H5N1, a highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), has led to the deaths of millions of wild birds and thousands of mammals worldwide. While currently absent from Australia, if it arrives, H5N1 is predicted to have consequences for biodiversity and ecosystem health. Preparedness, response and recovery planning is critical to manage the risk to wildlife, while identification of critical actions may improve species resilience. The Office of Nature Conservation is looking for expressions of interest for a temporary Senior Ecologist Biosecurity position for up to six months. The position will deliver High Pathogen Avian Influenza N5 Preparedness Plans for the ACT. The work will be conducted in strong collaboration with operational and policy biosecurity teams across the Environment, Heritage and Parks Group within the City and Environment Directorate. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where people with diverse thoughts, lived experience, and perspectives can thrive and contribute their unique talents to the ACTPS and ACT community. We encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with disability, people with culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, veterans, younger and older workers, and people with diverse genders, sexes and sexualities to apply. Eligibility/Other Requirements: Mandatory Tertiary qualifications in ecology, biodiversity science, wildlife conservation, environmental management or cognate discipline. At least five years experience in ecological research/monitoring, including program management. A willingness to work independently in the field, outside normal hours in remote locations and in adverse weather conditions. Current First Aid Certificate (or willingness to obtain one). Highly Desirable Postgraduate qualifications in ecology, biodiversity science, wildlife conservation, environmental management or cognate discipline. Current Senior First Aid Certificate (or a willingness to undertake training) Notes: This is a temporary position available immediately until 10 April 2026 with the possibility of extension up to six months. This position is available to ACT Government officers and employees only. Selection may be based on application and referee reports only. An order of merit will be established from this selection process and may be used to fill future identical vacancies over the next 12 months. This position is based in an activity-based working (ABW) environment. Under ABW arrangements, officers will not have a designated workstation/desk. Opportunities for flexible working options include hybrid working, being a combination of working from home, designated office based and FlexiSpace working locations across the ACT, part-time hours, job-sharing, flexible start, and finish times. How to Apply: Your suitability for this position will be assessed based on your skills, knowledge and behaviour in relation to the Selection Criteria listed in the Position Description. Please provide a short written response (200-300 words) to each Selection Criteria and also attach a current curriculum vitae including contacts details for two referees. Please refer to the Position Description for information on how to apply. Applications should be submitted via the Apply Now button below. City and Environment City and Environment Directorate was established on the 1 July 2025. This new directorate is an amalgamation of positions previously advertised under Environment, Planning and Sustainable Development Directorate and Transport Canberra and City Services Directorate. LI-DNI Note This is a temporary position available immediately until 10 April 2026 with the possibility of extension up to six months. This position is available to ACT Government officers and employees only.