Key Biodiversity Area Program Officer - Remote

The Organisation

As Australia’s only national bird conservation charity, we are on a mission to put birds and nature on the path to recovery within a decade, leading and facilitating action that halts biodiversity loss and restores ecosystems. We can only achieve this with the help and support afforded to us by our diverse stakeholders including supporters, campaigners, donors, members and like-minded conservation organisations.

BirdLife Australia takes a science and evidence-based approach to bird conservation. Where strong conservation plans are in place and well-resourced the evidence tells us that threatened species can be brought back from the brink of extinction. With a 100-plus year history and Australia’s strongest and longest-lived collection of data and surveys, BirdLife Australia brings a wealth of observation and experience to the protection of native birds.

BirdLife Australia is a diverse organisation with more than 330,000 supporters, donors, volunteers, campaigners and members, over 130 staff across Australia, and a network of more than 40 voluntary community groups.

BirdLife Australia is truly local to global, with a network of more than 40 voluntary community groups on the ground in Australia, and is the Australian member of the BirdLife International partnership, the world’s largest partnership for conservation.

Our growing network of people generously give their time, expertise, voice and financial support, standing together with us to help protect Australia’s unique birdlife.

A significant part of BirdLife Australia’s work is done by volunteers acting either alone, in organised groups or serving on Committees. It is important that all staff understand and appreciate the contribution made by volunteers, and are also mindful of their varying skills, interests and motivations.

BirdLife Australia acknowledges the important role First Nations People throughout Australia have played, and continue to play, caring for Country. We acknowledge their continuing connection to land, sea and community and pay respect to Traditional Owners and their cultures, and to their Elders both past and present. BirdLife Australia endeavours to facilitate the further engagement of Indigenous Australians in the research and conservation of our native birds.

The Role

The Key Biodiversity Area Program Officer supports the Key Biodiversity Area Coordinator in delivering the objectives of the Key Biodiversity Area (KBA) program. In particular, the Program Officer will assist the revision and growth of Australia’s KBA network including GIS mapping of KBAs. The Program Officer will also assist with recruitment and support of volunteer KBA Guardians and their conservation work following best practice conservation principles.

Position Title

Key Biodiversity Area Program Officer

Position Objective

Grow the impact of BirdLife Australia’s KBA program for conserving globally important habitat and preventing the extinctions of Australian species.

Status

This is a part-time (0.4 FTE) position until June 2026

Location

The location for this role is flexible.

Reporting

This position reports to the Key Biodiversity Area Coordinator.

Staff Reporting

None.

Remuneration / Job Level

Part-time salary at Level 2, (based on published Level / Grade Remuneration Scales)

Key Relationships

Internal: Key Biodiversity Area Coordinator, Manager Priority Sites, Director Science and Priority sites, Birdata program, Advocacy team, Participation and Engagement teams.

External: KBA volunteers, Friends of… Groups, Research Scientists, Environment Agency staff

Travel Requirements

Some travel within Australia will be required

Duties

The Key Biodiversity Program Officer will help review and grow Australia’s KBA network by:

• Revision of existing KBA network in accordance with the global KBA standard to ensure we are prioritising conservation of the most important places for the persistence of birds to deliver the Bird Conservation Strategy.

• Liaison and collaboration with knowledge holders and stakeholders to prepare KBA nominations, e.g. species experts, land managers, government bodies, non-government organisations and alliances, community groups, and First Nations people.
• Assisting KBA nominations through GIS mapping and spatial analysis.
• Discover and review relevant species and site-based research and reports.
• Completing KBA nominations in World Database of KBAs.

The KBA program officer will help grow the KBA-Guardian volunteer network by:

• Actively recruiting KBA-Guardians or KBA-Guardian Groups
• Developing KBA resource materials to support the work of volunteers.
• Developing KBA reports such as the State of KBAs report

Selection Criteria

Essential

• A relevant degree and/or experience in Conservation Biology and/or Ecological data management.
• Experience working or consulting with multiple stakeholders, such as scientists, Traditional Owners, land managers, volunteers and community.
• Experience with mapping software (eg QGIS).
• Experience with ecological data management and analysis.
• Strong organisational skills including ability to work both independently and part of a team.
• Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills.

Desirable

• Demonstrated ability to use R statistical programming language to manage and analyse data.
• Understanding of bird monitoring and ecology.
• Experience in the conservation sector.
• Experience working with volunteers.

Workstyle, attributes, and attitudes

• A positive outlook and ability to work collaboratively to achieve shared goals consistent with BirdLife Australia’s values.
• Self-organised with the ability to take responsibility and initiative.
• Works positively, effectively and sensitively with a wide range of people.

• Problem-Solving Skills.

• A high level of professionalism in all work.

Living Our Values

• Promote and role model appropriate behaviours that support BirdLife Australia’s culture and values.
• Actively demonstrate organisational values.

Passion

We bring people together around a love of nature

Excellence

Science and knowledge is at the centre of everything we do

Leadership

We empower and inspire people to lead with courage and purpose

Collaboration

We embrace diversity and work in partnership with mutual respect

Integrity

Our success is based on experience, honesty, trust and fairness

Impact

We think globally, lead nationally and act locally

Oh&S Statement

Employees and potential employees should be aware that the requirements of the position include, but are not limited to:

• Limited attendance at evening or weekend meetings.
• Possible driving for extended periods and interstate travel.
• Long periods of sedentary desk and computer duties and telephone use.
• Possible lifting and moving of heavy equipment and objects.
• Overnight and weekend work in the field and at conferences.

How To Apply

To express your interest, please send your EOI to Anna McCallum anna.mccallum@birdlife.org.au by COB the 23rd of October.

Should you have any questions about the role please contact Anna for the recruitment process. Also, please do not hesitate to contact People and Safety Team.