Conservation Land Manager in Adelaide

LIVE AND WORK ON A 78,000 HECTARES RESERVE IN THE GAWLER RANGES. Nature Foundation is a not-for-profit, apolitical organisation that conserves, restores and protects South Australian landscapes, flora and fauna. It has contributed to the protection of more than 1.15 million hectares of South Australia, owns and manages over 500,000 hectares across ten reserves, and is the third largest non-government conservation land manager in Australia.

Hiltaba Nature Reserve covers 78,000 hectares of the Gawler Ranges, 70km north-east of Wirrulla on South Australia's west coast. Its granite ranges, mallee, and chenopod country support habitat for the threatened pink cockatoo, yellow-footed rock-wallaby, and short-tailed grasswren. Nature Foundation is recruiting a Conservation Land Manager to live on the reserve and take ownership of its day-to-day management. The position will suit someone with strong practical skills who can work safely in the field, has the resilience for remote living and work, and wants to contribute directly to land management and biodiversity conservation outcomes.

Reporting to the CEO, the Conservation Land Manager owns the day-to-day operational management of Hiltaba, its work program and budget, casual staff, contractors and volunteers, assets and infrastructure, compliance obligations, and visitor program. The role is also Nature Foundation's face in the region, building and maintaining relationships with Traditional Owners, neighbouring landholders, the Department for Environment and Water and visitors.

Other responsibilities include:

• Planning and delivering the reserve's annual work program and budget, and reporting on progress against it;
• Supervising casual staff, contractors and volunteers when they are on the reserve so that work is done safely and to a high standard;
• Managing reserve assets, infrastructure, vehicles and equipment, and meeting the reserve's compliance obligations including cultural heritage, biosecurity and fire management;
• Building effective working relationships with Traditional Owners, neighbouring landholders, government agencies and the local community, and running a safe and welcoming visitor program.

The successful candidate will have current knowledge of and experience in ecological and nature conservation management, strong practical land management skills, and experience managing a remote site or field program with contractors, casual staff and a budget. The ability to work independently and make sound decisions with limited direction, handle sensitive issues with judgement, and build durable relationships with a wide range of people will be critical to success.

A current driver's licence and 4WD experience are also essential. Tertiary qualifications in environmental management or a related discipline are desirable, as are a firearms licence, chemical use accreditation and a heavy vehicle licence. Substantial land management experience with strong practical skills will also be considered.

Applications are welcome from individuals and from couples; the homestead suits either, and arrangements for a partner can be discussed at interview. Hiltaba has excellent facilities, including a three-bedroom homestead, split system AC, 24-hour solar power, and Starlink internet.