Who we are:

The Conservation Ecology Centre is a growing NGO that works collaboratively and creatively with stakeholders to address urgent conservation challenges in the Otways region of Victoria and beyond. Through our research, we deepen understanding and contribute to healthy, resilient ecosystems, whilst developing innovative land management solutions that produce tangible, real-world impacts.

About the role:

We are seeking a statistical and quantitative researcher to support the delivery of multiple terrestrial and marine projects, with a particular focus on a major feral pig program across the Otways. This full-time role is based out of our headquarters at Cape Otway and requires occasional travel to remote project sites throughout the region.

The Project Officer/Statistician will play a key role in analysing scientific data from a diverse range of sources, including but not limited to camera grids, GPS tracking collars, flora surveys and marine surveys. They will also play a  role in the collection of data by deploying and maintaining monitoring cameras in dense bush, conducting field surveys and engaging with a diverse range of stakeholders. The position also involves a mix of office-based tasks and hands-on fieldwork, offering a dynamic work environment.

This position ultimately offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the protection of the environmental and community values of the Otways, while providing a supportive work environment in a stunning location with plenty of opportunities for professional development.

Key responsibilities and accountabilities:

The Conservation Project Officer will work in collaboration with the CEC team in the following activities:

Project Delivery:

• Collaborate with the Conservation Project Manager and Conservation Project Officers to deliver statistical and on-ground project activities for a major vertebrate pest management project, as well as other research projects.
• Contribute to good communications and team relations between CEC staff, volunteers and external stakeholders.
• Work with the Conservation Project Manager and the wider team to ensure successful delivery of all project related outputs.
• Assist the Conservation Project Manager and the wider team to deliver community and stakeholder engagement for all aspects of project.

Other responsibilities and accountabilities:

• Comply with and uphold CEC’s policies and procedures.
• Participate in meetings, presentations and contribute to reports where requested.
• Collaborate with CEC staff to create regular news and stories for the website, social media and newsletters.
• A level of physical fitness to meet the manual handling and environmental requirements of the position, e.g. standing, sitting and/or moving for long periods of time; Lifting and transporting tools & equipment.
• Any other tasks deemed necessary within the broad remit of this role.

Key Selection Criteria:

The Essentials:

• Current drivers licence, valid in Australia.
• Relevant post graduate qualification(s).
• Demonstrated experience in scientific principles and processes such as the collection/collation of data.
• Ability to manipulate, analyse and make detailed interpretations from complex data sets.
• Proficiency in R/Python, ArcGIS/QGIS and awareness of emerging software (e.g. AI).
• Passion for conservation and an alignment to the CEC’s organisational values.
• The ability to form and maintain strong relationships with diverse stakeholders (Government, Industry and Community).

Highly valued:

• Relevant experience delivering on-ground natural resource management activities, particularly vertebrate pest management.
• First Aid, Firearms and Chainsaw qualifications, or willingness to obtain them.
• Sound knowledge of South-eastern Australia’s biota and ecosystems.
• High levels of initiative with the ability to successfully achieve objectives.