Bush Heritage Australia are seeking a Reserve Manager - Pilungah to join our North team at Pilungah Reserve.

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.
• Work and live at one of our Reserves in Western Queensland, Pilungah Reserve.
• $74,016 - $90,464 plus 11.5% super.
• Relocation assistance.
• Full time, ongoing.

About the role

Pilungah has much more to offer than just red desert sand! There are 233000ha of protected flood plains, gidgee woodlands, spinifex grasslands and dune country. With 268 different species of animals, the nature reserve is also a hot bed for many reptiles. BHA protection of Pilungah gives the desert back its fringe and a refuge for wildlife.

Accommodation is provided on Pilungah Reserve. Featuring a 4-bedroom house and a fully equipped kitchen supplying everything you need including a dishwasher. If you would like to see photos of the accommodation and surroundings, email employment@bushheritage.org.au.

The Reserve Manager is responsible for ensuring the day-to-day management of Pilungah Reserve meets the goals of Bush Heritage Australia. Management of the Reserve occurs within the context of the 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 applied conservation ecology, adaptive management, and natural resource management, and will have extensive experience in applying these principles for 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 bush environment.

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, Aboriginal Partnership Manager, 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.

For more information and stories on Pilungah Reserve visit our website: Pilungah Reserve - Bush Heritage Australia

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 and Environment Management Systems and legislation.
• Experience and the ability 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 NRM including biodiversity conservation, pest plant and animal control, soil conservation, and fire management and suppression.
• Demonstrated experience living and working remotely on Stations or remote properties with experience and skills in maintaining and operating station infrastructure, plant and equipment, as well as building and maintaining fences, stray stock management, building, concreting, welding, rural plumbing etc.
• 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 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).
• Working with Children Check - if role determines direct contact with children (or commitment to obtain at own expense prior to employment).

Benefits

• 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 and Clubs for women. LGBTQIA+ neurodivergent employees and 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, additional annual leave and possible casual works arrangements for partners.
• Access to support and counselling via our Employee Assistance Program and free access to Headspace app.