Jesse Ellis

Conservation Project Manager

Jesse joined the Conservation Ecology Centre after six years with Parks Victoria, bringing experience in pest plant and animal management, public land management, and community education. During her time with Parks, she contributed to a wide range of conservation programs, including the eastern barred bandicoot captive breeding program, koala population assessments, Phytophthora management, and feral pig and invasive deer control initiatives.

Alongside this work, Jesse served as a firefighter with Forest Fire Management Victoria. This role deepened her understanding of ground‑level fire operations and the strategic planning that underpins contemporary planned burning practices, complementing her earlier studies in fire ecology.

Jesse is currently undertaking a Master of Research with Federation University, focused on fire ecology and small mammals, with a particular interest in how fire mosaics influence vulnerable Swamp Antechinus populations. She previously completed an Honours project examining long‑term changes in Eastern Ground Parrot habitat in the Otways, a study that strengthened her knowledge of plant ecology, heathland dynamics, and the historical land‑use patterns that have shaped the region.

Her passion for the natural world began early and has grown into a strong interest in botany and ecological interactions. Jesse started her conservation journey studying Outdoor Education and Sustainable Nature Tourism before transferring into Environmental Science, completing a Bachelor of Wildlife Conservation Biology at Deakin University.