Species Survival Officer - National Recovery Teams
Zoo and Aquarium Association
6-month Fixed Term Contract - Sydney based with flexible remote engagement
About ZAA and the Centre for Species Survival Australasia
The Zoo and Aquarium Association Australasia (ZAA) is the peak body for accredited zoos and aquariums across Australia and New Zealand, working collectively to deliver world‐class animal care, conservation impact and public engagement with wildlife. ZAA hosts the IUCN Species Survival Commission Centre for Species Survival Australasia (CSS Australasia), part of a global network of Centres established to strengthen how species conservation is assessed, planned and acted upon. CSS Australasia exists to connect local Recovery Teams, government policy systems, and global IUCN scientific expertise so that conservation effort is coordinated, evidence‐driven and capable of delivering measurable improvements in species recovery. Rather than replacing existing conservation programmes, the Centre strengthens the systems that allow those programmes to function effectively.
About the role
ZAA is recruiting a Species Survival Officer to deliver a best‐practice coordination support framework for threatened species National Recovery Teams. This role is focused on strengthening governance, coordination, planning and stakeholder engagement so Recovery Teams can spend less time navigating systems and more time delivering real conservation outcomes. You will act as a neutral facilitator and system steward, embedding high‐quality operating structures, improving collaboration, and ensuring recovery efforts align with both government expectations and global conservation best practice.
This role is best suited to someone with substantial experience working within complex administrative, governance, or coordination systems involving multiple stakeholders. While academic experience may be valuable, the role requires practical experience navigating competing priorities, maintaining clear processes, supporting decision‐making, and coordinating input across diverse individuals and organisations.
Key responsibilities
You will:
* Establish and manage project governance and milestone delivery
* Undertake structured needs and stakeholder assessments for Recovery Teams before engagement
* Strengthen Recovery Team governance, operating arrangements and Terms of Reference
* Facilitate meetings, workshops and conservation planning processes
* Coordinate workplans, action tracking and reporting across teams
* Build partnerships between Recovery Teams, government, IUCN SSC Specialist Groups and conservation organisations
* Support culturally appropriate First Nations engagement pathways
* Develop tools and systems that improve long‐term coordination capacity beyond the project term
About you
You bring:
* Experience in threatened species recovery, conservation programs, or multi‐stakeholder coordination
* Strong facilitation, governance and relationship‐building skills
* The ability to navigate complex stakeholder dynamics with diplomacy and neutrality
* Excellent organisational, communication and reporting capability
* A practical mindset focused on turning strategy into effective delivery
* Comfort working independently while supporting diverse expert groups
* Experience with workshop facilitation, recovery planning frameworks, government conservation systems, or IUCN approaches is desirable.
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