South Australia Shorebird Monitoring Coordinator

About BirdLife Australia

BirdLife Australia is Australias only national bird conservation charity. Our mission is to put birds and nature on the path to recovery within a decade by leading and facilitating action that halts biodiversity loss and restores ecosystems. We work in close partnership with supporters campaigners donors members volunteers and like-minded conservation organisations to achieve lasting conservation outcomes.

We take a science- and evidence-based approach to bird conservation. Where strong conservation plans are in place and appropriately resourced evidence shows that threatened species can be brought back from the brink of extinction. With a 100-plus year history and Australias strongest and longest-running collection of bird data and surveys BirdLife Australia brings deep expertise insight and leadership to the protection of native birds.

BirdLife Australia is a diverse organisation with more than 350000 supporters donors volunteers campaigners and members over 150 staff across Australia and a network of more than 40 voluntary community groups.

We value diversity and inclusion and actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and communities.

Our values

• Passion: We bring people together around a love of nature
• Excellence: Science and knowledge are 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

About the Role

BirdLife Australia is seeking a Shorebird Monitoring Coordinator to lead and expand shorebird and seabird monitoring across key sites throughout South Australia. This role focuses on increasing monitoring effort and spatial coverage in areas affected by the Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB) and adjacent regions.

You will play a key role in ensuring that summer and winter counts are completed at all priority migratory shorebird sites overseeing delivery of the 2026 Hooded Plover biennial count and contributing to the coordination of Fairy Tern monitoring. The role also involves recruiting training and supporting volunteers who are critical to the success of BirdLife Australias coastal and shorebird programs.

Key responsibilities include:

• Coordinate shorebird and seabird monitoring programs across South Australia within and adjacent to areas impacted by the Harmful Algal Bloom and surrounding regions.
• Plan and deliver seasonal counts (summer and winter) at priority migratory shorebird sites.
• Oversee coordination of the 2026 Hooded Plover biennial count and support Fairy Tern and Hooded Plover breeding site monitoring activities.
• Recruit train and support volunteers to build monitoring capacity and ensure high-quality data collection.
• Manage and analyse monitoring data including spatial datasets and mapping outputs to assess trends in abundance site use breeding effort and breeding success.
• Investigate and document potential demonstrated impacts of the Harmful Algal Bloom.
• Develop tools resources and guidance materials to strengthen shorebird monitoring statewide.
• Contribute to strategies prioritisation frameworks and targeted communications that support shorebird and seabird conservation.
• Support conservation actions that protect and build the resilience of coastal habitats and associated bird populations.
• Oversee project and contract delivery including budget management and regular progress and financial reporting.
• Work collaboratively with government agencies local councils community groups industry and other stakeholders to improve conservation outcomes for priority species and habitats.

Selection Criteria

Essential

• A degree in Conservation Biology Environmental Science or related field with experience working in ecological or wildlife monitoring.
• Demonstrated experience in coordinating and managing volunteers to deliver project outcomes including managing expectations safety and compliance issues.
• Strong shorebird identification skills and an understanding of the challenges of bird monitoring and conservation in coastal environments.
• Experience with data analysis technical report writing and spatial mapping. This may include experience with mapping or statistical software such as ArcGIS and R.
• Excellent liaison and consultation skills ability to work constructively with community groups volunteers members of the public land managers and government agency staff.
• Strong project management planning and organisational skills including ability to work deadlines and both independently and part of a team.
• Excellent written verbal and interpersonal communication skills. Competency in word processing and database management.
• Current drivers license
• Valid Australian work rights with permission to work

What we Offer:

This is a part-time role (0.8 FTE) based in South Australia offered on a maximum term 2-year contract to 31 December 2027. The position attracts a salary range of $82844 $91098 per annum (pro rata based on skills and experience) plus superannuation.

You will also enjoy a range of benefits including:

• Generous annual personal and paid parental leave
• Additional special leave covering the organisations shutdown period
• Leave loading
• Professional development and networking opportunities
• A supportive and purpose-driven work environment

How to Apply:

For further details or to request a copy of the Position Description please contact people&

To apply please submit:

• A cover letter addressing the selection criteria
• A current CV
• Evidence of valid Australian work rights

Applications close: 6 February 2026

Please note: BirdLife Australia does not accept applications from recruitment agencies.