Wildlife Conservation Officer - [Archived Advertisement]

Wildlife Conservation Officer

• Located at Taronga Zoo, Sydney and Taronga Western Plains Dubbo Zoo!
• Ongoing AND Temporary/Contract positions available!
• TCSA Salaried Employees Award, Clerk Grade 7/8, annual package starting from $119,110 (includes base salary starting from $106,025 + plus superannuation & leave loading)

Are you passionate about wildlife conservation? Are you keen to apply your skills in conservation, translocation and population management in an innovative and collaborative environment? Taronga Zoo Sydney + Dubbo is looking for an experienced and motivated Wildlife Conservation Officer to join our Conservation, Population and Welfare team! 

About the Role…

Reporting to Manager Conservation, Recovery and Restoration Programs, Wildlife Conservation Officers contribute significantly to the development, implementation and monitoring of Taronga’s threatened species conservation and recovery programs. The role also supports the Manager of Population Development and Welfare in zoo population planning, management and delivery of animal welfare policy and procedure. 

Working with internal and external partners the role has an applied conservation management focus that requires interpretation and compliance with a range of legislation, data collection and management, and ability to work with multidisciplinary teams to deliver conservation outcomes. 

Key Accountabilities…

• Support and/or lead development, implementation, monitoring and review of threatened species conservation and recovery programs with a focus on conservation breeding and translocation programs. Ensure project outcomes are achieved on time, on budget, to high standards and in line with Taronga’s policies and procedures.
• Support and/or lead conservation programs ensuring legislative compliance for individual projects under the NSW Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016 and NSW Animal Research Act 1985.
• Prepare and maintain project documentation for reporting, monitoring and evaluation purposes to ensure accessibility of quality information and contribute to the achievement of project outcomes, and support effective decision making.
• Strategically plan Taronga’s animal population including enhancing the conservation value, guest experience, and strengthening population viability.
• Represent Taronga in regional and international forums for population planning and species management programs including establishing animal transfers that support Taronga’s animal population objectives, regional breeding programs and achieve genetic and demographic population goals.
• Support positive animal welfare through effective delivery and enhancement of Taronga’s animal welfare framework and associated policy, procedure and tools.
• Provide advice, assistance and support to TCSA staff and management on the management of animals within the zoo population including animal welfare, breeding program commitments including animal transfer opportunities, small population management and habitat design. In addition, accurate extraction and interpretation of information utlising zoo-based software such as ZIMS, CPOS, PMx.
• Provide guidance for population planning activities that supports legislative compliance with regulations associated with the Exhibited Animal Protection Act 1986, Biosecurity Act 2015, Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999, CITES (Convention of International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) as well as Taronga policy and procedure.
• Enhance Taronga’s reputation for excellence in conservation, wildlife health and animal welfare through contribution to relevant publications, presentations, reports, committees and the timely transfer of information to Taronga’s Marketing Communication and Fundraising Division.
• Work effectively as a member of a high performing team including peers, external stakeholders, volunteers and students to assist Taronga in its achievement of strategic outcomes.
• Comply with sustainability practices in the workplace to help achieve Taronga's sustainability targets and reduce environmental impact.
• Undertake the role considering cultural perspectives and consulting appropriately with Traditional Owners, cultural leaders and communities. 

About You…

We are looking for candidates that have:

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in animal biology, small population management, environmental science, ecology or other related discipline.
• Strong understanding of ecological processes and wildlife population management.
• Experience undertaking wildlife conservation activities and/or research. 
• Demonstrated stakeholder management, project management and organisational skills.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a current NSW Working with Children Check at own expense. 

Benefits…

Our employees enjoy generous employment conditions including some of the following:

• Flexible Hybrid work model - Taronga supports a blend of in-office, remote, and on-the-go workers!
• Complimentary family and friends passes across both Taronga’s Sydney & Dubbo Zoo’s
• A wide range of discounts on our award winning accommodation across both sites
• Discounted food and beverage purchases across the sites
• Fitness Passport
• + more!

About Applying…

Please submit your resume and a cover letter of one page. You are also required to complete the two target questions as part of your application.

1. Provide an example of when you led the development and/or implementation of a threatened species conservation or translocation program. What were your responsibilities in this project? What techniques did you use to work with subject matter experts, manage stakeholders and work towards project objectives? Please respond in the text box provided or attach your response in a separate document.
2. Managing traditional zoo populations can be very different to managing populations destined for release to the wild. Please identify some of the key considerations of managing ex-situ populations towards release outcomes and how they may differ from zoo management strategies. Please respond in the text box provided or attach your response in a separate document.

Applications Close: 11:59pm Tuesday 13 February 2024