BirdLife Australia is a science-based grass roots bird conservation charity and has over 145,000 supporters and volunteers. We are a diverse organisation with offices in three states, as well as branches, special interest groups, observatories and reserves, working across the nation.

BirdLife Australia is governed by an elected Board of Directors which meets quarterly, and day-to- day operations are managed by the Chief Executive Officer.

BirdLife Australia currently employs over 60 staff, who are dedicated to conservation and research programs. The organisation is very lean and relies on a small core team of management and administrative staff. Working well as a team is an essential element of our organisation.

A significant part of BirdLife Australia’s work is done by volunteers who work collaboratively with staff to achieve our goals. It is important that all staff understand and appreciate the contribution made by the organisation’s volunteers, and are mindful of the varying skills, interests and motivations they bring.

BirdLife Australia acknowledges the important role Traditional Owners throughout Australia have played, and continue to play, caring for Country. We acknowledge their continuing connection to land, sea and community and pay respect to Traditional Owners and their cultures, and to their Elders both past and present. BirdLife Australia endeavours to facilitate the further engagement of Indigenous Australians in the research and conservation of our native birds.

The role

The WA Black-Cockatoo Project Officer will work collaboratively with volunteers, communities, stakeholders and project partners to contribute research knowledge and improve conservation outcomes for threatened Black-Cockatoos in WA.

Position title

WA Black-Cockatoo Project Officer

Position objective

The objective of this position is to deliver citizen science programs including the Great Cocky Count and Cocky Watch and achieve positive conservation outcomes for Black-Cockatoos through greater community awareness and engagement in monitoring, and community and stakeholder participation in on-ground conservation initiatives including revegetation of habitat.

Status

This is a part-time position (0.6FTE) offered on an 18-month contract. A continuation to the contract after this time may be offered subject to acceptable performance and available funding.

Location

The position is typically based in the WA office in Floreat, but due to the Covid pandemic may initially involve principally working from home. Some travel to field sites and for meetings with stakeholders will be required throughout the project.

Reporting

This position reports to the WA Program Manager.

Remuneration / Job Level

Pro-rata salary at Level 2 ($63,832 – $66,744 FTE) based on experience and expertise.

Key relationships

Internal

Head of Research; Head of Conservation; Science and Research team, Conservation team; Communications, Engagement and Development team; WA Executive Committee; members and volunteers of BirdLife WA.

External

Alcoa Foundation (funder); Alcoa of Australia; Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA); Local Governments; community groups and volunteers; Traditional owners and Indigenous ranger groups; regional NRM groups and local universities.

Travel requirements

Some travel within WA will be required.

Duties

The WA Black-Cockatoo Project Coordinator role will involve the planning and coordination of citizen science monitoring programs, community education and engagement, and delivery of on- ground conservation actions for Black-Cockatoos. The successful candidate will work closely with the WA Program Manager, other BirdLife Australia staff (across the country) and project partners to plan, coordinate and deliver the project deliverables until December 2021. Specific duties include:

• Develop and maintain collaborative partnerships with local governments, Alcoa, Peel Harvey Catchment Council and community groups.
• Coordinate and report on citizen-science monitoring programs including the Great Cocky Count and Cocky Watch.
• Conduct community education workshops about Black-Cockatoos and community training workshops on monitoring programs.
• Data entry and maintenance of monitoring databases.
• Communicate key findings of monitoring programs to the Black-Cockatoo Recovery teams, stakeholders, volunteers and project funder.
• Work with project partners, private landowners and stakeholders to develop revegetation plans to plant native foods for Black-Cockatoos and coordinate and deliver community planting days.
• Keep accurate records of volunteer hours and contribution, training activities, on-ground conservation activities (participation and outputs) and stakeholder contribution.
• Provide input into project newsletters (e.g. Cocky Notes) and other BirdLife publications
• Working with the WA Branch and volunteers to improve capacity and willingness to achieve conservation outcomes for Black-Cockatoos.
• Work closely with the Program Manager to operate within budget and meet project deliverables and deadlines.

Selection Criteria

Essential

• A Degree in Conservation Biology, Environmental Science or related field from a recognised tertiary institute.

• Demonstrated knowledge of and skills in identification of Black-Cockatoos and the conservation issues facing them.

• Demonstrated experience with project planning and coordination including experience prioritising project tasks, meeting project deadlines and operating within budget.

• Knowledge and experience with Geographic Information Systems and use in mapping.

• ‘C’ class drivers licence.

Desirable

• Experience working with volunteers and community groups on conservation projects.

• Knowledge of survey design.
• Field experience in undertaking bird surveys.
• Experience in the conservation and non-government sector.

Workstyle, attributes, and attitudes

• A high level of professionalism in all work.
• A strategic and innovative thinker.
• A team player with a highly collaborative style.

• A willingness and capacity to work flexible hours as and when required and to travel across the south west of the state.

• Responds positively to feedback, can accommodate change and can provide constructive feedback.

Living our Values

• Promote and role model appropriate behaviours that support BirdLife Australia’s culture and values.
• Actively demonstrate organisational values.

OH&S statement

Employees and potential employees should be aware that the requirements of the position include, but are not limited to:

• Limited attendance at evening or weekend meetings
• Possible driving for extended periods
• Long periods of sedentary desk and computer duties and telephone use
• Possible lifting and moving of heavy equipment and objects
• Overnight and weekend work in the field
• Possible interstate travel