AWC has a brand new position at Wongalara Wildlife Sanctuary. 

About AWC:

Australian Wildlife Conservancy (AWC) is a global leader in conservation, providing hope for Australia’s wildlife with a science-informed, land management partnership approach which delivers high impact results. We protect endangered wildlife in iconic regions such as the Kimberley, Cape York, the Top End and Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre. 

AWC's mission - to deliver effective conservation for all native animal species and their habitats - is achieved by:

• Operations - delivering effective large-scale land management including fire management, feral animal control, weed control and infrastructure management. 
• Science - delivering the largest national biological survey program with a focus on measuring the population of indicator species and the extent of threatening processes as well as conducting research on key issues such as feral cat control. 
• Fundraising - mobilising finance (primarily, tax deductible donations) from the general public and philanthropists including through effective communication of field updates from around the AWC estate.  

About the role:

Located 300km east of Katherine, Wongalara Wildlife Sanctuary protects over 190,000 hectares of southern Arnhem Land, and includes the largest feral herbivore-free area on mainland Australia. It is an important refuge for species declining elsewhere across northern Australia, protecting over 600 species of plants, 198 species of birds, 35 species of mammals, 86 species of reptiles and 19 species of amphibians!

At Wongalara, staff (permanent and temporary), researchers, volunteers and students live and work together to ensure the delivery of high quality programs. The two staff streams (operations and science) work together in an integrated manner to design, implement and measure the effectiveness of land management strategies. Wongalara also provides a campground and offers self-guided walks to visitors. No two days are the same!

The Land Management Officer will report to and support the Sanctuary Manager with conservation and operational programs at Wongalara. The Sanctuary Manager having overall responsibility for onsite Staff.

Critical competencies:

1. A broad knowledge of all trades (building, mechanical, fencing, plumbing, welding & electrical) is desirable, including the ability to carry out routine tasks and maintenance.
2. Demonstrated practical skills in relation to asset and infrastructure repair and maintenance including skills relevant to:
   • Implementation of the approved Wongalara asset and infrastructure maintenance program (building, fencing, roads, etc)
   • Ability to use a wide range of plant and equipment including carrying out routine mechanical repairs to:
     • 4WD’s, side x side ATV, grader, dozer, loader, tractors etc;
     • Generators, pumps etc; and
     • Power tools including chainsaws, welders etc.
   • General infrastructure projects including construction, fencing and building.
3. Knowledge of practical land management programs including:
   • Fire management;
   • Weed control programs;
   • Feral animal control programs; and
   • Cattle management.
4. Understanding of and interest in Australian ecology and conservation issues.
5. Understanding of ecological research and experience (desirable) with field techniques.
6. Demonstrated planning and organisational skills, including an ability to prioritise and execute a number of tasks in an efficient manner.
7. The ability to improvise and problem-solve, developing practical solutions with limited resources.
8. Willingness and ability to work independently without supervision and as part of a small team.
9. Basic computer skills including Word, Excel and email (desirable).
10. Experience of working and living in a rural/remote area.

Qualifications:

1. Relevant trade / TAFE qualification (desirable).
2. Practical experience in delivering ‘on-ground’ results is more important than formal qualifications.

Licenses, Certificates and/or Training:

1. A valid manual drivers licence with 4WD experience in difficult conditions is essential
2. Experience operating agricultural machinery such as trucks and tractors and relevant licenses, where required.
3. Bushfire control training and experience (desirable).
4. First aid certificate (desirable).
5. Police clearance certificate.

PLEASE NOTE: 

The execution of tasks associated with this role will involve extensive fieldwork, in a remote location sometimes away from an established field base. The working environment is outdoors and often in the extremes of weather. The position can be physically demanding when undertaking field/operational tasks, and will require muscular activity including lifting, and carrying, pushing and pulling loads, bending, climbing and driving a variety of vehicles. The successful applicant must be physically capable of performing these activities in order to carry out the inherent role responsibilities.

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.