Ecologist

Arup; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Arup is seeking an ecologist with a strong botany focus to lead ecological assessments and botanical surveys across major infrastructure, water and energy projects in Victoria. You will guide field programmes, provide expert ecological input to clients and regulators, and help deliver positive project outcomes.

You will mentor junior ecologists, contribute to project approaches, and represent the team in internal and external meetings, while working within Arup's systems and values.

Qualifications

• Recognised tertiary qualifications in Ecology or Botany sciences or related discipline.
• Accreditation in DEECA’s Victorian Vegetation Quality Assessment is desirable.
• Field strengths in identifying flora, Ecological Vegetation Classes and fauna.
• Membership in professional bodies is desirable but not essential.
• Experience in field surveys and ecological assessment reporting for infrastructure projects is valued.

Responsibilities

• Lead complex ecological assessments and botanical surveys and oversee fieldwork programmes.
• Provide ecological and botanical advice to clients and regulators.
• Prepare technical reports and contribute to major infrastructure projects in Victoria.
• Mentor ecologists and contribute to growth of the ecology team.
• Represent Arup in meetings and ensure work aligns with the Management System.

Skills

Ecology

Botany

Fieldwork planning

Technical reporting

Flora identification

Regulatory knowledge

Education

Ecology/Botany degree

Job description

Joining Arup

Arup’s purpose, shared values and collaborative approach has set us apart for over 80 years, guiding how we shape a better world.

Join a collaborative ecology team delivering meaningful environmental outcomes on major infrastructure, water and energy projects across Victoria. This role is ideal for an ecologist with a strong botany focus who is looking to take the next step in their career. You will lead complex ecological assessments, botanical surveys and fieldwork programmes, applying your technical expertise to help clients navigate environmental challenges and deliver positive project outcomes.

Working alongside clients, regulators and multidisciplinary teams, you will provide ecological and botanical advice, undertake field investigations, prepare technical reports and contribute to major road, rail, water and energy projects across Victoria and beyond. The role offers the opportunity to grow your leadership capabilities, mentor other ecologists and play an important role in the continued growth of the ecology team while remaining closely connected to technical delivery and fieldwork.

The Opportunity

• Contribute to the ecological components of projects and may manage discrete tasks or work packages with appropriate support and review from senior team members;
• Support the development of other team members by sharing knowledge, assisting with fieldwork planning and providing day-to-day guidance where appropriate.
• Contribute to the development of ecology project approaches, methodologies and deliverables, with support from senior colleagues where required;
• Professionally represent Arup at internal and external meetings, including contributing technical input and communicating clearly with project teams, clients and stakeholders;
• Carries out duties in line with Arup's Management System;

At Arup, you belong to an extraordinary collective – in which we encourage individuality to thrive. Our strength comes from how we respect, share and connect our diverse experiences, perspectives and ideas.

You will have the opportunity to do socially useful work that has meaning – to Arup, to your career, to our members and to the clients and communities we serve.

Is this role right for you?

• Recognised relevant tertiary qualifications in Ecology or Botany sciences or related discipline.
• Existing accreditation in DEECA’s Victorian Vegetation Quality Assessment is highly desirable.
• Field strengths in identifying flora, Ecological Vegetation Classes and/or fauna of Victoria.
• Membership of relevant professional institutions/professional peer bodies or significant credit towards eligibility for membership is desirable but not essential.
• 3+ years relevant hands‑on experience undertaking field work in terrestrial or aquatic ecology, with experience supporting field surveys and preferably experience within Victoria. Experience contributing to ecological surveys for infrastructure or development projects is highly regarded.
• 3+ years relevant industry experience in a professional working environment, preferably in a consulting role or similar. Experience contributing to Commonwealth referrals, significant impact assessments and ecological assessment reporting for infrastructure or development projects is highly regarded.
• Working knowledge and practical understanding of planning and biodiversity legislation and regulations in Victoria and Australia, including the Guidelines for the removal, destruction or lopping of native vegetation the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999

What we offer you

At Arup, we care about each member’s success, so we can grow together.

Guided by our values, we provide an attractive total reward package that recognises the contribution of each of our members to our shared success. As well as competitive, fair, and equitable pay, we offer a career in which all of our members can belong, grow and thrive – through benefits that support health and wellbeing, a wide range of learning opportunities and many possibilities to have an impact through the work they do.

We are owned in trust on behalf of our members, giving us the freedom, with personal responsibility, to set our own direction and choose work that aligns with our purpose and adds to Arup’s legacy. Our members collaborate on ambitious projects to deliver remarkable outcomes for our clients and communities. Profit Share is a key part of our reward, enabling eligible members to share in the results of our collective efforts.