Principal Ecologist - Darwin

SLR Consulting; Darwin; On-site; AUD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

SLR Consulting in Darwin is seeking a Principal Ecologist to lead technical delivery and client relationships within a growing APAC ecology group of over 150 consultants. The role emphasizes leadership of multidisciplinary teams, mentoring and business development across terrestrial, aquatic and marine environments.

The successful candidate will oversee field survey design, high-quality reporting, and project resourcing, ensuring delivery of excellent outcomes for regulators and clients alike.

Qualifications

• Bachelor-level or higher qualification in Science, Environmental Science, Environmental Management, Natural Resources or related field.
• 10+ years in ecological roles within environmental consulting, government or industry.
• Proven ability to lead, win and manage projects.
• Knowledge of relevant environmental legislation and regulatory frameworks.
• Experience designing and implementing flora and fauna field surveys and monitoring.
• Mature report writing skills and ability to publish high-quality material.
• Ability to work to deadlines and manage multiple tasks.
• Experience leading multidisciplinary projects.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Team leadership experience and a collaborative, One Team mindset.
• Botanical knowledge is desirable but not essential.

Responsibilities

• Deliver clear, high-quality reports.
• Project manage complex deliverables across sectors and multidisciplinary teams.
• Lead design and implementation of field survey programs for ecological monitoring and impact assessment.
• Oversee resourcing to ensure appropriate teams and project setup for success.
• Develop and maintain client relationships and foster internal collaboration.
• Leverage established networks to support business development.
• Coach and mentor team members and contribute to development plans.

Skills

Team leadership

Communication

Project management

Report writing

Analytical skills

Collaboration

Education

Science/Env Sci degree

Job description

About The Business And The Role

At SLR we Make 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 celebrate a ‘One Team Culture’, where bringing together diversity of thought and expression is key to building the best team to deliver excellent results.

About The Business And The Role

At SLR we Make 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 celebrate a ‘One Team Culture’, where bringing together diversity of thought and expression is key to building the best team to deliver excellent results.

We have an exciting and rare opportunity within our Ecology team in Darwin, driven by a growing pipeline of projects across a broad range of industry sectors.

You will join a tight-knit team of local Ecologists while also being part of our broader APAC Ecology group of more than 150 consultants across terrestrial, aquatic and marine environments.

Following the growth in many of our teams, this Principal role places strong emphasis on technical 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.

Job Tasks And Responsibilities

Your responsibilities will include:

• 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.

Skills And Experience

The successful candidate must have:

• 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 outcome for our clients. Whether you’re working in the office, from home or a mix of the two, 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.