Wildlife Conservation Planning Specialist Tātaki Auckland Unlimited location Auckland. NZ $80,000 - NZ $87,000 per annum.

The opportunity auckland Zoo in New Zealand is looking for a Wildlife Conservation Planning Specialist to lead and coordinate the activities of the Australasian Regional Resource Centre (RRC) for the Conservation Planning Specialist Group (CPSG) of the International Union for Conservation of Nature's (IUCN) Species Survival Commission (SSC).

In addition to being over-exposed to a plethora of, initially confusing but ultimately convenient, acronyms (if you have the right skills set, you will have spotted the use of four in the first paragraph of this advertisement), you will also have the unique opportunity to be part of a global team delivering species conservation planning projects around the world.

CPSG delivers species conservation planning expertise to governments, other SSC Specialist Groups, zoos and aquariums, and other wildlife organisations around the world. Using expert facilitation and science-based planning tools, CPSG conducts multi-stakeholder conservation planning workshops for endangered species, risk assessments using population modelling tools, and strategic planning for conservation organisations.

CPSG's Regional Resource Centres (RRCs) are local ‘nodes' within the CPSG global network and play a key role in scaling up the capacity of CPSG to deliver on its mission by providing local skills, experience and expertise at this regional level. Auckland Zoo is host to the Australasian RRC.

The Wildlife Conservation Planning Specialist is responsible for coordinating the activities of this Australasian RRC and works with the staff of CPSG headquarters (based in the USA) and key Auckland Zoo staff, in order to meet the strategic priorities of CPSG and Auckland Zoo.

The duties of the Wildlife Conservation Planning Specialist include building and coordinating a CPSG Australasian RRC team and network in the application of CPSG tools, processes and principles that can work both locally and globally. Developing projects, budgets, and workshop process design and facilitation plans to respond to complex species conservation challenges.

Conducting multi-stakeholder workshops both in-person and using virtual platforms (Zoom, Teams etc.) Compiling, editing and distributing workshop summaries, reports and written plans. The role will initially be on a fixed-term (3 year) full-time (40 hours a week) basis.

About you to be considered for this very special role you will definitely need to have the following experience, skills and qualifications 5+ years of relevant experience in wildlife conservation, wildlife research and/or biological and/or social sciences.

A strong proficiency in in the analysis and presentation of information. Strong project management skills, self-management and personal organisation. Exceptional social and listening skills. A demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with diverse groups and across different cultures.

Strong verbal and written communication skills in English, including proven ability in writing of reports and scientific papers, grant proposal preparation, and delivery of oral presentations. A demonstrated ability to work independently and prioritise tasks as necessary. A graduate degree in a relevant discipline, or an equivalent combination of academic training and practical relevant experience in a relevant professional setting.

To be in with the best possible chance of securing this position at Auckland Zoo, you will also have some (or magically, all) of the following experience/skills experience with the IUCN Red List assessment process and a working knowledge of SIS. Proven expertise in quantitative risk assessment and modelling of wild and/or captive populations. One or more of the following specialisations: spatial analysis using GIS, biostatistics and species conservation planning methodology.

Proficiency in analysing and managing large datasets. Strong group facilitation skills. Skills related to meeting design and facilitation. A good existing conservation relevant professional network within the Australasian/Pacific region. A working knowledge of a language other than English.

What we offer this is a unique opportunity to join the Auckland Zoo and Conservation Planning Specialist Group global team and to have a significant impact on the conservation of threatened wildlife species in New Zealand, Australia and around the world.

The salary will be $80 - 87k per annum, dependent on your skillset, qualifications and experience. As part of the Auckland Council whanau you will have access to an ever growing variety of partnership benefits, a snapshot of which can be viewed here Benefits.