The Western Australia Marine Coordinator, (WA MC) is responsible for executing TNC’s marine strategy in Western Australia, including the implementation of a substantial shellfish reef restoration project in the Swan-Canning estuary. The WA MC reports to the Marine Manager, Australia Program and will be part of an exciting national marine team working to restore Australia’s most imperiled marine ecosystems.
The WA MC will require extensive project management skills, excel in a responsive, dynamic and flexible working environment and bring technical skills or industry and stakeholder knowledge, complementing those of the Conservancy’s Marine Program. We are looking for someone with exceptional leadership skills who is not afraid to innovate and find new, positive solutions to marine conservation that benefit both people and nature.
The WA MC will oversee a small team of project managers working in regional WA to deliver successful shellfish reef restoration projects and will be the primary person responsible for the delivery of a substantial shellfish reef restoration project in the Swan-Canning estuary. The WA MC is responsible for project management, technical and scientific support, leadership as a subject matter expert in marine conservation including restoration and public promotion of TNC’s conservation work. The WA MC integrates science with practice and policy to deliver robust conservation outcomes for Western Australia’s unique marine and coastal waterways. They develop innovative scientific methods, analyses, tools and frameworks to address the conservation needs, engage community, private sector and government support and negotiate complex and innovative solutions with government agencies and landowners to conserve and protect marine ecosystems.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE
- Works with a wide range of partners to develop and execute restoration projects targeted at expanding protection and restoration of critical marine habitats in strategically selected bays and estuaries across WA
- Oversees the implementation of on-ground coastal restoration projects, with an initial focus on implementing a significant project in the Swan-Canning estuary
- Communicates TNC and partner-led science and practice to diverse audiences such as government, donors, NGOs, Traditional Owners, fishers, academics and community groups
- Provides scientific and technical guidance, project coordination and support to project staff
- Develops partnerships with government agencies, private industry, universities, Traditional Owners and community groups to advance the conservation and research priorities of the Australian Oceans Program
- Leads and assists with peer-reviewed publications, presentations, grant proposals and project reporting
- Must be able to work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, in hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances.
- Manages contracts, budgets and reporting for funding grants and contractors
- Experience directing a major program or project of strategic importance including leading a multi-disciplinary team.
- Experience in partnership development with non-profit partners, community groups and government agencies.
- Experience building and maintaining relationships with diverse stakeholders
- Experience negotiating complex agreements
Experience fundraising and/or writing grants and research proposals - Experience communicating with the public and/or media both in writing and verbally.
- Supervisory experience.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- PhD preferred, and 5-7 years related experience
- Experience in aquaculture, coastal engineering or maritime construction
- Experience in GIS mapping and environmental modelling
- Minimum 5 years’ experience in developing and implementing conservation strategies that result in tangible, on-ground outcomes for communities
- Demonstrated experience influencing, developing and implementing conservation policy and plans.
- Ability to diagnose complex problems and identify solutions
- Excellent communication skills, written, spoken and graphical
- Ability to operate within budget guidelines to ensure sound financial performance
- Demonstrated experience in fundraising
- Politically savvy
- Multi-lingual and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated
- Supervisory experience, including motivating, leading, setting objectives and managing performance
- Ability to explain conservation practices to technical and non-technical audiences
- Completing tasks independently with respect to timeline(s).
- Only applicants who are currently eligible to work in Australia will be considered. The Nature Conservancy will not provide support for working visas or residency for this position.
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are encouraged to apply.
- 2-year contract with potential for extension.
- Salary range from $83,200 per annum to $119,000 per annum, plus 9.5% superannuation