Senior BAM Ecologist - Lead Projects & Mentors

Eco Logical Australia Pty Ltd; Sydney; Hybrid; AUD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible workplace

Paid birthday leave

Study assistance

Professional membership

Parental leave

Salary packaging options

Job summary

Eco Logical Australia is seeking a Senior/Principal Ecologist to lead diverse biodiversity projects, mentor teams, and deliver innovative environmental solutions. Based in Sydney with hybrid/work-from-home flexibility, this role offers opportunities to influence projects across NSW and take ownership of technical excellence.

You will bring BAM accreditation, NSW knowledge, and strong client relationships to deliver high-quality reports and assessments while collaborating with a national ecology

Qualifications

• Current BAM accreditation under the NSW Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016.
• A tertiary qualification in Ecology, Environmental Science/Zoology/Botany or similar.
• Expert field ecology skills in flora and/or fauna identification in NSW, including threatened species.
• Deep knowledge of NSW ecological communities, vegetation classification, habitat assessment, and ecological processes.
• Demonstrated experience in project and budget management.
• Ability to build and maintain long-term client relationships, supported by a strong professional network, and a consistent track record of delivering high-quality work that generates repeat business.
• Demonstrated proficiency in the use of the BAM calculator, BOS tools, and relevant NSW legislation.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to produce high-quality reports and assessments.
• Well-developed organisational skills with the ability to work independently and in teams.
• Previous experience in consulting and business development combined with a growth mindset and highly developed client relationship skills.
• A current manual driver’s licence and willingness to travel for fieldwork.

Responsibilities

• Lead biodiversity assessments under the NSW Biodiversity Offsets Scheme (BOS), including Biodiversity Development Assessment Reports (BDARs) and Stewardship Site Assessments.
• Undertake and oversee ecological field surveys, including vegetation mapping, vegetation integrity assessments, flora/fauna surveys, and habitat condition analysis.
• Ensure technical accuracy, using the BAM calculator and associated tools with precision and attention to detail.
• Communicate clearly with clients, landholders, and regulators - turning technical concepts into accessible, honest advice.
• Collaborate across disciplines, contributing to a positive, high‑performing team environment.
• Mentor and support junior ecologists to shape technical excellence across ELA’s ecology team.
• Stay current and connected, participating in forums and staying up to date with legislative, ecological, and BAM framework updates.
• Enjoy solving problems that make a real difference.

Skills

BAM accreditation

Ecology degree

Field ecology expertise

NSW ecological knowledge

Project & budget management

Client relationships

BAM calculator proficiency

Reports & communication

Organisational skills

Consulting & business development

Driver's licence & travel

Education

Ecology degree or equivalent

Tools

BAM calculator

BOS tools

NSW legislation familiarity

Job description

Eco Logical Australia is seeking a Senior/Principal Ecologist to lead diverse biodiversity projects, mentor teams, and deliver innovative environmental solutions. Based in Sydney with hybrid/work-from-home flexibility, this role offers opportunities to influence projects across NSW and take ownership of technical excellence.

You will bring BAM accreditation, NSW knowledge, and strong client relationships to deliver high-quality reports and assessments while collaborating with a national ecology