This is a unique opportunity to lead the delivery of a major monitoring program and shape how ecological data informs conservation across private land in Victoria. The role offers a mix of hands-on ecological fieldwork, data analytics and collaboration with landholders and practitioners.
About Us
Trust for Nature is a not-for-profit conservation organisation that works to protect native plants and wildlife on private land. Created in 1972 under the Victorian Conservation Trust Act 1972 (Vic), Trust for Nature has a proud history of working across government, not-for-profit and private sectors to achieve permanent protection and management of important conservation land across Victoria.
We have a culture that supports and inspires conservation achievement and personal development, both within the workplace and beyond.
Our work is uniquely positioned at the interface of science and land management, supporting a network of landholders managing high-value conservation areas across diverse Victorian landscapes.
About the Role
Our Conservation Science program generates evidence to support informed decision-making and lasting conservation outcomes on private land.
As a Conservation Ecologist, you will apply specialist expertise to deliver Trust for Nature’s new Statewide Conservation Data and Monitoring Framework. This includes:
- Establishing and coordinating a large-scale, private land–focused citizen science program across Victoria
- Supporting the collection, management and interpretation of biodiversity data
- Driving the integration of private land conservation data into the Trust’s work and facilitating uptake by the wider sector
This role combines hands-on expertise in ecological monitoring, data analysis and conservation technologies with program coordination and capability building.
You will contribute to building a robust evidence base for conservation on private land and support its application in planning, management and evaluation.
The role will also work closely with landholders and internal teams to build capability in ecological monitoring, data collection and data use.
This position provides an opportunity to build experience across monitoring delivery, data analysis and applied conservation in a statewide context.
Review the attached Position Description for further details.
What’s on Offer
- Full-time ongoing position
- Flexible work arrangements available
- Salary: $99,397 – $112,776 per annum plus superannuation
- Salary offered will reflect skills and experience
The role is based in the Melbourne CBD office and operates on a hybrid model, combining in-office work, working from home and travel.
The position involves extended fieldwork and travel across Victoria. A valid driver’s licence and willingness to travel are essential.
About you
The role
is suited to an ecologist with a strong technical background in
ecological monitoring, data analysis and conservation
technologies. The role requires a collaborative and enabling
mindset and a motivation to work with a like-minded community of people to
deliver impactful conservation outcomes.
You are an
ecologist with strong technical background in ecological monitoring with a
collaborative, impact-focused mindset. The successful candidate will bring:
- Minimum 5 years’ experience in conservation, ecology, or environmental science.
- Minimum Honours or Masters level degree in ecology or similar (or equivalent experience).
- Experience with ecological monitoring and considerable fieldwork experience including the use of conservation technologies.
- Technical skills in data analysis including knowledge of automated workflows and AI-based data processing (e.g. call or image recognition).
- Demonstrated experience with the management and use of large ecological datasets.
- Experience in citizen science program delivery, and the ability to work collaboratively with landholders will be well regarded.
- Highly developed communication skills, including supporting training delivery.
We encourage applications from candidates with diverse backgrounds and experiences, including those who may not meet every listed criterion.
How to apply
Please submit a cover letter along with your resume. Applications without a personalised cover letter will not be considered.
Applications will close Sunday 21 June (EOD) and plan to hold interviews shortly after.
Trust for Nature is dedicated to gender equality, diversity and inclusivity. We are continually working to build an inclusive and culturally safe workplace. We strongly encourage job applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with disabilities, LGBTIQA+ people and CALD people.
Please note, a National Police Check is required to be conducted as part of the selection process. Our practices are inclusive and based on equal opportunity principles. A positive result from a police check would only preclude employment in certain circumstances.
If you need further information, please contact us at recruitment@tfn.org.au, using the subject line: Conservation Ecologist
