Ecologist Guide (All Locations)

~ A unique opportunity to help shape the future of private sector conservation in Australia ~

An exciting and rewarding opportunity to work in conservation engagement and field ecology for one of Australia’s leading conservation organisations.  This is a rare opportunity requiring excellent communication and ecological experience across Australian Wildlife Conservancy’s (AWC) network of wildlife sanctuaries.  If you are looking to join the AWC team and help us deliver our mission of the effective conservation of all Australian native animal species and the habitats in which they live, then read on.

AWC is the largest private (non-profit) owner/manager of land for conservation in Australia. AWC now owns, manages or works in partnership across 30 locations, spanning more than 6.5 million hectares, in some of the most important areas for biodiversity in Australia. We are seeking an exceptional, highly motivated, engaging and professional Ecologist Guide to join our ecology guiding team in the delivery of outstanding visitor experiences, as well as assist with ecological survey work across AWC’s network of sanctuaries. 

Reporting to the Events Project Manager and Regional Ecologist, as well as working collaboratively with other teams, you will ensure the effective communication of AWC’s conservation science and land management programs to AWC supporters and the public, as well as assist with AWC’s science program. This role is split between working as a dedicated ecologist guide on AWC’s visitor and supporter programs during the events season (~65%) and assisting with field-based ecology surveys on AWC sanctuaries (~35%).

To succeed in this role, you will require:

• A passion for the conservation of Australia’s wildlife and habitats.
• A highly engaging, friendly, intelligent and confident personality.
• Outstanding communication skills – the ability to clearly convey AWC’s mission and inspire support for that mission amongst a wide variety of stakeholders.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills including a demonstrated ability to:
  • Work effectively as part of a small team or, as required, independently;
  • Engage with high net worth individuals, the general public and/or government officials;
  • Support other staff in the delivery of events.
• Demonstrated ability to prioritise and execute a large number of tasks in an efficient manner.
• Well-developed field skills and experience in ecological survey work in remote locations.
• A strong work ethic including a willingness to work long hours and weekends as required.
• An ability to work under pressure and a willingness to adapt.
• A good level of fitness, including competent swimming ability. The role involves physical activities including lifting, carrying, pushing and pulling loads, bending, climbing and driving a variety of vehicles, as well as working around water at times.

Working Environment:

• Flexibility in hours of work is required to meet operational requirements of the role.
• Regular travel and stays of various lengths at AWC sanctuaries (and sometimes regional cities) are required for much of the year.
• A willingness to work and live in a remote location.
• The ability to work and live in extreme climatic conditions (hot, humid and/or dry).

Licenses and Certificates:

• A degree in ecology (or equivalent) to Honours level is essential, with field-based experience in ecology.
• Experience in tour-guiding or public speaking (to a wide range of people) is essential.
• A current valid Australian (or recognized international license) manual driver’s license, with experience in 4WD/off-road conditions is essential.
• Current first aid certificate (essential), senior and/or remote first aid (desirable).
• WA or nationally accredited current RSA (Responsible Service of Alcohol) certificate (desirable).
• National police clearance certificate.

This is an exciting opportunity to join Australia’s largest non-government conservation organisation and help shape the future of private sector conservation in Australia.