Principal Ecologist

SLR Consulting; Newcastle City Council; On-site; AUD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

SLR Consulting is seeking a Principal Ecologist to lead the Ecology team in Newcastle, NSW. The role emphasizes technical leadership, mentoring, client relationship management, and contributing to business development. The preferred base is the Newcastle office, with flexibility to Sydney for the right candidate.

The role involves delivering high-quality ecological outcomes, managing complex projects, and acting as a senior technical authority within NSW regulatory frameworks.

Qualifications

• 10+ years in ecological role in environmental consulting sector or equivalent
• Experience winning, leading and managing projects
• In-depth knowledge of relevant legislative and regulatory frameworks
• Experience in flora and fauna field surveys and monitoring programs
• Mature report writing and computer skills with ability to publish material
• Proven ability to meet deadlines and manage multiple tasks
• Experience managing multidisciplinary projects
• Strong communication skills – written and verbal
• Collaborative team player with a One Team mindset
• Botanical knowledge desirable (not essential)

Responsibilities

• Deliver high-quality ecological reports
• Lead multidisciplinary projects across sectors and teams
• Design and implement field survey programs for ecological monitoring
• Lead resourcing and ensure project teams are set up for success
• Develop and maintain client relationships within SLR
• Mentor and develop team members and training plans
• Lead delivery of best-practice ecological advice for clients
• Collaborate with other SLR practices for integrated projects
• Act as senior technical authority on ecological assessments within NSW
• Oversee technical and peer reviews to maintain quality and compliance
• Build and maintain strong professional relationships across SLR
• Support business development to grow the team

Skills

Team leadership

Project management

Technical reporting

Stakeholder communication

Flora/fauna surveys

Regulatory knowledge

Environmental management

Field surveys

Strategic problem solving

Collaboration

Education

Science degree

Environmental Science

Job description

About The Business And Role

At SLR we are Making Sustainability Happen. SLR is an international environmental consultancy with a globally recognised reputation for providing high quality tailored services. With 1,000+ staff in APAC alone, we provide consultancy advice and support on a wide range of strategic and site‑specific issues to a diverse and growing base of business, regulatory and governmental clients.

About The Business And Role

At SLR we are Making Sustainability Happen. SLR is an international environmental consultancy with a globally recognised reputation for providing high quality tailored services. With 1,000+ staff in APAC alone, we provide consultancy advice and support on a wide range of strategic and site‑specific issues to a diverse and growing base of business, regulatory and governmental clients.
We have an opportunity for a Principal Ecologist to join our Ecology team. This is a full time permanent role that has the preference to be based in our Newcastle office. For the right candidate the location may be flexible to be based in Sydney.
This Principal role places strong emphasis on technical and team leadership to ensure the consistent delivery of the high-quality outcomes our clients expect. The role also encompasses mentoring and promoting professional development across our teams, managing key client relationships, and contributing to business development to support the continued growth of the team. This role is ideal for an experienced consultant who is keen and comfortable operating as a Team Lead.

Job Responsibilities

• Delivering clear and precise, high-quality reports
• Project managing complex deliverables across a range of sectors and at times, working within multidisciplinary teams
• Lead the design and implementation of field survey programs for ecological monitoring and impact assessment.
• Lead on resourcing requirements, ensuring the right teams are on projects, and project teams are set up for success.
• Developing, facilitating and enhancing effective relationships with our clients and internal SLR team members
• Bringing with you an established network and proven ability to win work will be highly advantageous
• Coaches, mentors and develop team members. Support the development of personal development plans and training plans covering consulting and technical skills.
• Lead the delivery of best‑practice ecological advice, providing tailored and pragmatic solutions to clients across a range of sectors.
• Collaborate with other SLR practices to deliver integrated, high‑quality projects and competitive proposals.
• Act as a senior technical authority on ecological assessments, impact assessments, and biodiversity management within the NSW regulatory framework.
• Undertake and oversee technical and peer reviews to maintain quality, consistency, and compliance with SLR standards.
• Build and maintain strong professional relationships with clients and colleagues across SLR, supporting a cohesive One Team culture.

Skills And Experience

• An appropriate tertiary qualification in Science, Environmental Science, Environmental Management, Natural Resources or in another related field
• 10+ years' experience in an ecological role in the environmental consulting sector or an equivalent role in industry/Government, including undertaking ecological surveys and report production
• Demonstrated experience winning, leading and managing projects
• In-depth knowledge of relevant legislative and regulatory frameworks.
• Experience in the design and implementation of flora and fauna field surveys and monitoring programs
• Mature report writing and computer skills, with demonstrated ability to prepare high quality written material for publication
• Proven ability to work to deadlines and manage multiple tasks
• Demonstrated experience managing multidisciplinary projects
• Strong communication skills – clear, persuasive, and confident in both verbal and written communication.
• Collaborative team player – works effectively across Practices and geographic areas, with a One Team mindset.
• Strategic problem solver – analytical, resourceful, decisive, solutions-oriented
• Experience of team leadership
• Although not essential, botanical knowledge and experience is desirable.

Our Benefits

We are proud of our unique culture where we work together to collaborate on projects to get the best possible outcomes. We recognise that every person is different, and our benefits aim to ensure that we cater for all.
You can find a comprehensive list here.