Senior Field Officer - Charles Darwin and Wanarra Reserve

Bush Heritage Australia are seeking a Senior Field Officer - Charles Darwin and Wanarra Reserve to join the West & SA team.

• Fantastic opportunity to work within a leading conservation organisation
• Live and work at Charles Darwin and Wanarra Reserve, Badimia and Widi Mob Country, Western Australia
• $78, 524 - $87, 248, plus 12% superannuation
• Fulltime, ongoing contract

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

About us

For over 30 years we’ve supported and protected some of the most fragile ecosystems across the continent and seen the impact of our science-based approach. We keep our eyes on the horizon and focus firmly on long-term, landscape scale impact. As a national, not-for-profit, we want to continue to expand the areas we protect and deepen the impact we have. We work in partnership with Traditional Owners, listening to and learning from the customs and cultures that came before us.

Together we can heal and protect the bush, now and into the future.

About the role

Charles Darwin and Wanarra Reserve spans 175,000 hectares, and is on the lands of the Widi Mob and Badimia people of the Yamatji Nation. The reserve is located 250km south-east of Geraldton (350km north-east of Perth), within the Shire of Perenjori. Bush Heritage Australia have owned and managed the Charles Darwin portion of the reserve for over 20 years and have very recently acquired the Wanarra portion along Charles Darwin’s western boundary. Charles Darwin and Wanarra straddle a transition zone between the WA wheatbelt and semi-arid rangelands, allowing a range of vegetation types to occur, including Eucalypt woodlands, shrublands, salt lake systems and granite hills.

The Senior Field Officer will be based at the Wanarra homestead and will work across both properties reporting to the Reserve Manager, who is based at the Charles Darwin homestead, This position is responsible for assisting with the day-to-day management of the Reserve and carrying out a range of infrastructure and conservation-based work to help achieve the goals set out in the Reserve Property Management plan. The role will be expected to assist the Reserve Manager with some administrative duties as well as carrying out works across the reserves. The role may, at times, be responsible for supervising other staff, contractors and volunteers. The role will involve interactions with other stakeholders such as the Badimia and Widi Mob Traditional Custodians, neighbouring landholders and community organisations.

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What you'll need to succeed 

• Commitment and passion for nature conservation and the objectives and values of Bush Heritage.

• Demonstrated and practical work experience in land management and natural resource management (e.g. pest plant and animal control, soil conservation, and fire management and suppression).

• Demonstrated experience in health and safety risk assessment procedures and requirements and ability to implement WHS systems/procedures.

• Strong skills and experience in infrastructure management in an agricultural/pastoral/NRM environment, including the ability to maintain and repair infrastructure, plant and equipment; ensure assets are kept in safe and serviceable condition; coordinate tradespeople; and safely operate a range of machinery and plant.

• Demonstrated understanding of and experience working in remote and isolated environments.

• Moderate to high level of physical fitness to undertake required manual activities.

• Demonstrated ability to work both independently and as a team member under both direct and remote supervision.

• Ability to collaborate, work well with and supervise staff, volunteers, visitors and contractors.

• Current manual drivers’ licence (including 4WD experience or willingness to acquire).

What sets us apart

• Great life-work balance: flexible work arrangements with hybrid working

• Access to 20 days personal leave per year. We also offer cultural leave, menstrual/gender-based leave and gender transition leave. 

• Employee Resource Groups for women, LGBTQIA+, and neurodivergent employees as well as a social group for bird lovers.

• Professional development activities including access to LinkedIn Learning. 

• Equitable 12 weeks paid leave to all parents, irrespective of their role as primary or secondary carers. 

• Remote staff are supported through an education allowance for kids and additional annual leave.

• Access to support and counselling via our Employee Assistance Program and free access to Headspace app.

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. 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 Greg Williams (Reserve Manager - Charles Darwin and Wanarra Reserve) greg.williams@bushheritage.org.au

Bush Heritage Australia actively supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff through a connected workforce community and Leadership Group that informs our work and strengthens cultural capability. We celebrate and foster Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leadership at all levels and across all parts of our organisation. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are strongly encouraged to apply.

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!

Don't miss out! Apply now!

Applications close: Sunday the 30th of August at 11:30pm WA time