About us

Arid Recovery is an independent not-for-profit research and conservation organisation located at Olympic Dam in South Australia’s arid north. Our mission is to make a nationally significant long-term scientific contribution to practice that supports the recovery of threatened species and arid ecosystems.

Established in 1997, the 12,300 ha Arid Recovery Reserve is one of the largest fenced conservation reserves in Australia and supports a highly successful research program. Six threatened mammal species have been re-introduced to the Reserve, and more than 100 scientific articles have been published.

We are a small, dedicated team known for strong science and practical conservation, which have a national impact. Beyond research and land management, we foster the appreciation of arid ecosystems through education, tours, community engagement and communications.

Arid Recovery’s work is guided by our values:

• Respect: for Country, culture, and communities
• Courage and innovation: pioneering new approaches to conservation
• Scientific and ethical rigour: evidence-driven and transparent in our methods
• Integrity: accountable, transparent, and responsible in all we do
• Collaboration: with partners, Traditional owners, and volunteers
• Our staff: we value the expertise, wellbeing, and safety of our staff

More at aridrecovery.org.au

The Position

Reporting to the Chief Executive, with direction on science and conservation from the Principal Scientist, this role works collaboratively with the Conservation Land Management Officer, Community Field Ecologist, Administration Officer, and interns. The position also provides supervision and leadership to other ecological field staff, interns, students and volunteers conducting ecological monitoring and research activities.

The primary responsibilities include:

• Lead and coordinate Arid Recovery’s ecological monitoring program, including oversight of scientific permits, and animal ethics approval applications, reporting and compliance.
• Lead and coordinate field data collection, management and quality assurance to maintain long-term dataset integrity
• Analyse and interpret monitoring data to inform adaptive land management recommendations and organisational decision-making
• Lead the development, review and implementation of management plans, policies and procedures, and contribute to the preparation of grant applications
• Prepare high-quality reports and scientific outputs for the Scientific Advisory Panel, Board, funders and other stakeholders, and communicate findings to diverse audiences
• Contribute to the design and implementation of the research program, and assist in setting research priorities
• Establish and maintain productive collaborations with external researchers, institutions, and students
• Support broader organisational initiatives, including land management, feral animal control, communications, fundraising, and community engagement, and partnerships with First Nations communities

You will be based in the township of Roxby Downs, ~6 hours’ drive north of Adelaide in outback South Australia. Roxby Downs is a modern mining community with good amenities, including a large supermarket, hardware store, two schools, a pool, many sporting clubs and an airport with daily flights to Adelaide.

Essential criteria

• Tertiary qualification in ecology, environmental science or a related discipline, with Honours or equivalent demonstrated experience
• Demonstrated experience planning, coordinating and undertaking ecological field work using relevant survey methods
• Demonstrated experience in the collection, management and quality assurance of field survey data
• Demonstrated experience applying contemporary statistical analyses, including the application of analytical methods appropriate to ecological datasets
• Demonstrated planning, organisational and time management skills, with the proven ability to prioritise competing tasks, adapt to changing circumstances, and complete tasks efficiently to a high standard
• Demonstrated scientific report writing skills, with the ability to prepare clear, accurate and well-structured technical documents
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with diverse audiences, across a range of formats
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively, contributing effectively within a small, multidisciplinary team
• Demonstrated experience driving manual 4WD vehicles, including in remote field conditions
• Demonstrated high level of physical fitness and willingness to work irregular hours
• Current valid drivers’ licence

Desirable criteria

• PhD in ecology or related discipline, or equivalent research experience
• Senior First Aid
• Scientific publication record, including authorship of peer-reviewed journal articles
• Experience in successful grant writing, including securing project funding
• Experience working respectfully and effectively with First Nations communities

The offered remuneration package is $80,000 - $95,000 p.a., commensurate with qualifications, skills and experience (plus 12% superannuation).