Senior aquatic ecologist

C and R Consulting; Townsville City; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

C&R Consulting Pty Ltd in Townsville seeks a Senior Aquatic Ecologist to take ownership of aquatic ecology projects from initial design through field investigations, data interpretation, and technical reporting.

You will lead field programs, supervise teams, mentor junior scientists, and provide specialist advice to clients, collaborating with hydrogeology, hydrology, geochemistry, and geology to deliver integrated environmental assessments across remote northern Australia.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or higher degree in aquatic ecology, ecology, environmental science, biology, or related discipline.
• Seven or more years of relevant professional experience or demonstrated equivalent capabilities.
• Experience designing, coordinating, and delivering aquatic ecology monitoring programs and ecological assessments.
• Strong knowledge of aquatic ecosystems and survey methodologies; ability to interpret ecological data.

Responsibilities

• Lead design, coordination, and delivery of aquatic ecology monitoring programs, investigations, and ecological impact assessments.
• Plan and supervise field investigations including habitat assessments, fish surveys, macroinvertebrate sampling, and waterway assessments.
• Manage project deliverables, budgets, scheduling, and field logistics to high technical standards.
• Prepare and review scientific reports, ecological assessments, and regulatory documentation.
• Mentor junior scientists and provide technical guidance within the team.

Skills

Aquatic ecology

Field supervision

Project management

Data analysis

Education

Bachelors/Master in aquatic ecology or related discipline

Tools

PRIMER

R

Python

GIS

Job description

C&R Consulting Pty Ltd
Townsville, QLD | Full-time, permanent

About C&R

C&R Consulting Pty Ltd (C&R) is an established environmental consultancy with more than 20 years of experience delivering innovative, practical, and sustainable solutions to complex environmental challenges throughout northern Australia.

Our multidisciplinary team specialises in environmental monitoring, assessment, and management, with particular expertise in aquatic ecology, surface water, groundwater, geochemistry, and environmental approvals.

Our work takes us across diverse and often remote tropical environments, supporting projects across the resources, infrastructure, agricultural, and government sectors. We pride ourselves on our scientific expertise, collaborative approach, and ability to deliver practical solutions to complex environmental challenges.

The opportunity

We are seeking an experienced Senior Aquatic Ecologist to join our Townsville-based team in a full-time, permanent position.

This is an opportunity for an experienced professional to take ownership of aquatic ecology projects, from initial design through to field investigations, data interpretation, and technical reporting.

Working alongside our principal scientists and multidisciplinary specialists, you will have the autonomy to lead aquatic ecology investigations and assessments, provide technical guidance, and mentor developing scientists.

The position offers a balance of fieldwork, technical leadership, and project management, with opportunities to contribute to the continued development of C&R's aquatic ecology capabilities and progress into broader technical leadership roles.

The role

As a Senior Aquatic Ecologist, you will be responsible for the technical delivery of aquatic ecology projects, working both independently and collaboratively within our multidisciplinary team.

Your key responsibilities will include:

Leading the design, coordination, and delivery of aquatic ecology monitoring programs, investigations, and ecological impact assessments.

Planning and supervising field investigations, including aquatic habitat assessments, fish surveys, macroinvertebrate sampling, and waterway assessments.

Managing project deliverables, budgets, scheduling, and field logistics to ensure projects are completed safely, efficiently, and to a high technical standard.

Overseeing the collection, quality assurance, statistical analysis, and interpretation of ecological datasets.

Preparing and reviewing scientific reports, ecological impact assessments, and regulatory documentation.

Providing specialist ecological advice to clients and developing practical environmental management solutions.

Collaborating with specialists across other environmental disciplines to deliver integrated environmental assessments.

Mentoring junior scientists and contributing to the development of technical capabilities within the team.

Promoting positive safety behaviours and maintaining high standards of fieldwork, equipment management, and data integrity.

About you

We are looking for a technically capable, self-motivated, and practically minded aquatic ecologist who enjoys the diversity and challenges of environmental consulting.

You will be confident taking responsibility for projects, applying independent scientific judgement, and working collaboratively with other specialists. You will bring strong communication skills, a practical approach to problem-solving, and a willingness to share your knowledge and experience with others.

You will ideally have:

A tertiary qualification in aquatic ecology, ecology, environmental science, biology, or a related discipline.

Typically seven or more years of relevant professional experience, although applicants with demonstrated equivalent technical capabilities are encouraged to apply.

Demonstrated experience designing, coordinating, and delivering aquatic ecology monitoring programs and ecological assessments.

Strong technical knowledge of aquatic ecosystems, ecological survey methodologies, and environmental monitoring practices.

Experience analysing and interpreting ecological datasets using statistical software such as PRIMER, R, Python, or equivalent analytical tools.

Experience preparing high-quality scientific reports, ecological impact assessments, and regulatory documentation.

A sound understanding of environmental legislation, regulatory frameworks, and approvals processes, preferably within Queensland, the Northern Territory, and/or under Commonwealth legislation.

Strong project management, organisational, problem-solving, and communication skills.

Experience supervising field teams and providing technical guidance to other scientists.

A current manual driver's licence and confidence undertaking remote travel and off-road/4WD driving.

Willingness to undertake planned fieldwork in remote locations, generally for periods of less than 10 days per trip.

Unrestricted working rights in Australia.

Highly desirable qualifications and experience include:

AUSRIVAS accreditation and experience in macroinvertebrate assessment.

Electrofishing certification and practical experience undertaking fish surveys.

Experience with GIS software and spatial data analysis.

Remote pilot accreditation and experience using drones for environmental assessments.

Relevant 4WD training or certification.

Experience working within the resources sector and an understanding of associated site safety requirements.

The successful applicant will also need to meet relevant site-specific medical and safety requirements, including a Coal Mine Workers' Health Assessment where applicable.

At C&R, we believe good science comes from collaboration, curiosity, and a willingness to tackle complex challenges. Our team combines expertise across multiple scientific disciplines, providing opportunities to approach environmental problems from different perspectives and develop integrated, practical solutions.

As part of our team, you will have the opportunity to:

Take ownership of your work: Lead meaningful aquatic ecology projects, exercise professional judgement, and contribute to technical decisions without unnecessary layers of management.

Work alongside experienced specialists: Collaborate with respected professionals across ecology, hydrogeology, hydrology, geochemistry, geomorphology, and geology.

Experience unique environments: Undertake fieldwork across remote and ecologically diverse regions of northern Australia that few people have the opportunity to experience.

Make a genuine contribution: Help shape the continued development of our aquatic ecology services, mentor junior scientists, and contribute to the broader direction of the business.

Develop your career: Access professional development, training, and opportunities to progress into principal-level technical and leadership roles.

Enjoy flexibility and balance: Benefit from flexible working arrangements, a supportive team environment, and a workplace that values both professional achievement and personal wellbeing.

Be recognised for your expertise: Receive competitive remuneration commensurate with your qualifications, experience, and technical capabilities.