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:

Of the 31 sanctuaries, seven sanctuaries  are located in the central-south region across Northern Territory and South Australia. These properties: Ngalurrtju and Newhaven (NT), Kalamurina, Buckaringa, Dakalanta, Yookamurra and Western River Refuge (SA), span over 1 million hectares and protect a diversity of threatened species and habitats. Each sanctuary has its own unique requirements for the management of fire, the control of invasive species, the restoration of ecosystems and the management of visitors. Covering 340 000 hectares, Ngalurrtju Wildlife Sanctuary is one of Australia’s largest non-government protected areas. At Ngalurrtju dramatic quartzite mountains overlook extensive desert oak covered dunefield, spinifex grasslands, shimmering salt lakes and mulga woodlands. Ngalurrtju is a hotspot for the wildlife of central Australia. 

AWC has developed an exciting new partnership with Traditional Owners of the Ngalurrtju Aboriginal Land Trust. The partnership project aims to deliver effective conservation by applying AWC’s approach to conservation alongside strong engagement with Traditional Owners in planning and through direct employment of Indigenous Rangers.

AWC is seeking an enthusiastic Senior Land Management Officer (SLMO), to be based at Ngalurrtju, to support the Operations Manager and other staff in a range of conservation land management, asset and infrastructure programs. You will also be responsible for ensuring tight integration between AWC’s Operations and Science teams where teams are expected to work together as part of a national AWC approach to conservation. 

The SLMO, with the guidance and support of the Operations Manager, will be responsible for implementing the day to day activities specified in the Annual Works Plan and coordinate multiple personnel working in the Operations Program. The majority of on-ground operations are conducted with the support of the Ngalurrtju Indigenous Ranger team. As such the successful candidate will be able to demonstrate their cultural competence and a willingness to facilitate the development of this  Ranger Group. 

The successful candidate will require knowledge of and be able to demonstrate experience in the delivery of land management programs for conservation including fire management, weed and feral animal control. The role of the SLMO extends to a broad range of tasks including asset and infrastructure maintenance. As such, a broad knowledge of all trades, practical skills in relation to asset and infrastructure repair and maintenance, and the ability to use a wide range of plant and equipment is essential. 

You will need to be capable of working with a wide range of people including Pintubi/Luritja, Warlpiri and Anmatyerre Traditional Owners, land managers, scientists, students, volunteers, visitors, neighbouring landholders including indigenous communities, government officials, and will be committed to helping AWC develop and implement a new model for conservation. 

Based in Alice Springs with regular trips to Ngalurrtju (2.5hr drive), where basic on-site accommodation is available, this is a unique opportunity to join Australia’s largest non-government conservation organisation and help shape the future of private sector conservation in Australia. As AWC evolves there may become a requirement for this role to transfer to a different property and therefore workplace flexibility is essential.

Join our Journey:

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

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.