Botanist

Introduction

The Australian Wildlife Conservancy (AWC) is a leader in global conservation dedicated to restoring Australia's most endangered wildlife by applying science-driven, impactful measures at a large scale. United by shared values, every staff member contributes collaboratively to the mission of protecting Australia's unique biodiversity.

Our Values

• Accountability: Taking responsibility for actions and outcomes
• Informed Decision-Making: Collaborating to gather and use knowledge and experience
• Respect: Showing care, integrity, and recognition
• Dedication: Committing to impactful results with tenacity
• Innovation: Employing creative solutions
• Sustainability: Ensuring lasting financial and ecological health

About the Role

We seek an enthusiastic Botanist passionate about applied vegetation ecology and botany to join our national vegetation team in a full-time permanent capacity. The position is remote, with substantial fieldwork conducted at various AWC properties and partner sites, many located in remote areas.

AWC employs around 80 ecologists nationally. Our Regional Science teams operate in the field, supported by the National Science team (NST), which handles research coordination, spatial analysis, data management, and strategic advising. The vegetation team is part of the NST.

Reporting to the Vegetation Ecologist and working closely with a senior Botanist, this role includes plant identification, vegetation survey, and mapping. Direction will often come from the senior Botanist, with opportunities to supervise volunteers, interns, or lead small field groups. Collaboration with GIS experts, senior ecologists, and regional teams is integral.

The vegetation monitoring program supports Ecohealth reporting by tracking vegetation trends and researching effects of mammal reintroductions, with findings published scientifically. The team also aids weed management and supports broader science activities including fauna survey sites.

Field activities cover diverse Australian ecosystems, from semi-arid woodlands and shrublands to savannas, heathlands, woodlands, and tropical rainforests.

Key Competencies

• Extensive practical experience in various Australian vegetation types, strong grasp of landscape ecology and threats to native species
• Advanced botanical skills: familiarity with Australian plant families, ability to identify closely related grasses and small forbs, and rapid learning of field diagnostic traits
• Proficient specimen identification using complex taxonomic keys, with patience for accurate evaluations
• Experienced in vegetation survey and monitoring designs commonly used nationally
• Data handling expertise: skilled in organizing, cleaning complex datasets, proficient in Excel and GIS software (e.g., QGIS), and competence or aptitude in statistical analysis
• Effective scientific communication: capable of preparing reports, contributing to publications and funding proposals, and conveying conservation concepts to general audiences
• Strong teamwork and collaboration skills working with multidisciplinary teams including indigenous communities and volunteers
• Excellent organizational abilities, resourcefulness, and effective project delivery skills
• Experience or willingness to work and live in remote and challenging outdoor environments

Qualifications & Requirements

• Degree in botany, ecology or related field with Honours or equivalent relevant experience; appointment level depends on qualifications and experience
• Valid manual driver's license and demonstrated experience driving 4WD vehicles in challenging conditions necessary for fieldwork
• National Criminal History Check or willingness to secure one

Additional Information

This role requires approximately 35% fieldwork often in remote, isolated, and physically demanding conditions involving walking over rough terrain, carrying loads, and driving various vehicles. The remaining 65% involves office-based planning and project tasks.

Due to team availability, applications will be reviewed from mid to late October. Applicants must be Australian citizens, permanent residents, or possess appropriate working visas; sponsorship is not offered. Pre-employment checks include police clearance, medical assessments, and values-based evaluations, with police check costs borne by the applicant.

AWC is committed to diversity and inclusion, welcoming applicants from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, individuals with disabilities, LGBTIQA+ individuals, neurodivergent persons, and persons from various cultural backgrounds. Eligibility requires right to live and work in Australia.