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 Western Ground Parrot Project Coordinator will work collaboratively with the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) South Coast Fauna Recovery Project Team, the South Coast Threatened Birds Recovery Team and the Friends of the Western Ground Parrot to improve conservation outcomes for the Western Ground Parrot through the development and implementation of a preliminary translocation strategy.

Position title

WA Western Ground Parrot Project Coordinator

Position objective

The objective of this newly formed position is to achieve positive conservation outcomes for the Western Ground Parrot by working as part of the South Coast Fauna Recovery Project team to monitor populations, assess feral predator threats, use scientific data to inform translocation and monitor outcomes of translocation.

Status

This is a full-time position (1.0FTE) offered on a 12-month contract. A continuation to the contract after this time may be offered subject to acceptable performance and available funding.

Location

The position is based in Albany and will be hosted at the Albany DBCA South Coast Region office. The location is not negotiable. Substantial travel to remote 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 3 ($67,201 – $69,657 FTE) based on experience and expertise.

Key relationships

Internal

Head of Research; Preventing Extinctions Program Leader; Head of Conservation; Science and Research team.

External

Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) – South Coast Fauna Recovery Team; South Coast Threatened Birds Recovery Team; Friends of the Western Ground Parrot; South Coast NRM.

Travel requirements

Long distance and remote travel across the south coast of WA will be required. Bush camping for extended periods in remote locations will also be a requirement of this position.

Duties

The WA Western Ground Parrot Project Coordinator role will work closely with the BirdLife WA Program Manager and Preventing Extinctions Program Manager, DBCA South Coast Fauna Recovery project and nature conservation personnel (Albany and Esperance), the Friends of the Western Ground Parrot and the South Coast Threatened Birds Recovery Team to plan, coordinate and deliver the project deliverables over 12 months. Specific duties include:

• Contributing to the development and implementation of a translocation strategy for Western Ground Parrot

• Assisting with analysis of acoustic files and working with the translocation team to interpret results and inform a translocation strategy.

• Assisting with deploying Autonomous Recording Units (ARU) to monitor calling activity of birds at the release site.

• Monitoring feral predators at the release site and data analysis and interpretation to inform management interventions.

• Using telemetry techniques to monitor the survival, movements and habitat use of birds post translocation.

• Assisting with curation and management of databases and written reporting to funder and project partners.

• Assisting with field trip organization and logistics for remote and extended periods in the field.

• Facilitating and/or contributing to technical meetings (including recovery team meetings) and reporting project progress to project partners and senior BirdLife staff.

• Working closely with the Program Manager to operate within budget and meet project deadlines.

Selection Criteria

Essential

• A minimum of an Honours Degree in Conservation Biology, Environmental Science or related field with at least 2 years’ experience in the environmental sector.

• Demonstrated planning and project coordination skills, including experience prioritising project tasks, reviewing and managing project deliverables, dealing with unexpected challenged, making informed project decisions, meeting project deadlines and operating within budget.

• Demonstrated analytical skills, including ability to formulate clear research questions and/or project objectives; and manage and analyse datasets to answer research questions and/or inform management interventions.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including experience or skills in preparing project reports and publications.

• Ability and/or demonstrated experience working collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team and with multiple project partners, including skills in relationship building, negotiation and conflict resolution.

• Fitness, capacity and willingness to conduct remote fieldwork for up to several weeks, involving extensive off-track bush-walking and bush camping.

• ‘C’ class drivers’ licence.

Desirable

• Experience with acoustic monitoring and camera trapping techniques and telemetry studies. Experience with mist netting and bird handling.

• Knowledge of the conservation issues and challenges for Western Ground Parrot. • Senior first aid certificate.
• 4WD certificate and experience with off-road driving.

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.

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

• A willingness and capacity to work flexible and long hours as and when required and to travel to remote field sites.

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, involving extended periods of remote camping.
• Possible interstate travel