Closing 27 January 2023

• Fantastic opportunity to work within a leading conservation organisation
• Diverse and challenging role focusing on tropical savanna ecosystems
• $81,214 – $90,244, plus super (with opportunities for further growth)
• Full time, ongoing position basis
• Located within North Queensland

This is an exceptional opportunity to make a very real contribution to the protection of Australia’s unique wildlife and their habitat.

Bush Heritage Australia, an independent, leading conservation not-for-profit, is seeking an Ecologist – Einasleigh Uplands.

Our vision of Healthy Country, Protected Forever sees us work where we are needed most: in areas of high conservation value with low levels of protection. With the help of our donors, we buy and manage land, so we can protect our irreplaceable landscapes and our magnificent native species forever.

We buy land that has outstanding conservation values and reconnect fragmented landscapes to protect habitat for wildlife. In addition, we partner with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and agricultural landowners to achieve conservation outcomes. Currently, Bush Heritage is working across more than 11.3 million hectares, protecting native and endangered species.

About the role

Reporting to the Healthy Landscapes Manager (HLM), the Ecologist is accountable for fulfilling the Key Responsibilities and Duties (see below) associated with this position.

The Ecologist will work with relevant staff, partners and the broader scientific and natural resource management community to deliver a science program that reflects the conservation and cultural land management priorities of the region. The Ecologist will be primarily responsible for the on-ground design and implementation of ecological monitoring plans for Einasleigh Uplands Priority Landscape reserves and partnerships, in-line with Bush Heritage’s objectives and standard procedures. It is expected that this position will be available to support Bush Heritage partnerships in conservation, pastoral, and Indigenous Protected Area sectors.

This position will be key to the development, review and adaptation of reserve management plans, monitoring plans and reports on progress against goals. This position will work collaboratively with the relevant Senior Ecologists, HLMs, and the Reserve Managers to ensure conservation management, species recovery and research programs are developed and implemented for the purposes of delivering on the knowledge needs as set out in the plans and ensuring learnings are incorporated into plans to ensure adaptive management of our reserves. The incumbent will provide academic, technical, management and logistical advice for the development and delivery of conservation activities. The Ecologist is responsible for accessing the weight of scientific knowledge on relevant issues and communicating our scientific work through presentations and publications in the scientific arena.

This position is also required to communicate information concerning Bush Heritage’s conservation programs to supporters and key stakeholders. This includes fundraising and public speaking events to assist and participate in the overall community engagement aspirations of the organisation.

See a full position description

What you’ll need to succeed

• Relevant tertiary qualification in ecology, postgraduate degree preferred.
• Experienced field ecologist – preferably five years or more post-graduate or professional experience in applied ecology.
• Demonstrated experience in the design and implementation of on-ground ecological monitoring and survey programs.
• Demonstrated experience and ability to statistically analyse and report on scientific data.
• A sound knowledge of North Queensland environment and ecology.
• Demonstrated experience in working effectively and productively in a team environment to deliver natural resource management or research outcomes.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and the ability to communicate effectively with a diverse range of audiences.
• Commitment and passion for nature conservation and the objectives and values of Bush Heritage.
• Proficiency in using GIS software, statistical software, and other basic software packages
• A current manual motor vehicle driver’s licence.
• Demonstrated 4WD and 4WD recovery experience or ability to obtain.
• A workplace First Aid Certificate or ability to obtain.

How to apply

To apply for this role, simply fill in your personal details and answer the questions below. You will then be taken to a page to upload a copy of your CV. There is no need to attach a cover letter or separate document answering key selection criteria.
https://applynow.net.au/jobs/EEUP2022

Candidates who are interested in the position are encouraged to apply even though they may feel they are not strong on individual selection criteria. In assessing merit, the panel will take into consideration “performance or achievement relative to opportunity”. We recognise that many staff today have a range of personal circumstances, and career histories.

If you require further information, please contact Joanna Axford (Head of Region – North) on 0428 122 788 /

Bush Heritage Australia does not discriminate based on race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or marital or parental status. Should you require a reasonable adjustment to be made for your application we would be more than happy to discuss how this could be arranged.

Evidence shows that applicants from underrepresented backgrounds often don’t apply for roles if they don’t feel they meet all the requirements of the job – unlike candidates from majority backgrounds who might fulfil less requirements.

We strongly encourage you to apply if you’re interested: we strive to build more diverse teams with your unique experience!

Applications close: Friday 27th January at 11.30pm AEST