National

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

Reporting to the National Science Team Manager (NSTM), the Field Ecologist will contribute to AWC’s science program in the National Science Team. A key component of this position is progressing the assessment of the conservation value of properties being considered by AWC for acquisition or partnership. A component of the work involves evaluating the vulnerability of potential properties and, as relevant, priority species to climate change, by applying an assessment framework developed by AWC. In addition, the role will be expected to contribute to the broader tasks of the National Science program, as requested, related to the development and review of strategies to prioritise research, conservation land management and Ecohealth monitoring and evaluation. Duties may change over time, commensurate with AWC requirements, and the skills and expertise of the incumbent. The Field 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.

Key Duties of the Role

- Conduct conservation assessments of the conservation value of properties being considered by AWC for acquisition or partnership.
- Evaluate the vulnerability of potential properties and, as relevant, priority species to climate change, by applying an assessment framework developed by AWC.
- Contribute to other components of the National Science Program, as delegated by the NSTM.
- Work effectively with key stakeholders, including Indigenous groups, AWC partners,



government agencies, recovery teams, the conservation sector and local communities, to develop AWC’s national reintroduction program, as delegated by the Senior Ecologist.
- Communicate AWC’s science program to stakeholders, the scientific community and the public through scientific publications, reports, presentations, participation in workshops, etc.
- Assist with AWC’s fundraising activities.

Critical Competencies

- A demonstrated commitment to wildlife conservation, evidenced through work, education and other relevant activities.
- Good 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, and a good understanding of vertebrate ecology.
- Research skills including knowledge of the ecological literature, experimental design and sampling methods, statistical analysis of ecological data and the use of computer software packages, at a level relevant to the position.
- Technical competence in the application and use of databases and spatial software including experience processing, analysing and interpreting spatial data using QGIS and/or ArcGIS. An understanding of database principles, data quality and the ability to maintain accurate, consistent and reproducible results.
- Good understanding of the impacts of climate change on Australian wildlife and ecosystems.
- 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 well-developed capacity to draft scientific reports, contribute to funding applications and reports, and communicate science and conservation messages to a general audience..
- Getting things done: you need well-developed planning and organisational skills, including a demonstrated ability to prioritise and execute a range of tasks in an effective manner.
- Competence in financial management, paperwork and compliance including the ability to deliver projects in a cost-effective manner.
- Resourcefulness: you will have the ability to improvise and ‘problem-solve’,



developing practical solutions with limited resources.
- Willingness to travel as required to conduct the requirements of the position

Qualifications and Experience

- A higher degree (Honours or equivalent) in ecology/ conservation biology, or a related field.
- Experience working in conservation or a related field would be highly regarded.
- For appointment at a level equivalent to a Senior Field Ecologist, at least 5 years (full-time equivalent) skilled work experience following graduation is essential.

Licenses, Certificates and/or Training

- Legal right to work in Australia.
- A valid manual driver’s licence is essential.
- For field work, you will need to be competent in driving a 4WD in field conditions.
- Training in relevant competencies may be required.

To view the detailed position description for this role, click here: Field Ecologist

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.

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. Please note that the cost of the police check is the responsibility of the applicant.
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 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.

📌 Field Ecologist | National (Subiaco)
🏢 Australian Wildlife Conservancy
📍 Subiaco