Threatened Cockatoos Project Manager

Birds Australia and Bird Observation & Conservation Australia have merged to form a new organisation called BirdLife Australia. Through BirdLife Australia we are integrating our conservation, research, education and members programs to be more effective over a wider range of activities. We have formed the biggest national bird conservation organisation in Australia with a membership of over 10,000 and an increased presence in all States and Territories.

An exciting opportunity now exists to work within BirdLife Australia during our first year of operation. Although newly formed, the merged organisation brings together Birds Australia’s and BOCA’s collective experience and over 200 years of history of working for Australia’s native birds. Since 2000, Birds Australia (now BirdLife Australia) has been the key organisation implementing on-ground recovery actions for the conservation of Carnaby’s Black-Cockatoo and we are developing a recovery program for other threatened cockatoos in the south west of Western Australia.

We are seeking a talented person to manage this multi-faceted conservation program. The successful applicant will manage a number of staff delivering existing on-ground conservation and monitoring programs for threatened cockatoos. She or he will help to further develop the on-ground conservation program and be an effective advocate for threatened cockatoos in the region.

Applicants must have project and staff management experience and a demonstrated track record in delivering outcomes for conservation projects. Excellent communication, negotiation and strategic thinking skills are critical. The successful applicant will demonstrate an understanding of large-scale conservation and landscape ecology and be a demonstrated self-starter. The preferred candidate will have experience in community-based conservation initiatives and have existing networks in the conservation sector. An understanding of or experience in planning legislation in WA and experience in working with threatened species will be highly regarded. A ‘C’ Class driver’s licence and access to a vehicle is essential.

The position is full time for a fixed term to 31st December 2013. Salary range: $61,147 to $66,155 dependent on experience + 9% superannuation.

Download a full job description with selection criteria here

Enquiries about the position may be directed to Cheryl Gole at 0428 934 958.

Applications addressing all selection criteria, and including a cover letter and resume should be sent to Cheryl Gole by Friday 3rd February; send to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Powerful Owl Project Manager

On January 2012, Birds Australia and Bird Observation & Conservation Australia merged to form a new organisation called BirdLife Australia. Through BirdLife Australia we are integrating our conservation, research, education and members programs to be more effective over a wider range of activities. We form the biggest national bird conservation organisation in Australia with a membership of over 10,000 and an increased presence in all States and Territories.

An exciting opportunity now exists to work within BirdLife Australia during our first year of operation. Although newly formed, the merged organisation brings together Birds Australia and BOCA’s collective experience and over 200 years of history of working for Australia’s native birds.

We require a project officer with both research and education experience to coordinate a 2 year monitoring program of Powerful Owls in the Greater Sydney region, deliver education resources and enhance cross-sectoral coordination of land managers controlling Powerful Owl habitat. This project aims to involve the community and a range of stakeholders about the importance of landscape level habitat management for the protection of biodiversity by using this vulnerable icon species.

The Powerful Owl appears to be widely distributed within the Sydney region, with estimates of approximately 20–30 pairs, though a pilot project run in 2011 suggests that there may be as many as 50 pairs. While the species has a high level of community interest, there is currently no formal process for coordinating information about the distribution and status of the Powerful Owl. Little is known about the exact roosting and breeding locations and requirements of Powerful Owls and very little information is available about their fidelity to nesting sites and annual breeding success. A field survey and annual monitoring program is needed to provide this information which is vital for the long-term conservation of the Powerful Owl in the Sydney region and to inform the OEH Recovery Plan for this species. Powerful Owls also have large home ranges (1000ha +) that are likely to stretch beyond the boundaries of individual Local Government Areas and thus, whilst land managers may know of birds in their area, unless there is communication between different councils and also other land managers, it is impossible to know the actual population size of the birds and the importance of various individual bushland remnants across the landscape. Understanding and helping to mitigate the barriers to effective communication across different organisations will lead to improvements and coordinated management of large scale habitat for this and other species. This project will also stimulate and harness community interest in this iconic Australian bird by engaging the general public in citizen science and in doing so, educate the general public in ways that are likely to significantly enhance efforts to ensure their long-term conservation.

The role falls under BirdLife Australia’s Birds in Backyards program and is funded by a NSW Environmental Trust grant and the 2011 BASNA Twitchathon. The role includes:
•    engaging and training the community across Greater Sydney to determine a baseline of the population, breeding pairs and breeding locations of Powerful Owls.
•    coordinating land managers to talk about Powerful Owl habitat/breeding site management issues and provide indicative recommendations for the variety of stakeholders. 
•    delivering general education on Powerful Owls to the public about habitat management and biodiversity and encouraging action that enhances Powerful Owl habitat.

This is a part-time position for 2 years. For 6 months of each year the position will be 3 days a week (22.5 hours - when the project is at its busiest) and for the next 6 months the position will be 2 days a week (15 hours). The time at which these 2 or 3 day blocks are to be taken is negotiable. Salary of $48750 pro rata (6 months: 22.5 hours/week, 6 months 15 hours/week) plus 9% superannuation

Download a full job description with selection criteria here

Applications addressing the selection criteria and a resume to Holly Parsons, Birds in Backyards Program Manager, by COB 16 February 2012 to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Interviews will take place at the BirdLife Australia Discovery Centre in Sydney Olympic Park from the 20th of February. Enquiries: 02 9647 1875, 0403173060 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

BirdLife Australia Discovery Centre Manager, Sydney

Birds Australia and Bird Observation & Conservation Australia are merging to form a new organisation called BirdLife Australia, to be launched in early 2012.

An exciting opportunity now exists to work within BirdLife Australia during our first year of operation. Although newly formed, the merged organisation brings together Birds Australia and BOCA’s collective experience and over 200 years of history of working for Australia’s native birds.

We require an experienced Manager to join BirdLife Australia’s dedicated team. You’ll have excellent management, communications and organisational skills to manage our Discovery Centre and the staff based there. Based in Sydney Olympic Park, the Centre offers environmental education activities and is a place for visitors to learn about, see and engage with birds and their habitats. Through the work at the Centre you will support our wider conservation work and help engage with partners and the community in furthering our aim of creating a bright future for Australia’s birds.

You will have experience of managing a visitor facility, environmental education centre or similar. You will have excellent budget and staff management skills and will have experience with promoting and representing issues to the media and the public. A natural networker, you will champion the organisation and help promote the work of the Discovery Centre.

If you have drive and enthusiasm, are team-focused, flexible, articulate, and excel at building and maintaining relationships, this is the job for you.

Download a full position description here

Applications addressing the selection criteria and a resume to Jess McVicar, General Manager and Head of Communications, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , by COB 13 January 2012. Interviews will take place in Sydney on 9 February 2012.

Enquiries: 03 9347 0757 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .