Associate / Principal Environmental Engineer or Scientist

ADE Consulting Group; City of Brisbane; Remote; AUD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote work options

Flexible culture

Professional development

Job summary

ADE Consulting Group's Environment team in Australia seeks an Associate / Principal Environmental Engineer or Scientist to lead groundbreaking projects and R&D across the country. You will drive contaminated land and waste initiatives and mentor junior staff.

This role focuses on PFAS treatment and remediation, pioneering strategies, and collaborating with partners to publish findings and shape industry practice while maintaining a flexible, supportive work culture.

Qualifications

• 7–15 years in environmental consulting focusing on contaminated land and/or waste.
• In-depth knowledge of contaminated site assessment, remediation, and regulations.
• Experience with PFAS or other emerging contaminants.
• Circular economy mindset or resource recovery experience is a bonus.
• Strong leadership and mentoring track record.
• Creative problem-solver who challenges traditional approaches.
• Relevant degree in environmental engineering or science; Masters/PhD advantageous.
• Excellent written and spoken communication and report writing.

Responsibilities

• Lead challenging projects on contaminated land and waste for clients across Australia.
• Innovate PFAS management strategies and remediation approaches.
• Conduct pioneering R&D on emerging contaminants and publish findings.
• Address client contamination challenges with sustainable, circular economy solutions.
• Mentor junior engineers and scientists across multiple offices nationwide.
• Share knowledge at industry conferences and collaborate with partners.

Skills

Environmental expertise

Leadership

PFAS knowledge

Contaminated land

Communication

Innovative problem solving

Mentorship

Report writing

Education

Bachelor's in environmental engineering/science

Master's or PhD advantageous

Job description

Associate / Principal Environmental Engineer or Scientist

Join a team that's breaking the mould in environmental consulting. ADE Consulting Group’s Environment team is looking for a Associate / Principal Environmental Engineer or Scientist to spearhead groundbreaking projects and R&D across Australia.

If you have 7 - 15 years of experience in environmental consulting with specific expertise in contaminated land and/or waste, and you’re both passionate and knowledgeable about tackling challenges like PFAS and other emerging contaminants, this role could be your perfect fit. We want someone eager to drive innovative solutions in line with our company values.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead challenging projects: Manage and deliver complex environmental projects focusing on contaminated land and waste, providing practical solutions for clients across Australia.
• Innovate in PFAS management: Develop and implement cutting-edge strategies for PFAS treatment and remediation, driving our team’s industry-leading approach to emerging contaminants.
• Groundbreaking R&D: Conduct and contribute to pioneering research projects on emerging contaminants. You’ll have the chance publish your findings to shape industry best practices.
• Solve real client problems: Think outside the box to address clients’ contamination challenges. Champion sustainable, circular economy approaches in waste and resource recovery projects to deliver win-win outcomes.
• Mentor and support: Lead by example and provide guidance to junior engineers and scientists. You’ll be a go‑to technical expert, supporting teams in multiple offices nationwide and helping grow our next generation of experts.
• Share knowledge: Attend and present at industry conferences, and collaborate with academic and industry partners. (Yes, we’ll encourage you to get out there and share what you learn!)

About You

• 7 - 15 years experience in environmental consulting, with proven expertise in managing contaminated land projects and/or waste management initiatives.
• Demonstrated contamination expertise: In-depth knowledge of contaminated site assessment, remediation, and environmental regulations – you know how to take a project from investigation through to clean-up.
• Experience with emerging issues: Exposure to PFAS (no – not like that!) or other emerging contaminants is essential. (If you’ve tackled tricky pollutants or applied innovative treatment/management methods, we want to hear about it!)
• Circular economy mindset: Experience in sustainable practices, circular economy initiatives, or resource recovery projects is a bonus.
• Leadership & mentorship: Strong leadership skills with a track record of mentoring junior staff. You enjoy sharing knowledge and helping others grow in their careers.
• Innovative problem-solver: A creative thinker who isn’t afraid to challenge traditional approaches. You’re the type who looks for better ways to solve complex problems and break the status quo.
• Education: A relevant degree in environmental engineering or science (or related field). A Master or PhD is an advantage, but real-world experience and results are what matter most to us.
• Communication: Fantastic written and spoken language, and report writing skills are an absolute must.

Why Join ADE’s Environment Team?

• Innovation & Impact: Work at the forefront of emerging contaminants management. You’ll play a key role in developing new solutions for PFAS and other contaminants, making a real impact on the industry and environment.
• Small Team, Big Opportunities: Be part of a focused, agile team that thinks big. We offer the freedom to explore groundbreaking ideas with the support and resources of a well-established national company.
• Grow & Share Knowledge: We encourage continuous learning and thought leadership. Attend conferences, publish research, and collaborate with leading experts – we’ve got your back for professional development.
• Flexible, Supportive Culture: Enjoy a flexible work environment (including remote/coastal living options) and a supportive, down-to-earth culture. We value building a suitable work-life balance and believe a relaxed lifestyle can coexist with cutting-edge work.
• Make a Difference: This isn’t "business as usual." You’ll join a team that challenges the norm and strives for sustainable, out-of-the-box solutions. Your work will help drive new approaches to environmental managing and the circular economy.