Principal Ecologist

EcoFutures; South Australia; Hybrid; AUD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

An ecological consulting firm is seeking a Senior Ecologist in South Australia to leverage ecological expertise in landscape improvement and climate adaptation. Candidates should have over 15 years of experience, strong leadership abilities, and an understanding of South Australia's biodiversity. This role offers a flexible working environment and opportunities for staff equity participation.

Benefits

Competitive remuneration

Pathway to staff ownership

Flexibility in working arrangements

Qualifications

• 15+ years’ experience in ecological strategy, planning, or applied research.
• South Australia biodiversity expertise is essential.
• Proven ability to lead teams and complex, multi-stakeholder projects.

Responsibilities

• Use ecological expertise to improve landscapes.
• Collaborate with first nations people for cultural objectives.
• Participate in multi-disciplinary projects with different disciplines.

Skills

Ecological strategy

Project leadership

Communication of complex science

Collaboration

Education

Graduate or postgraduate qualifications in ecology

Job description

Overview

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We are looking for a high level ecologist who wants to use their ecological expertise and knowledge to improve our landscapes, not simply document species in future development areas.

We are not focussed on Impact Assessment. This is not a role assessing areas earmarked for development like many ecological roles these days. This is an opportunity to use your ecological expertise and knowledge to have a genuine impact on Australia’s ecological gems. As a company we want to help inform ecological futures rather than measure the past. We are not content with just measuring what is there – we want to apply our knowledge to help manage ecological systems under changing conditions.

The role is focused on advancing and applying concepts of ecological resilience, climate adaptation and ecosystem understanding to inform management of our natural environment. We work collaboratively with first nations people to understand how ecological information can support their cultural objectives. As part of the Alluvium Group our people are often involved in multi-disciplinary projects with our economists, engineers and social scientists.

The role is intended to be based in our Adelaide office although other locations would be considered. We pride ourselves on the flexibility of our working arrangements, so we are open to part time or other arrangements. The Alluvium Group regularly features in lists of Best Places to Work in Australia.

Opportunities to work with Alluvium’s Research and Insights Program

Across the Alluvium Group we aim to link the best research and environmental managers. Actively participating in research is crucial to that role, exposing staff from across the organisation to advances in thinking as well as enabling researchers to tailor and apply projects to what’s needed by managers and policy makers. We do this through writing papers, supporting our staff who wish to pursue research, jointly supervising students, hosting research interns and funding our own research priorities.

Our research and development program has established formal links with CSIRO, University of Melbourne, Griffith University, Monash University and the University of Newcastle through CRCs, post graduate student projects and joint research bids.

Our scale and scope

The Alluvium Group of companies have around 180 staff across Australia, India, Vietnam, NZ, and Fiji. We encourage our staff to work together across regions and disciplines, both on project work and through group initiatives such as study tours, leadership programs, and group conferences.

Alluvium works with clients such as country Governments, Asian Development Bank, World Bank, United Nations and Australian Water Partnership in countries across the Asia-Pacific.

The role requirements

About You

You are a recognized leader in ecology or environmental science with a passion for reshaping how we manage natural resources.

You bring:

• 15+ years’ experience in ecological strategy, planning, or applied research.
• Graduate or postgraduate qualifications in ecology, environmental science or related fields (South Australia biodiversity expertise essential).
• Proven ability to lead teams and complex, multi-stakeholder projects.
• A strong network of professional connections and thought leadership in the field.
• Ability to attract and deliver projects.
• Outstanding communication skills — able to translate complex science into a clear strategy.
• A collaborative, values-driven mindset and desire to work across disciplines and geographies.

Benefits & Pathways

• Competitive remuneration, with scope for negotiation.
• Pathway to staff ownership and equity participation. Over 48% of Alluvium staff are shareholders. Here, you’re not just an employee; you can grow equity and shape the business.
• Work alongside a leading interdisciplinary team on issues of communities and nature— bridging ecology, economics, policy, and social science.
• Participation in our staff profit share.
• Dedicated professional development and research opportunities.
• Flexibility that is real. Options for part-time, hybrid work, or custom arrangements — enabling balance while leading at the highest level.
• Work with a carbon-neutral, BCorp-certified business committed to reconciliation and long-term environmental impact.

Since the creation of Alluvium Consulting in 2006 we’ve pursued our vision to make a positive impact on the world and the communities that rely on healthy ecosystems.

Our corporate model is different. We pursued a growth strategy that developed a number of separate companies and associated brands under the Alluvium Group. This approach is driven by a strong belief that specialized businesses deliver better technical outcomes for our clients. Each of the five businesses within the Alluvium Group have their own governance and management arrangements, but also all operate within the Alluvium group ecosystem to ensure integrated products are delivered seamlessly.

The combined skills and resources across the Alluvium ecosystem are specially designed to support clients to solve complex and systematic challenges facing our society and environment. We work across three core discipline areas: biophysical sciences & engineering, social sciences & human welfare; and economics & public policy.

NEXT STEPS

Please send a CV and a short document outlining how you suit the role requirements to [emailprotected] by 15th September 2025.

To find out more about this role, please contact Paul Maxwell for a confidential discussion.

Remuneration is commensurate with skills and experience and subject to negotiation. Note that applications are only open to applicants with Australian citizenship or permanent residency.

An important part of our business is the ownership structure. Alluvium is a staff owned business and over 48% of our staff have ownership. We are committed to continued broadening of the ownership to staff who support and are actively engaged in the attainment of our strategic goals. The opportunity is available for staff to build an ownership stake in the business over time.

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• Which of the following statements best describes your right to work in Australia?
• How many years' experience do you have as an Ecologist?
• How many years' experience do you have in a consulting role?

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