Bush Heritage Australia are seeking a Natural Capital Data Scientist to join the Agricultural Partnerships and Natural Capital team.

This is an exceptional opportunity to make a very real contribution to the protection of Australia’s unique wildlife and their habitat.

• Fantastic opportunity to work within a leading conservation organisation
• This position location is flexible within Australia
• $89, 959 - $109, 950, plus 12% super
• Full time 2-year fixed term contract

About us

For over 30 years we’ve supported and protected some of the most fragile ecosystems across the continent and seen the impact of our science-based approach. We keep our eyes on the horizon and focus firmly on long-term, landscape scale impact. As a national, not-for-profit, we want to continue to expand the areas we protect and deepen the impact we have. We work in partnership with Traditional Owners, listening to and learning from the customs and cultures that came before us.

Together we can heal and protect the bush, now and into the future.

About the role

As a conservation organisation, Bush Heritage is committed to understanding and communicating the value of nature through robust, science-led approaches. As we expand our work in Agriculture Partnerships and Natural Capital, we are developing innovative methods to measure, monitor and account for biodiversity, ecosystem function and other environmental assets across agricultural and conservation landscapes. These insights support landholders, partners and policymakers to make informed decisions for sustainable land management and nature-positive outcomes.

The Natural Capital Data Scientist role is responsible for the development and application of spatial and image-based analysis methods, drawing on both drone satellite remote sensing and ground-based data to generate efficient, high-quality, repeatable metrics for natural capital assessment. This role will be responsible for developing and maintaining robust analytical workflows and ensuring methodological consistency and scientific rigour in how we quantify and communicate natural capital from our partnerships and clients, on and off reserve.

Working within the Agricultural Partnerships and Natural Capital team, the role will also play a critical part in shaping data quality standards, coordinating cross-team data integration, and supporting the development of methods. The Data Scientist will collaborate closely with conservation ecologists, GIS analysts, and land management practitioners to ensure that insights generated are relevant and actionable.

Download Position Description>>

What you'll need to succeed

• Relevant tertiary qualification in science, ecology, or equivalent discipline 
• Strong demonstrated experience in analysing remotely sensed and/or UAV imagery data, with proven application in relevant spatial or environmental projects 
• Strong numerical and analytical skills, including a high level of expertise in managing, manipulating, and presenting ecological data and remote sensing data
• Good understanding of software development practices, and associated programmatic languages such as Python and R.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the challenges associated with implementing remotely sensed data to measure ecosystem condition. 
• Excellent interpersonal skills and demonstrated success in supporting a diverse range of people enabling the appropriate use of technology aligned to organisational governance arrangements. 
• Ability to effectively manage multiple priorities with a strong attention to detail. 
• Demonstrated commitment to continuous improvement in processes and methodologies 
• Commitment to the objectives and values of Bush Heritage.

What sets us apart

• Great life-work balance: flexible work arrangements with hybrid working.

• Access to 20 days personal leave per year, 10 of these available from commencement if employment. We also offer cultural leave and gender transition leave.

• Employee Resource Groups for women, LGBTQIA+, and neurodivergent employees as well as a social group for bird lovers.

• Professional development activities including access to LinkedIn Learning. 

• Equitable 12 weeks paid leave to all parents, irrespective of their role as primary or secondary carers. 

• Remote staff are supported through an education allowance for kids and additional annual leave.

• Access to support and counselling via our Employee Assistance Program and free access to Headspace app

• Brand new Melbourne office in Docklands with access to state-of-the-art facilities and a gym.

How to apply

To apply for this role, simply fill in your personal details and answer the questions below. You will then be taken to a page to upload a copy of your CV. There is no need to attach a cover letter or separate document answering key selection criteria. Candidates who are interested in the position are encouraged to apply even though they may feel they are not strong on individual selection criteria. In assessing merit, the panel will take into consideration “performance or achievement relative to opportunity”. We recognise that many staff today have a range of personal circumstances, and career histories.

If you require further information, please contact Dr Anu Singh (Natural Capital Data Analyst Lead) on Anu.Singh@bushheritage.org.au 

Bush Heritage Australia does not discriminate based on race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or marital or parental status. Should you require a reasonable adjustment to be made for your application we would be more than happy to discuss how this could be arranged.

Evidence shows that applicants from underrepresented backgrounds often don't apply for roles if they don't feel they meet all the requirements of the job – unlike candidates from majority backgrounds who might fulfil less requirements.

We strongly encourage you to apply if you’re interested: we strive to build more diverse teams with your unique experience!

Don't miss out! Apply now!

Applications close: Wednesday the 23rd of July at 11:30pm AEST.