Bush Heritage Australia are seeking a Reserve Manager - Pullen Pullen to join the North team.

This is an exceptional opportunity to make a very real contribution to the protection of Australia’s unique wildlife and their habitat.

• Fantastic opportunity to work within a leading conservation organisation.
• Live and work at Pullen Pullen Reserve, Qld

About us

For over 30 years we’ve supported and protected some of the most fragile ecosystems across the continent and seen the impact of our science-based approach. We keep our eyes on the horizon and focus firmly on long-term, landscape scale impact. As a national, not-for-profit, we want to continue to expand the areas we protect and deepen the impact we have. We work in partnership with Traditional Owners, listening to and learning from the customs and cultures that came before us.

Together we can heal and protect the bush, now and into the future.

About the role

Reporting to the Healthy Landscape Manager, the Reserve Manager is responsible for ensuring the day-to-day management of the Reserve meets the goals of Bush Heritage Australia. Management of the Reserve occurs within the context of the implementation of Reserve Property Management Plan. The Reserve Manager will be expected to represent and promote Bush Heritage in the region and will also provide advice to Bush Heritage’s planning, marketing and operations programs to ensure that the goals of the organisation are efficiently achieved.

The Reserve Manager will require a sound understanding of, adaptive management, and natural resource management, and will have extensive experience in applying these principles for biodiversity conservation. The Reserve Manager will also have experience in business management, implementing / applying safety related activities and preparing and managing budgets. Amongst other attributes they will possess skills for managing land, plant and equipment, and supervising staff and volunteers, in a remote arid environment. The role requires an understanding of a range of basic level trade skills with the ability to safely undertake general construction, repairs and maintenance.

Due to the remote location and occasional periods of isolation, the Reserve Manager needs to be comfortable with periods of isolation, to be self-sufficient, resilient, and possess practical and problem-solving skills

Bush Heritage relies on its supporters taking a role in the ongoing management of its reserves. Opportunities to engage others in the delivery of science and land management conservation activities at the Reserve will be undertaken by the Reserve Manager in collaboration with the Access and Visitation Coordinator, Science and Conservation Team and the Volunteer Program Coordinator.  The Reserve Manager is also responsible for provision of field advice in relation to business case development and project management processes associated with evaluation of opportunities for Indigenous Engagement.  Reserve-based staff, in collaboration with non-reserve staff, plays a key part in ensuring these activities contribute to the successful operation of the Reserve.

Accommodation is provided on Pullen Pullen Reserve. Open to people living in Winton or surrounds.

What you'll need to succeed

• Commitment and passion for nature conservation and the objectives and values of Bush Heritage
• Tertiary qualification or extensive relevant experience in conservation ecology and/or natural resource management
• Demonstrated experience implementing Health, Safety & Environment Management Systems and legislation.
• Experience and the ability and desire to live and work in remote, isolated areas with excellent practical and problem-solving skills that enable self-sufficiency living on reserve including knowledge of risk assessment procedures.
• Demonstrated experience in land management, with specific experience in Natural Resource Management (NRM) including biodiversity conservation, pest plant and animal control, soil conservation, and fire management and suppression.
• Practical experience in the pastoral industry such as building and maintaining fences, operating equipment, mechanical and infrastructure maintenance skills, stray stock management, building, concreting, welding, rural plumbing etc.
• Positive attitude and the ability to collaborate with all people in a professional and positive way.
• Applied ecological knowledge and skills and the ability to communicate effectively with science partners.
• Demonstrated understanding and experience in working with Indigenous peoples, the pastoral sector and other landholders, and the development and maintenance of relationships with these stakeholders.
• Excellent written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills with demonstrated success working effectively with a diverse range of people, including indigenous and pastoral communities.
• Demonstrated applied skills in spatial data capture using GPS devices.
• Demonstrated experience and skills maintaining and operating station infrastructure, plant and equipment.
• Demonstrated experience in managing projects, budgets, and contractors.
• Demonstrated skills and experience in managing staff and volunteers in a remote location.
• High level of computer literacy and proficiency with computers including MS Office, spreadsheet, financial, GIS and data management software
• Manual Driving licence, including 4WD experience (or commitment to obtain at own expense prior to employment)
• Current First Aid certificate (or commitment to obtain at own expense prior to employment)
• State/Territory Firearm license (or commitment to obtain at Bush Heritage expense prior to employment)

What sets us apart

• Great life-work balance: flexible work arrangements with hybrid working.
• Access to 20 days personal leave per year, 10 of these available from commencement if employment. We also offer cultural leave and gender transition leave.
• Employee Resource Groups for women, LGBTQIA+, and neurodivergent employees as well as a social group for bird lovers.
• Professional development activities including access to LinkedIn Learning.
• Equitable 12 weeks paid leave to all parents, irrespective of their role as primary or secondary carers.
• Remote staff are supported through an education allowance for kids and additional annual leave.
• Access to support and counselling via our Employee Assistance Program and free access to Headspace app.

Bush Heritage Australia does not discriminate based on race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or marital or parental status. Should you require a reasonable adjustment to be made for your application we would be more than happy to discuss how this could be arranged.

Evidence shows that applicants from underrepresented backgrounds often don't apply for roles if they don't feel they meet all the requirements of the job – unlike candidates from majority backgrounds who might fulfil less requirements.

We strongly encourage you to apply if you’re interested: we strive to build more diverse teams with your unique experience!