Executive Manager Science and Conservation

Job Description

Executive Manager Science and Conservation Bush Heritage Australia is seeking an Executive Manager Science and Conservation. This is an exceptional opportunity to make a very real contribution to the protection of Australia’s unique wildlife and their habitat. Fantastic opportunity to work within a leading conservation organisation. Location is flexible Full Time 1.0 FTE (Fixed Term - 4 years) About us For over 30 years we’ve supported and protected some of the most fragile ecosystems across the continent and seen the impact of our science-based approach. We keep our eyes on the horizon and focus firmly on long-term, landscape scale impact. As a national, not-for-profit, we want to continue to expand the areas we protect and deepen the impact we have. We work in partnership with Traditional Owners, listening to and learning from the customs and cultures that came before us. Together we can heal and protect the bush, now and into the future. About the role The Executive Manager Science and Conservation will be a leader in Science and Conservation with an established record of achievement in research and applied management aimed at conserving species, ecosystems, and landscapes. They will foster relationships—externally and internally—to develop a science-based conservation program that supports Bush Heritage’s conservation goals, implements best practice and innovative conservation strategies and enables effective reporting of outcomes on Bush Heritage managed land. Operating within a matrix organisational context, the Executive Manager will lead science, planning and digital systems professionals located across Australia. As a member of the organisation’s senior leadership team, they will play a major role in guiding and implementing Bush Heritage’s strategic plan. The role requires an individual with strategic and organisational leadership skills, underpinned by emotional intelligence to oversee and manage staff in diverse fields ranging from research, biodiversity and resource management to partnerships, financial planning, and business management. The Executive Manager will ensure Bush Heritage achieves, demonstrates and communicates excellence in conservation management, underpinned by robust science, to achieve its conservation impact. As a key representative, they will maintain a high professional public and scientific profile and ensure cultural capability and appropriate engagement with Traditional Custodians from themselves, staff, students, contractors and volunteers under their remit. What you'll need to succeed At least 10 years’ professional experience in conservation science or natural resource management, with roles requiring leadership, budgeting, and program outcomes. Experience in research, policy development, program management, and strategic planning and implementation. Familiarity with environmental management systems supporting data and decision-making. Superior communication skills, including the ability to write for diverse audiences and present effectively. Proven leadership experience with a track record of setting objectives, assessing performance, and inspiring high achievement. Experience managing regional and remote operations and engaging staff across diverse geographies, abilities and characters profiles. Demonstrated ability to work with a wide range of stakeholders, including staff, academics, supporters, government representatives, and Aboriginal people and organisations. Proven ability to engage and collaborate with Aboriginal people and organisations in conservation planning and implementation. Full driver’s license and willingness to travel interstate and to remote locations. How to apply To apply for this role, simply fill in your personal details and answer the questions below. You will then be taken to a page to upload a copy of your CV. There is no need to attach a cover letter or separate document answering key selection criteria. Candidates who are interested in the position are encouraged to apply even though they may feel they are not strong on individual selection criteria. In assessing merit, the panel will take into consideration “performance or achievement relative to opportunity”. We recognise that many staff today have a range of personal circumstances, and career histories. Bush Heritage Australia does not discriminate based on race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or marital or parental status. Should you require a reasonable adjustment to be made for your application we would be more than happy to discuss how this could be arranged. We strongly encourage you to apply if you’re interested: we strive to build more diverse teams with your unique experience! Applications close: Sunday the 2nd of March 11:30pm AEDT. Your application will include the following questions: Do you have the right to live and work in Australia? Briefly describe your experience leading teams in conservation science or natural resource management. How many years have you worked in this field? Can you summarise a key example of when you developed or implemented a strategic plan that led to multiple wins in addition to conservation impact, such as advancing commercial goals, lifting morale, strengthening brand etc? Provide a short example of how you have collaborated with Aboriginal people or organisations on conservation projects. What experience do you have in presenting complex information to diverse audiences? Include an example if possible, of a time when you have inspired or influenced a meaningful outcome as a consequence of your science communication approach. Have you managed geographically dispersed teams or remote operations? If so, what challenges did you overcome? Are you comfortable travelling interstate and to remote locations semi regularly? If so, how have you managed this in previous roles? Many of our roles involve working with vulnerable individuals and/or communities, where a current verifiable COVID vaccination is required. Should this role require you to be fully vaccinated, would you be agreeable to provide evidence of same? I have read and understood the most frequent health and safety demands of this role as outlined in the position description. If you have any questions or would like to discuss the environmental, physical, psychosocial, or sensory demands of this job, including potential adjustments, please contact What pronouns do you use? (We use this information to address your pronouns correctly in case you’re shortlisted for an interview) If you have answered self-described in the above question, please specify here. #J-18808-Ljbffr