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 which 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:

Bounded by the Charnley and Isdell Rivers and over 300,000 hectares in size, the Artesian Range is located adjacent to the Kimberley coast, in the heart of one of Australia’s most rugged and inaccessible regions. The area is home to more than 30 animal species that are found nowhere else in Australia, either because they have disappeared from the rest of their range (like the Golden-backed Tree-rat) or because they are endemic to the north Kimberley (like the Monjon and the Black Grasswren). 

In addition, spanning across the central and northern Kimberley, Wilinggin is an extensive Indigenous Protected Area and the traditional lands of the Ngarinyin People. Australian Wildlife Conservancy and the Wilinggin Aboriginal Corporation (WAC) have entered into a partnership to work collaboratively across 1.7 million hectares of Wilinggin country. Within this area, AWC and Wilinggin will work side-by-side in caring for the land and its biodiversity, consistent with the Wilinggin Healthy Country Plan.

Based at Charnley River Sanctuary (Kimberley Conservation Hub), the position of Operations Manager reports directly to the Regional Operations Manager and is primarily responsible for the implementation of AWC’s high profile partnerships program with the Wilinggin Aboriginal Corporation and for managing operations on Charnley River Artesian Range. The Operations Manager is responsible in collaboration with the respective Senior Ecologists for delivering effective conservation against a diverse program of work and deliverables on the Willingin Partnership Area and Charnley River Artesian Range.

Success in this position (i.e., effective conservation) will be measured by reference to key metrics which track:

• The populations (or other metric) of indicator species. 
• The extent to which threatening processes are reduced including:
  • avoiding or limiting wildfires;
  • reducing the density/population of feral animals; and
  • reducing the area of occupancy of invasive weeds.  
• The cost at which outcomes are delivered 
• Partner & stakeholder satisfaction
• Corporate and program compliance

In order to achieve success, you will need to manage and direct resources efficiently and in accordance with an approved budget and operating 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.  

You will collaborate in leading the Wilinggin and CRAR Conservation Teams and work with the Senior Ecologists to ensure tight integration between the land management and science staff activities as part of a national AWC approach to conservation.  
Leading engagement with key partners, stakeholders, AWC supporters, and contributing to the organisation’s communications program, are also critical functions of this role.  In this respect, you need to be a strong advocate for AWC’s conservation model and achievements.  

The successful candidate will have:

• Formal qualifications in a relevant discipline (essential).
• Strong operational management experience and a good track record of delivering ‘on-ground’ results.
• Clear demonstration of a passion for conservation management.
• Valid manual driver’s licence.
• Valid agricultural machinery licences for machinery such as trucks, tractors and other vehicles/equipment as relevant (or the capacity to readily obtain these licences).   
• Senior first aid certificate or the capacity to readily obtain it (remote certification – highly desirable).
• Current Police clearance certificate.

To view the detailed position description for this role, click here: Operations Manager | Charnley/Wilinggin

Join our Journey:

Take the leap and start your next adventure with the AWC in the Kimberley! 

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.