Sanctuary Manager | Mt Gibson

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 that delivers high-impact results. We protect endangered wildlife across 12.9 million hectares 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:

Four of these sanctuaries – Karakamia, Paruna, Faure Island and Mount Gibson – occur in southwestern Australia, an internationally recognised “biodiversity hotspot”.  These sanctuaries are home to an internationally significant mammal reintroduction project involving species such as Woylies, Black-flanked Rock-wallabies and Western Barred Bandicoots. 

Covering more than 130,000 hectares on the traditional lands of the Badimia people, Mt Gibson Wildlife Sanctuary protects a large area of diverse habitat in the south of Western Australia. As part of the mammal reintroduction project taking place at Mt Gibson, AWC has established a 7,838 hectare feral-free area – the largest cat and fox-free area on mainland WA – into which 10 regionally extinct mammals have been reintroduced. This single property will therefore play a critical role in providing a secure future for nearly 10 per cent of Australia’s nationally threatened mammals.

The Sanctuary Manager manages the operations team based at Mt Gibson, which currently has 2 staff members and is supported by the wider SW operations team. The two streams of Operations and Science work closely together in a tight integrated manner to design, implement and measure the effectiveness of land management strategies as part of the national AWC approach to conservation.

In order to achieve success, you will need to manage and direct resources efficiently and in accordance with an approved budget and operations plan, informed by science-based strategies.  The level of on-ground activity (feral animal control, weed control, fire management) is measured and reported on a regular basis.  Engagement with key stakeholders and AWC supporters, including through Supporter Events and contributing to AWC’s communications program are also important functions of this role.  In this respect, you need to be a strong advocate for AWC’s conservation model and achievements.   

Critical competencies:

1. Demonstrated practical skills in relation to the management of assets and infrastructure including:
   • Overseeing and implementation of infrastructure projects such as fencing and building.
   • Overseeing and implementation of an asset maintenance program.
   • Ability to use a wide range of plant (e.g. tractor, 4WD’s, generators, chainsaws etc.) and equipment, including performing routine repairs, including mechanical, and maintenance.
2.  Demonstrated knowledge and hands-on practical implementation of land management programs for conservation outcomes including fire management, weed and feral animal control programs.
3. Self-starter capable of working alone or equally able to lead and work as part of a team with demonstrated supervisory experience.
4. Exceptional planning and organisational skills, including a demonstrated ability to co-ordinate, prioritise and execute a large number of tasks in an efficient manner.
5. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills including the ability to establish and maintain relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders.
6. An ability to manage financial and human resources, at the level relevant to this position including:
   • Developing and operating within an agreed budget and operational plan for the sanctuary.
   • Coding and tracking expenditure and preparing written financial and operational reports.
   • Developing staff rosters and managing operational task requirements.
7. Advanced competence in using standard business software packages including Word, Excel, Microsoft Office and 365, is essential. Ability to use GIS programs such as ArcMap beneficial.
8. Previous experience of, and ability to, work and live in remote areas and a willingness to spend extended periods in the field.
9. The ability to improvise and ‘problem-solve’, developing practical solutions with limited resources.
10. Experience and keen interest in nature conservation!

Experience/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 driver’s licence with 4WD experience in arid/difficult conditions is essential.
2. Chainsaw basic use certificate of training and experience (desirable).
3. Experience operating agricultural machinery such as trucks and tractors and relevant licenses (desirable).
4. Bushfire control training and experience (desirable).
5. Firearms experience and licence (desirable).
6. First aid certificate (desirable).
7. Police clearance certificate and working with children certificate (WA) or the ability to obtain is essential.

PLEASE NOTE: 

This role is based at Mt Gibson Wildlife Sanctuary (via Wubin WA, approx 450km north-east of Perth) with an immediate start. This role works under an informal 10:4 roster. Accommodation and facilities (water, internet, electricity) is provided.

To view the detailed position description for this role, click here: Sanctuary Manager | Mt Gibson

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. 

Initial enquiries: [email protected]

Applications: To submit an application, click ‘Apply’ and follow the prompts to complete an online application form. Your application must include CV and covering letter, briefly addressing the critical competencies listed in the detailed job description attachment.

Please note: 

1. Applicants must be an Australian citizen/permanent resident or have a suitable visa in place in order to apply for the internship program. Sponsorship is not available.
2. If you apply for this role, AWC will include you in its ongoing updates and communications about its events, activities and fundraising initiatives. You may opt out of these communications at any time.
3. Any application submitted to AWC will be handled in accordance with our Privacy Policy, available at www.australianwildlife.org/privacy-policy. By providing us with your contact details, your consent to receive communications and direct educational material will remain current until you advise us otherwise.

AWC is a welcoming and inclusive organisation that invites individuals from diverse backgrounds, such as those who identify as First Nations and Torres Strait Islander, individuals with disabilities, the LGBTIQA+ community, neurodivergent individuals, and those from different cultural and linguistic backgrounds, to apply for the opportunity. AWC values and is dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment where everyone feels comfortable to be themselves, and where a range of perspectives, cultures, and voices are respected and recognised as a key part to the success of AWC. To be eligible for consideration, applicants must also have the right to live and work in Australia.