Biodiversity Project Officer

About The Team

The Office of the Pro Vice Chancellor (PVC) Sustainability is a collaborative team dedicated to advancing sustainability across Murdoch University’s campuses and farms. The team delivers practical initiatives aligned with the Strategic Plan 2023–2030, guided by the Moorditj Boodja – Strong Country Sustainability Sub-Strategy.

Sustainability is a core strategic priority at Murdoch, shaping teaching, research and operations. The University has made strong commitments, including achieving carbon neutrality and net zero waste to landfill by 2030, while continuing to deliver impactful sustainability outcomes locally and globally.

Your New Role!  

The Biodiversity Project Officer plays a pivotal role in advancing Murdoch University’s sustainability ambitions, supporting the protection and enhancement of biodiversity across campuses and farms. This includes contributing to conservation reserve management and biodiversity programs that help drive a more nature-positive future.

A key focus of the role is undertaking detailed fieldwork, including transect surveys across multiple sites, to establish baseline data on native fauna, vegetation, and ecosystem condition. The position also leads the collection and management of biodiversity data, ensuring it is effectively used to inform decision-making and action.

Working collaboratively with researchers, staff and the wider University community, the role promotes awareness and engagement in environmental sustainability. Based in the Office of the PVC Sustainability, the position supports delivery of the Moorditj Boodja – Strong Country Sustainability Sub-Strategy (2024–2027), contributing to outcomes across biodiversity, climate resilience, and water.

Please refer to the Position Description for further details.

What We Offer You!

This Fixed Term (5 Months) | Part time (22.5 hours per week) attracts a remuneration of $80K – $89K (pro rata) plus 17% employer superannuation contributions.   

You’ll join a dynamic and talented team where diversity and innovation thrive. Our Silver-tier status in the Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI), awarded in 2025, reflects our commitment to LGBTIQA+ inclusion, equity, and creating a safe, welcoming environment for all. We strive to be the university of choice for First Nations peoples, honouring Indigenous knowledge. Sustainability is central to our community and guided by clear, confident leadership, we are working toward an ambitious future with goals of net zero emissions and zero waste by 2030.

As well as the flexibility to maintain a work life balance, our staff enjoy a vibrant, natural campus with world-class facilities, along with a variety of benefits, including:

• Enjoy a 2% salary increase under the Enterprise Agreement, effective July 2026

• Flexible work arrangements

• Cultural Load and allowance - providing up to $8,944 per year to First Nations employees who are contributing cultural knowledge and perspectives beyond the scope of their role

• Indigenous Language Allowance

• Salary packaging options – such as purchasing leave, gym membership, car parking permit

• Employee Assistance Program

• On-campus services and facilities, such as a Childcare Centre, Gym, Vet Hospital, and Chiropractic Clinic

For further information, check out our benefits and services page!

Join us!

Please apply online via the Apply Now button, along with submitting the following documents to support your application -

• A cover letter including a statement addressing the selection criteria (with reference to the Position Description)

• Your most recent resume (CV)

What you’ll bring to the role:

• Tertiary qualification in a relevant field

• knowledge of biodiversity conservation issues

• Proven experience implementing biodiversity data collection methodologies and analysing outcomes

• Demonstrated ability to coordinate, manage, and maintain integrated data sets across multiple disciplines

• Current “C Class driver’s Licence

Please note, the successful candidate will be required to undertake a criminal record check in accordance with the University's Criminal Record Screening Procedure and Employee Background Checks Procedure.

Applicants should refer to the Position Description for further details on the work requirements, duties, skills and experience required for this role. Applications sent by post or email will not be accepted.

Please note visa sponsorship is not available for this position. Applicants are expected to have current and valid work rights in Australia.

Please see the Applicant Guide for more information. Applicants who have support or access requirements, are encouraged to advise this at the time of their application, to ensure appropriate assistance is provided throughout the recruitment process.

Contact Us

For enquiries about the opportunity on offer please reach out to Leah Knapp, Manager Sustainability, l.knapp@murdoch.edu.au and quote JR105454 as the reference.

Applications Close on 16 July 2026 (11:59pm AWST)

The University reserves the right to withdraw this advertisement at any time.

Murdoch University acknowledges the different perspectives, skills and experience that people from different backgrounds bring to strengthen its workforce. Murdoch University is committed to enhancing diversity in all its forms and strongly encourages suitably qualified candidates from Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples, women, people with disability, people of CaLD background and people of diverse genders to apply for this important position.

Murdoch University values workplace diversity, promotes inclusion, and strongly encourages applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, women, and individuals with disability. Applicants who have support or access requirements, are encouraged to advise this at the time of their application, to ensure appropriate assistance is provided throughout the recruitment process.