River Campaigner

Responsible to: CEO

Status: Part-Time

Classification: Conservation SA EA Conservation Grade 4.1 Hours: 0.6 FTE (22.8 hours per week) 6 months

Usual Workdays: Wednesday - Friday (note: office closed on Mondays)

Location: The ExChange, 55 Exchange Place Adelaide - with some work from home due to building works

THE ORGANISATION

The Conservation Council of South Australia Inc (Conservation SA) is the Peak Body for conservation, representing 40+ of the State’s environment, conservation and heritage organisations in South Australia.

We are an independent non-profit, non-party-political and community-based organisation providing resources, advice and representation for the SA environment movement. We also lead and/or support many of the key conservation campaigns in South Australia.

Conservation SA operates under our Strategic Plan 2025-2030: Together we are a Force for Nature.

Our Context: Fires, floods, droughts, extreme heat and algae: the effects the climate crisis are here, on our doorstep. An urgent and powerful movement is emerging: a broad coalition of people determined to protect our future.

Our Vision: A healthy, biologically rich, and environmentally sustainable South Australia powered by a vibrant, interconnected movement of communities, leaders and partners, grounded in justice and aligned for long-term climate and nature resilience.

Our Role: Conservation SA is uniquely positioned to weave together South Australia’s many voices for nature and climate, uniting communities, cultures, and generations into a powerful, connected and vibrant movement.

Our Purpose: To ignite and nurture a powerful, connected environment movement across South Australia one that inspires, unites and empowers diverse communities, to reshape our shared ambition, and story, and to take action on both climate and conservation.

THE ROLE

The River Campaigner role will help build public awareness and community action around the health and future of the River Murray.

Working as part of a collaborative campaigning team, this role will support the delivery of public events, community engagement activities, stakeholder outreach and communications initiatives focused on protecting and restoring the river system. The position is suited to someone with some experience in community organising, advocacy, events or environmental campaigning who is looking to further develop their skills while working alongside experienced campaigners and communications staff.

This is a practical, people-focused role that combines coordination, relationship-building and public engagement.

At its core the River Campaigner will support campaigns and public engagement activities that increase awareness of threats facing the River Murray and encourage greater community participation and action in river protection and restoration efforts.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Community Engagement and Campaign Support

• Help organise and deliver public events, forums, community meetings, river visits and campaign activities.
• Support community participation in campaigns relating to river health, water management and environmental protection.
• Assist with volunteer and supporter engagement and follow-up.
• Build relationships with community groups, stakeholders, Traditional Owners, scientists, local advocates and partner organisations.
• Represent the organisation at community events and meetings where appropriate.

Events Coordination

• Coordinate logistics for campaign events including venues, registrations, equipment, permits and promotional materials.
• Assist with event planning timelines, budgets and run sheets.
• Support speakers, facilitators and volunteers during events.
• Help identify opportunities for public engagement activities and partnerships.

Communications and Outreach

• Work closely with communications staff to identify and share compelling stories, opportunities and campaign messages.
• Assist in developing outreach materials, email content, social media content and event promotion.
• Help gather photos, stories and supporter feedback from events and activities.
• Support campaign visibility through community networks and local media opportunities.

Campaign Administration and Coordination

• Maintain stakeholder and supporter contact records.
• Assist with reporting, tracking engagement and documenting activities.
• Contribute to campaign planning and team meetings.
• Support collaborative work across campaign, communications and organising teams.

CONDITIONS OF APPOINTMENT

Employment conditions are governed by the Conservation SA Enterprise Agreement 2024, the SCHADS award, national guidelines and the organisation’s policies. Conservation SA staff are required to operate in a manner consistent with Work Health & Safety and Equal Opportunities requirements and policies. Conservation SA is an equal-opportunity employer.

KNOWLEDGE, EXPERIENCE AND CAPABILITIES

Essential Skills and Experience

• Experience in community engagement, campaigning, events coordination, communications, advocacy or related work.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to build positive working relationships with a wide range of people.
• Good organisational and project coordination skills with attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and work collaboratively within a team environment.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated commitment to environmental, community or social justice outcomes.
• Experience using digital communications tools, social media or CRM systems (Nation Builder).

PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES

• Values-driven, demonstrating integrity, authenticity and commitment to Conservation SA's mission and values.
• Collaborative, fosters teamwork and strengthens partnerships across sectors.
• Inclusive and respectful, embracing diverse perspectives and fostering equitable participation.
• Enthusiastic and proactive
• Adaptable and able to work in a fast-moving environment

QUALIFICATIONS

• entry level for graduates with a relevant three year degree that undertake work related to the responsibilities under this level—pay point 3;
• entry level for graduates with a relevant four year degree that undertake work related to the responsibilities under this level—pay point 4;
• associate diploma with relevant experience; or
• relevant certificate with relevant experience, or experience attained through previous appointments, services and/or study of an equivalent level of expertise and/or experience to undertake the range of activities required.

ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS

• Current South Australian Driver’s License
• Willingness to travel within and beyond South Australia, and out of hours work

DESIRABLE REQUIREMENTS

• Experience working within the environmental, conservation, community or not-for-profit sectors including volunteers or grassroots community groups.
• Event management or public engagement experience in a not-for-profit, advocacy or community setting.
• Knowledge of issues affecting the Murray-Darling Basin or environmental policy in Australia.
• Experience in fundraising, grants and philanthropic engagement.
• Understanding of First Nations engagement principles and culturally respectful community engagement.

nrmjobs.com.au/job/20029661