Meet the people of AWC: Field Ecologist Robin Sinclair

Welcome to ‘Meet the People of AWC’, a captivating series dedicated to unveiling the heart and soul of our organisation through the stories of the incredible individuals who make it all possible. In this series, we’ll take you on a journey to uncover the unique stories, passions, and expertise of the individuals who make Australian Wildlife Conservancy (AWC) who we are.

As a Field Ecologist at Mt Gibson Wildlife Sanctuary on Badimia Country, Robin Sinclair is fortunate enough to get up close and personal with species that most Australians will never encounter in their lifetime.

Anne Krumme/AWC

Robin Sinclair pictured radiotracking for Western Quolls at Mt Gibson Wildlife Sanctuary.

From Western Quolls to Bilbies, Numbats and more, working directly with wildlife is one of Robin’s favourite parts of the job, along with knowing that they are making a tangible contribution to the species’ conservation.

“No two days are the same and no matter what you’re doing, if you’re out working in the bush, you’re bound to see something new or interesting, even if you never know quite what it’s going to be,” Robin explained. “It could be as exciting as a species you haven’t seen before or signs of one of threatened species we work to conserve, but it could also be as simple as an interesting bug, a pretty flower or a cool tree hollow, and those can be almost as thrilling.”

“It’s (also) very special to be out on sanctuary and see the conservation outcomes that have been achieved out here at Mt Gibson, through the hard work of many people over what is now decades of action. I’m very proud to be a small part of that conservation story.”

In their role, Robin is fortunate enough to get up close and personal with species that most Australians will never encounter in their lifetime.

Robin’s calling to conservation came during their early years of university, where they were initially signed up to complete a degree in chemistry. After their first semester, they attended a talk on climate change hosted by former US Vice President Al Gore, and immediately switched to environmental science.

“The university was giving free tickets for students, and I had nothing on that day, so I went along on a whim,” Robin explained. “The presentation was incredibly impactful, and I walked out of the auditorium knowing that I wanted to be part of the solution to the world’s environmental problems.”

“I have no idea where I would have ended up if I hadn’t attended that talk!”

Robin’s calling to conservation came during their early years of university, after attending a talk on climate change hosted by former US Vice President Al Gore.

With a degree in hand and an honours on the diet of foxes, Robin set off to land the job of their dreams by applying for a six-month internship at Mt Gibson Wildlife Sanctuary. This led to their current full-time ecology role with AWC.

“As a Field Ecologist, I help implement AWC’s science program on the ground at Mt Gibson and across the south-west,” Robin explained. “This includes conducting wildlife translocations, monitoring biodiversity on AWC’s sanctuaries (particularly our reintroduced species) and contributing to ecological research. I’m based out on sanctuary and am out in the field almost every day.”

While feeling privileged to be in a job they love, Robin said living remotely on sanctuary can sometimes be a challenge.

While working remote can be a challenge, Robin says it's worth it to do the work they love. — While working remote can be a challenge, Robin says it’s worth it to do the work they love.

“Living out on sanctuary with a group of like-minded conservationists and being immersed in the natural landscape that we work to protect is incredible, but living out in the bush can be hard at times,” Robin said. “At Mt Gibson, we’re certainly not as remote as some other AWC sanctuaries, but at an hour and a half away from the nearest small town and four hours away from Perth, we’re remote enough that is poses some challenges.”

Robin added that the remoteness is worth it to be out in the field, especially because they get to work with their favourite species, the Chuditch (Western Quoll).

“My goal going into this industry was to do work where I could be out in the field, collecting data and doing good science to inform how we manage our natural environments and the threats they face,” Robin explained. “As a Field Ecologist I get to do just that!”

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