Australian Wildlife Conservancy (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 united by our determination to protect its unique animals and landscapes. Our mission is to effectively conserve all Australian wildlife and habitats, and our vision is a world where Australia’s biodiversity is valued and effectively conserved by an engaged community.

- 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

Reporting to the National Science Team Manager (NSTM), the Wildlife Ecologist will contribute to AWC’s science program in the National Science Team. This position will play a key role in the delivery and implementation of AWC’s climate change adaptation strategy and acquisition prioritisation strategy, and support species management and conservation planning more broadly.

In addition, the role will contribute to the broader tasks of the National Science program, related to the development and review of strategies to prioritise research, conservation land management and Ecohealth monitoring and evaluation.

The Wildlife Ecologist must be strongly motivated to make a substantial difference in nature conservation, contribute to the development of the private nature conservation sector, and be willing to help develop and promote AWC’s conservation model, particularly in the social and environmental context of the region.

- A demonstrated commitment to wildlife conservation, evidenced through work, education and other relevant activities.




- Technical competence in the application and use of GIS software and the ability to write scripts to increase work efficiencies.
- Good understanding of the impacts of climate change and approaches to climate change adaptation planning for impacts to Australian wildlife and ecosystems.
- Experience or ability to become competent with spatial prioritisation tools such as Zonation and/or Marxan that facilitate the identification of key areas to protect priority biodiversity values.
- Advanced knowledge of conservation of Australian wildlife and ecosystems, including the nature and functioning of Australian biota, major threats to native wildlife and their habitats, and how these threats can be mitigated. Ideally, experience working with land managers to design applied conservation land management strategies.
- Excellent ecological field and research skills, including high‑level knowledge of the ecological literature; advanced knowledge of experimental design and sampling methods; solid skills in vertebrate ecology and sound skills in field ecology generally; advanced skills in statistical analysis of ecological data and relevant computer software packages.
- Getting things done: well‑developed planning and organisational skills, including a demonstrated ability to prioritise and execute a range of tasks effectively.
- Leadership: strong leadership and team‑building skills, including the ability to manage and coordinate a team of staff and volunteers working in remote areas.
- Collaboration: good relationship‑building and collaborative skills to perform your role as part of a team of conservation ecologists. Willingness to contribute expertise and to learn from colleagues,



and to engage with stakeholders including AWC Operations managers, partners, Traditional Owners and the broader community.
- Scientific communication skills: ability to write and review scientific reports and publications, compose funding applications and reports, and communicate science and conservation messages to a general audience.
- Financial management, paperwork and compliance: ability to deliver projects cost‑effectively, manage financial resources, and ensure contracted obligations are met.
- Resourcefulness: ability to improvise and ‘problem‑solve’, developing practical solutions with limited resources.
- Travel and time in the field: willingness to travel away from base and conduct field work to meet the requirements of the position.

Qualifications and Experience

- A PhD in ecology, conservation or a related discipline.
- Experience working in conservation or a related field would be highly regarded.
- For appointment at the Senior Wildlife Ecologist level, substantial postgraduate work experience (nominally, 10+ years) in a relevant field is required, plus aptitude/ capacity for managing programs and staff.

Licenses, Certificates and/or Training

A valid manual driver’s licence is essential. For field work, the candidate must be competent in driving a 4WD in field conditions. Training in relevant competencies may be required.

AWC is a welcoming and inclusive organisation that invites individuals from diverse backgrounds, including 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 this 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 key to the success of AWC. To be eligible for consideration, applicants must also have the right to live and work in Australia.

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📌 Senior Wildlife Ecologist – Australian Wildlife Conservancy (Australia)
🏢 Ecolsoc
📍 Australia