Fauna spotter catcher, koala spotter and ecologist jobs, Australia-wide.
Fauna Spotters is always looking for licensed Fauna Spotter Catchers (FSCs), Koala Spotters, Ecologists and Wildlife Handlers who love field work and want to be paid fairly for it. We run DIDO and FIFO rosters across every Australian state and territory, with published day rates and no black-box scope.
Roles we hire for
Fauna Spotter Catcher, Koala Spotter, Wildlife Handler, Project Ecologist and thermal drone pilot roles across civil, mining, renewables and infrastructure programs. Casual, project-based and full-time positions available.
- Fauna Spotter Catcher (FSC) — clearing supervision, capture and relocation
- Koala Spotter — koala habitat clearing programs (tree-climbing certified where the scope requires it)
- Wildlife Handler / Snake Catcher — 24/7 on-call construction site callouts
- Project Ecologist — pre-clearance surveys, Fauna Management Plans, SMP lodgements
- Thermal Drone Pilot — RePL-certified, nocturnal fauna detection surveys
- Field Coordinator — multi-crew program leadership on Tier 1 sites
What we look for
For Fauna Spotter Catcher and Koala Spotter roles: a current Queensland rehabilitation permit (spotter catcher), South Australian Wildlife Management (Controller) Permit or the matching licence for the state you work in, a driver's licence, a White Card, and demonstrated experience on Tier 1 or Tier 2 clearing programs. Snake-handling and koala tree-climbing tickets are a plus but not essential — we support the right people to get them.
For Ecologist and Coordinator roles: relevant tertiary qualifications, a track record of writing regulator-ready Fauna Management Plans, and enough site time to know what actually happens on a clearing face at 06:30.
How we pay
Published day rates by role and licence level, with travel, accommodation and standby days paid transparently — no salary sacrifice, no shonky per-diem loading. Casual rates include statutory casual loading. Full-time positions include superannuation and standard leave entitlements. If you're subcontracting through your own ABN, we pay net-14 on approved timesheets.
Getting your Fauna Spotter Catcher licence
There is no single 'fauna spotter catcher course' in Australia — the licence you actually need is a state-issued wildlife-handling authority (in Queensland, a Rehabilitation Permit for spotter catcher activities). Most new entrants come in with a related certificate (Cert II/III Conservation and Ecosystem Management, or equivalent) plus demonstrated in-field experience, then apply to the state regulator for the permit.
We regularly mentor career-changers who already have field or ecology exposure. If you're at that stage, apply anyway — tell us your existing tickets and where you want to end up, and we'll be honest about what path works.
How to apply
Send a short CV and a note about which roles you're interested in and where you're based — no cover letter required. We reply to every application within 5 business days, even if the answer is 'not right now'.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a Rehabilitation Permit (Spotter Catcher) to apply?
For Fauna Spotter Catcher and Koala Spotter roles in Queensland, yes — the licence must be issued in your own name before you can be rostered on site. If you're a strong career-changer without the permit yet, tell us on your application and we'll suggest a path.
Is there a 'fauna spotter catcher course' I can enrol in?
Not as a single national course — the licence pathway is issued by state regulators, not a training institute. Most working FSCs enter via a related Cert II/III (Conservation and Ecosystem Management, or similar) plus supervised field time, then apply for the state permit. See our resources guide for the state-by-state pathway.
Do you offer full-time positions or is it all casual?
Both. Field roles are typically casual or project-based (that's how the clearing pipeline actually flows). Coordination, senior ecologist and office positions are full-time.
Can I subcontract through my own ABN?
Yes. If you're an established, licensed spotter catcher trading through your own ABN we onboard you as a contractor — net-14 payment on approved timesheets and PO. Ask for our contractor onboarding pack.
Are DIDO and FIFO rosters supported?
Yes. Most non-metro work is DIDO or FIFO on swing rosters (typical rotations 8/6, 14/7, 21/7 depending on the program). Flights, accommodation and meals are paid or arranged, not deducted from your day rate.
What states can I work in?
Every Australian state and territory. Your on-site licence must be valid for the state you're rostered in — we can help you apply for the licence in each state you're rostered in.