conditions. Training in relevant competencies may be required.
- Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check, or willingness to obtain.
PLEASE NOTE: This fixed-term position is based at Karakamia Sanctuary in the Perth Hills. Unlike many of AWC's sanctuary-based roles, this is a non-residential position, with the successful candidate commuting to and from the sanctuary for work.
To view the detailed position description for this role, click here: Field Ecologist | South West
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: [email protected]
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:
- Applicants must be an Australian citizen/permanent resident or have a suitable visa in place in order to apply. Sponsorship is not available.
- Applicants will undergo relevant pre-employment checks, which may include a national police clearance, online medical and a values-based assessment. Please note that the cost of the police check is the responsibility of the applicant.
- 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.
- Any application submitted to AWC will be handled in accordance with our Privacy Policy, available at www.australianwildlife.org/privacy-policy. 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.
