Operations Officer (Protect)

A LITTLE ABOUT US

Founded in 1951, The Nature Conservancy is a global conservation organisation dedicated to conserving the lands and waters on which all life depends. Guided by science, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world's toughest challenges so that nature and people can thrive together. We are tackling the twin crises facing our planet – climate change and biodiversity loss.  As a conservation organisation, we support the authority of Indigenous Peoples to steward and manage their lands and waters by working in partnership with Indigenous communities and organisations to strengthen governance, build on-the-ground stewardship capacity, support leaders, and catalyse local economies.

One of our core values is our commitment to diversity. Therefore, we strive for a globally diverse and culturally competent workforce. Working in 80 countries, including all 50 states of USA, we use a collaborative approach that engages local communities, governments, the private sector, and other partners. To learn more about our global organisation, visit www.nature.org or follow @nature_press on Twitter.  

The Nature Conservancy first commenced operations in Australia in 2002. Since that time TNC Australia has grown significantly and now conducts projects in all Australian states and territories.

YOUR POSITION WITH TNC

The Operations Officer (Protect) supports the delivery of protected area and conservation pipeline initiatives across The Nature Conservancy’s Australia Business Unit.

This is a 2 year fixed term position that works closely with the Protected Landscapes team, this role provides essential coordination, data management, and operational support across Indigenous Protected Areas, land acquisition assists, and private protected area initiatives.

The role ensures that project pipelines, partnership processes, and grant and due diligence requirements are well managed, documented, and progressing efficiently. It plays a critical role in strengthening the systems, data, and operational processes that underpin conservation delivery.

This position is ideally suited to someone who enjoys structured work, data management, and coordinating complex processes across multiple projects and stakeholders.

This is a targeted position aimed at increasing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander representation within the organisation. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are encouraged to apply.

RESPONSIBILITIES & SCOPE

Program Coordination & Delivery Support

• Coordinate and support delivery of conservation initiatives across protected area pipelines, including Indigenous Protected Areas (IPAs), land acquisition assists, and private protected area opportunities.

• Track project progress, timelines, and deliverables, taking a coordinating or delivery role in selected projects while supporting broader program activities.

Data Management, Reporting & Pipeline Tracking

• Maintain accurate, up-to-date data on project pipelines, including environmental values, status, and key milestones.

• Use systems (e.g. Smartsheet) to manage, track, and report on projects, grants, and opportunities.

• Compile and present information to support team decision-making and prioritisation.

Grants, Approvals & Due Diligence

• Support preparation of approval documentation, including internal governance and donor requirements.

• Coordinate inputs to legal, financial, and due diligence processes.

• Track grant requirements, reporting timelines, and compliance obligations across projects.

Partnership & Stakeholder Support

• Assist with coordination of partner engagement, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations, landholders, and other stakeholders.

• Support meetings, communications, and follow-up actions to maintain strong working relationships.

Process Improvement & Operational Support

• Contribute to improving project management, grant management, and due diligence processes.

• Identify opportunities to improve workflow, data systems, and overall program efficiency.

• Coordinate logistics for meetings, travel, and on-Country activities as required.

Fundraising, Communications & Reporting

• Support fundraising efforts through preparation of materials and project information.

• Contribute to communications and reporting on conservation and protected area outcomes.

Ways of Working & Accountability

• Deliver assigned components end-to-end with guidance, managing multiple priorities across projects of moderate complexity.

• Exercise judgment in day-to-day work, escalating complex or sensitive issues as needed.

• Provide reliable coordination and support across teams and partners.

• Maintain high standards of organisation, confidentiality, and professionalism in all aspects of work.

QUALIFICATIONS

• To qualify for this position you must reside in Australia and hold full, unrestricted work rights in Australia.
• Bachelor’s degree and 3 years’ experience in natural resource management or similar field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Relationship building experience to work closely with a variety of partners, i.e., media, government officials, internal scientists.
• Experience completing tasks independently with respect to timeline(s).
• Experience with communication via written, spoken and graphical means in English and other relevant languages.
• Experience using common software applications such as Word, Excel, web browsers, etc.
• Experience organising information, managing workflows, or coordinating projects.
• Experience working with data systems, spreadsheets, or project tracking tools.
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.
• Experience communicating clearly in written and verbal formats.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Comfortable working in structured, process-oriented roles.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience supporting conservation, land management, or environmental programs.
• Lived experience, cultural knowledge, or experience working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, organisations, or communities.
• Experience supporting native title, land rights, land tenure or other real estate projects.
• Familiarity with GIS, mapping tools, or spatial data.
• Experience supporting grant management or funding processes.
• Strong systems thinking and ability to improve processes and workflows.
• Cross-cultural experience.

We strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples for all positions.

If you are an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, we encourage you to let us know in your application. If you require assistance with making your application, please contact the recruitment team at .

Your personal information will be kept confidential in compliance with relevant privacy legislation.

This description is not designed to be a complete list of all duties and responsibilities required for this job.

If you have any issues with the application process please reach out .

Salary range: AUD $93,800 – 105,480 plus superannuation.

Who We Are:

The Nature Conservancy’s mission is to protect the lands and waters upon which all life depends. As a science-based organization, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that we can create a world in which people and nature thrive. We’re rooted in our mission and guided by our values, which include respect for all people, communities, and cultures. Whether it’s career development, flexible schedules, or a rewarding mission, there’s many reasons to love life inside TNC. Want a better insight to TNC? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube to hear stories from staff or visit Glassdoor.

One goal is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that all our colleagues around the globe feel a sense of belonging and that their unique contributions to our mission are valued. In addition to the requirements in our job postings, we recognize that people come with talent and experiences outside of a job and consider each applicant’s unique experience. Please apply – we’d love to hear from you. To quote a popular saying at TNC, “you’ll join for the mission, and stay for the people.”

What We Bring:

Since 1951, TNC has been doing work you can believe in. Through grassroots action, we have grown from a small non-profit into one of the most effective and wide-reaching environmental organizations in the world. Thanks to more than 1 million members, over 400 scientists, and the dedicated efforts of our diverse staff and partners, we impact conservation around the world!

TNC offers competitive and comprehensive benefits packages tailored to the individual countries where we work. These may include health care benefits, retirement benefits, parental leave, paid time off, life insurance, and disability coverage as well as an employee assistance program and other life and well-being benefits. Learn more about our Benefits and Perks here.

We’re proud to offer a flexible work environment that supports the health and well-being of the people we employ.

Our recruiting process includes a rolling interview process to ensure we engage applicants in a timely manner. This means we may review applications in the order in which they are received. Once a strong candidate pool is identified, the role will be unposted. The timeline may vary depending on the expressed interest in the role, so we highly encourage candidates to apply as soon as possible.

Employees must submit their application by logging into Workday and applying via the Jobs Hub.

The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer.Our commitment to equal employment opportunity includes the recognition that our conservation mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of people of all backgrounds, beliefs, and culture. Recruiting and mentoring staff to create an inclusive organization is a priority, and we encourage applicants from all cultures, races, colors, religions, sexes, national or regional origins, ages, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity, military, protected veteran status or other status protected by law.

The successful applicant must meet the requirements of The Nature Conservancy's background screening process.

TNC is committed to offering accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application process. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please send a note to with Request for Accommodation in the subject line.

Originally posted on Himalayas