Principal Ecologist

SLR Consulting; Newcastle; Presencial; AUD 140.000 - 180.000; Jornada completa

Descripción de la vacante

SLR Consulting is seeking a Principal Ecologist to join our Ecology team in Newcastle, NSW, with preference for Newcastle office and flexibility to base in Sydney. This full-time, permanent role leads field surveys, reports, and complex deliverables across sectors, while mentoring junior staff and coordinating multidisciplinary teams.

You will bring 10+ years of ecological experience, strong regulatory knowledge, and a proven ability to win work and build client relationships.

Formación

• 10+ years' ecological experience in consulting or government.
• Demonstrated project leadership and report production.
• Strong knowledge of NSW regulatory frameworks.
• Experience in flora and fauna field surveys and monitoring.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proven ability to mentor and lead teams.
• Desirable botanical knowledge.

Responsabilidades

• Deliver clear, high-quality reports for clients.
• Lead design and implementation of field survey programs.
• Manage resources and project teams across sectors.
• Develop, facilitate and enhance client relationships and win work.
• Provide best-practice ecological advice and solutions.
• Collaborate with other practices to deliver proposals.
• Act as senior technical authority on ecological assessments.
• Oversee technical and peer reviews to ensure quality.
• Support a One Team culture and cross-practice collaboration.

Conocimientos

Ecology

Field surveys

Report writing

Project management

Stakeholder communication

Team leadership

Regulatory knowledge

Flora and fauna surveys

Educación

Science degree

Environmental Science degree

Descripción del empleo

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.

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 enhancingeffective 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.

Unsolicited resumes from recruitment consultants will not be accepted. You must be part of the preferred supplier agreement list which is coordinated through our Talent Acquisition team.

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.