POSITION SUMMARY

The Chief Executive manages the day-to-day operations of Arid Recovery. They are responsible for leadership of Arid Recovery staff, and also for facilitating the work of visiting scientists, students, contractors and volunteers. The Chief Executive maintains good relationships with major partners in BHP, the SA Department for Environment and Water, Bush Heritage Australia, the University of Adelaide and the Kokatha Aboriginal Corporation. They implement robust governance systems, and control operating costs through effective financial, asset and risk management. The Chief Executive is responsible to the Board of Directors for the implementation of strategic goals and operational plans for Arid Recovery. 

THE ORGANISATION

Arid Recovery is an independent not-for-profit research and conservation organisation whose primary purpose is to recover, enhance and sustain Australia’s unique arid zone biodiversity. Activities are focused on an experimental area in outback South Australia. Established in 1997, the 12,300 ha Arid Recovery Reserve is one of the largest fenced conservation reserves in Australia and home to a highly successful research program. To date, six threatened species of mammal have been re-introduced into the Reserve and more than 100 scientific publications produced. Arid Recovery also seeks to inspire appreciation of arid ecosystems through school visits, tours, community events and communications. A new partnership with Kokatha Aboriginal Corporation opens up opportunities for expanding conservation ‘beyond the fence’ with First Peoples. More at www.aridrecovery.org.au.

We are a small team that takes pride in our on-ground conservation work, scientific ethos and positive influence in the sector. Arid Recovery is governed by a Board of Directors chaired by Allan Holmes, guided by Principal Scientist Dr Katherine Moseby and supported by an independent Scientific Advisory Panel. All operations are based out of Olympic Dam in northern South Australia, less than half an hour from the town of Roxby Downs. 

THE ROLE

You will lead Arid Recovery, managing staff and working alongside them to deliver conservation programs. The Chief Executive has fundamental responsibility for maintaining the integrity of the Arid Recovery Reserve by ensuring fencing and other infrastructure are up to standard, and by overseeing feral animal control programs and other reserve management activities. You will also direct scientific programs, including ecological monitoring and research, and manage relationships with collaborators. The Chief Executive maintains and builds relationships with Arid Recovery’s partners. You will also develop new relationships and opportunities for the organisation, with a particular emphasis on joint projects with First Peoples. The Chief Executive is responsible for maintaining a safe workplace and fostering a healthy team culture. You will also represent and promote Arid Recovery and the organisation’s work in the local community and to regional and national stakeholders.

You will be based in the township of Roxby Downs, 7 hours’ drive north of Adelaide in outback South Australia. Roxby is a modern family-friendly mining community with good amenities including a large supermarket, hardware store, two schools, a pool, many sporting clubs and an airport with daily flights to Adelaide. 

ACCOUNTABILITY

The Chief Executive reports to the Board of Arid Recovery. They manage and work closely with other staff including the Conservation Land Management Officer, Ecologist, Community Field Ecologist and Administration Officer. The Chief Executive takes advice and guidance on science programs from the Principal Scientist and Arid Recovery’s Scientific Advisory Panel. 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic leadership

• Work with the Board to develop and implement strategic goals aligned with the vision for Arid Recovery.
• Develop and implement yearly operational plans in line with strategy.
• Nurture a culture of integrity, collaboration, innovation and persistence.

Safety

• Manage risk, including identification, assessment, control and verification.
• Manage and oversee implementation of policies and procedures to a high safety standard.

Personnel management

• Manage the staff of Arid Recovery to align each team member’s work with operational plans. Oversee recruitment as required.
• Create a team culture that fosters open communication and encourages staff involvement and initiative in improving Arid Recovery.
• Ensure that all Arid Recovery personnel – including visiting scientists, contractors, students and volunteers – are provided with a safe working environment through training and regular reviews of safety and emergency procedures.

Facilities management

• Ensure the integrity of the Arid Recovery Reserve through management of fencing assets and close oversight of incursion risk.
• Oversee maintenance and development of Arid Recovery’s infrastructure including the research station, office space, field equipment and vehicle fleet.

Science and conservation program delivery

• Oversee development and implementation of research and monitoring programs, in association with Arid Recovery staff.
• Coordinate conservation land management and population management activities using monitoring data and plans as an evidence base.
• Develop and implement research and monitoring plans with staff and collaborators.

Partnerships

• Build and maintain partnerships with BHP, the University of Adelaide, the SA Department for Environment and Water, Bush Heritage Australia and the Kokatha Aboriginal Corporation
• Build relationships and joint projects with other stakeholders, including scientific collaborators and organisations in Roxby Downs and the region.
• Maintain and grow relationships with Aboriginal groups in the region, including development of joint projects and support for indigenous ranger programs.

Community and public relations

• Lead and coordinate communication to the local community, stakeholders and the general public for Arid Recovery through diverse channels including events, newsletters, website, social media, traditional media and presentations.
• Oversee engagement with community stakeholders, especially in Roxby Downs and including coordination of volunteers.
• Represent Arid Recovery in relevant forums, including on recovery teams and as a member of the Australian Land Conservation Alliance.

Financial management

• Ensure sustainability by developing an annual budget for Board approval, manage financial resources within budget, and providing regular reporting.
• Manage business risk and develop opportunities.

Fundraising

• Oversee the sourcing of grants, at times in association with partners and collaborators.
• Oversee fundraising activities and promotion of Arid Recovery’s charitable purpose.

Governance by the Board

• Support the Board by facilitating effective reporting and discussion.
• Maintain governance requirements through liaison with legal and financial experts on the Board, and external stakeholders including auditors and government authorities.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Qualifications and experience

• A tertiary qualification in science or conservation management, with experience in scientific research and collaboration
• Experience in conservation land management
• Experience in personnel management, including fostering of healthy workplace culture
• Experience managing a safe workplace
• Experience with governance responsibilities, and in financial, asset and risk management
• Current valid drivers’ licence

Critical competencies

• Knowledge of conservation science
• Knowledge of conservation land management
• Operational management skills, including financial literacy
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Demonstrated ability to build relationships with stakeholders
• Ability to work collaboratively
• Good level of fitness and willingness to work irregular hours
• Experience driving 4WD manual vehicles

Desirable

• Scientific publication record
• Experience working with threatened species
• Experience working with Aboriginal communities
• Experience living in remote and regional communities