About Us:

We are an independent community group bringing people together to appreciate and further the scientific knowledge of the remarkable Fitzgerald River National Park. For more information about the group visit fitzgeraldfriends.org.au

About the Role:

Southwestern Australia is experiencing increasing temperatures and rainfall decline, which may reduce the ability of plant species to persist in the context of recurrent fires. Plant populations that only recover from seed stored in capsules above ground, i.e. obligate seeders, are particularly vulnerable to short fire-return intervals.

An experienced botanist will research and report on plant survival and seed bank development of three chosen vegetation types at different ages post-fire to measure fruit set and seedling recruitment to determine the minimum fire-return interval for long-term persistence. The data collected will inform future landscape management by the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA), local Shires and land managers.

This two-year project is supported by funding from the Western Australian Government's State NRM Program. The position is offered either as a salaried appointment or contracted consultant and is supported by a Steering Committee of experienced botanists (Friends of FRNP members and DBCA staff), a casual Technical Officer (0.2 FTE) for field work and a Volunteer Coordinator (0.05 FTE).

Key Responsibilities:

• Desktop study - collation of data from known vegetation monitoring sites (quadrats) to determine location of three chosen vegetation types (Proteaceae dominated Kwongkan shrublands, shrub-heath and thicket dominated by Melaleuca, and Eucalyptus mallet-form woodlands) with a chronosequence of fire ages in the Fitzgerald Biosphere. Choose targeted plant species for measurement of fruits pre- and post-fire. Determine the number of quadrats for each species x fire age for a statistically valid design.
• Field work - establish quadrats, paired across fire boundaries, for long-term monitoring. Compare obligate seeder seedling density in recently burnt areas with pre-fire skeletons and count of their fruits which remain visible. Compare plant density and seedbank size of target obligate seeder species within the same community across different times since fire, to develop a model for seed production with age and seed-seedling conversion.
• Mentor skills development of Noongar Rangers, who will assist with field surveys.
• Seed germination trials of target species to test how seed viability changes with age in collaboration with Notre Dame University.
• Provide advice to the Fitzgerald Fire Working Group (includes DBCA, Shires, community representatives) and other community groups regarding appropriate fire regimes in the Biosphere.

Outputs include:

• Monitoring sites established and mapped in the Fitzgerald Biosphere.
• Milestone reports to the Steering committee.
• Final report documenting post-fire recovery period for target obligate seeder species.
• 20 hard copies documenting monitoring sites (location, species cover, flowering /fruiting, photo) and summary of findings.
• Deposit the final report and data in Battye/ DBCA libraries, National eDeposit, and Atlas of Living Australia (ALA).

The Benefits:

• Enjoy flexible working arrangements to support work-life balance.
• Opportunities for career advancement and professional development.
• Equipment provision, travel and food allowance.

Key Criteria:

• Bachelor degree with Honours (minimum) in botany, ecology, biological science, environmental science or equivalent.
• Greater than 5 years of botanical work experience conducting vegetation and flora surveys, plant identification and project management, preferably in Western Australia on South Coast ecosystems.
• Proven experience in project management and working as part of a team.
• Strong technical reporting skills, demonstrated proficiency with GIS software (e.g., QGIS, ArcGIS) and data collection packages.
• Current 'manual' WA C-class driving licence.
• Ability to work outdoors on extended field programmes.
• Willingness to supervise and mentor technical staff, Aboriginal Rangers and volunteers, and take a leading role in field surveys.
• Ability to deliver critical project outcomes with enthusiasm and drive.