Project Officer – Healthy Landscapes
	The Wentworth Group of Concerned Scientists

BACKGROUND:

Established in 2002, the Wentworth Group of Concerned Scientists is an independent group of Australian scientists, economists and business-people with a long-standing interest in the conservation of Australia’s land, water and biodiversity. The Wentworth Group has built a national reputation as a trusted source of scientific advice to policy makers, business and the community on reforms for the long-term conservation and sustainable use of Australia’s natural resources.

Over the past 20 years, the Wentworth Group of Concerned Scientists has put forward national policy reforms to restore and maintain the health and productive capacity of Australia's landscapes and turn around systemic failures in biodiversity conservation.

PURPOSE OF THE POSITION:

We are seeking a motivated project officer with a background or experience in natural resource science or management to lead a native vegetation mapping and monitoring project.

The objective of this project is for the Wentworth Group to:

1. work with spatial analysts to produce and publish native vegetation change maps (2015 - present) for the whole of Australia, cost-effectively and of sufficient accuracy that they can be repeated and improved over time;
2. raise public awareness of the extent, severity and impacts of land clearing in Australia and management of regrowth;
3. encourage governments to adopt a national framework for detecting change and use it to report regularly, consistently, and transparently on native vegetation losses and gains; and
4. support the design and targeting of initiatives to better safeguard and restore important native vegetation on public and private land.

In addition, the successful candidate would have the opportunity to assist the Program Manager on a range of environmental policy objectives on an as needs basis.

PRIMARY DUTIES:

This role would suit a motivated individual who is passionate about Australia’s environment and has practical experience, or an academic background, in natural resource science or management or landscape conservation, restoration or management. Duties include:

• Overseeing project development and implementation;
• Administering and supporting an expert advisory panel;
• Leading the development of a national vegetation mapping standard;
• Building relationships with potential end-users to ensure take-up of project outputs;
• Coordinating delivery of pilot study by service provider; and
• Working with our Communications Manager to design and implement the communications and extension strategy.

Additional policy duties may include reviewing Government consultation documents and assisting in the preparation of advice, briefings and public submission materials.

ESSENTIAL SELECTION CRITERIA:

• Tertiary qualifications, or graduate qualifications and demonstrated practical experience, in environmental science, natural resource management, sustainable agriculture, or a related discipline;
• Experience in or familiarity with natural resource management and policy in Australia including native vegetation science and management;
• Demonstrated ability to prepare written advice, reports and other written communications for diverse audiences, including competency in adapting and communicating complex scientific information;
• Articulate verbal communicator with the ability to engage with a variety of stakeholders;
• Self-driven and highly motivated with strong organisational skills and the flexibility to prioritise a range of potentially conflicting demands;
• Ability to work in a small, fast-paced team environment; and
• Applicants must be in Australia with rights to work in Australia (i.e. as a citizen or permanent resident).

DESIRABLE SELECTION CRITERIA:

• Academic background or experience in remote sensing and/or GIS is an advantage.

Above all, the successful applicant will be committed to helping the Wentworth Group achieve its objectives in securing the long-term health of Australia’s land, water, and biodiversity.

This role is for 4-5 days per week for 12 months with possible extension. The Project Officer will work closely with the Program Manager, Director, Members, and the Secretariat to deliver the Wentworth Group’s strategic plan. This is an opportunity to work with experts in a range of fields who are committed to bridging the gap between science and public policy.

Applications close on Wednesday 12 April at 5pm AEST. Applications must include a curriculum vitae and a cover letter addressing the selection criteria

• WG Healthy Landscapes_Project Officer_PD_2023.pdf