Senior Botanist / Vegetation Ecologist

The Ecology Office Pty Ltd; City of Melbourne; Hybrid; AUD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A specialist ecological consultancy in Melbourne seeks an experienced Ecologist to provide high-level technical advice and conduct fieldwork across Australia. The role offers flexible work arrangements, including remote work, and requires strong skills in botanical identification and ecological knowledge. Candidates should have at least 5 years of relevant experience and a Bachelor's Degree in a related field.

Benefits

Flexible work arrangements

Professional development opportunities

Team environment

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of experience conducting vegetation surveys in south-east Australia.
• Strong understanding of national and state environmental legislation.
• Willingness to undertake extended overnight field trips.

Responsibilities

• Provide high-level technical advice on ecological matters.
• Undertake fieldwork across Australia for ecological monitoring.
• Write and review technical reports.

Skills

Botanical identification

Client relationship building

Time management

Communication skills

Ecological knowledge

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Science with a Botany, Ecology or Environmental Science major

Job description

The Ecology Office is a small but highly experienced consultancy providing specialist ecological advice. Our primary areas of expertise are in flora, fauna, threatened species, biodiversity conservation, design and implementation of ecological monitoring programs, environmental impact assessment, ecological risk assessment and expert witness services.

Importantly, we are passionate about caring for the environment. We are renowned for the quality of our work. We are strongly independent and critical thinkers. And we provide practical solutions to complex ecological problems.

Our clients include government agencies, water authorities, the renewables sector, leading consultancies, legal firms and reputable private developers. Our projects include:

• Planning approvals advice for transport, solar, wind, urban development and eco-tourism projects
• Expert witness services for government authorities through leading law firms
• Conservation and ecological management advice for floodplain restoration, offsets monitoring, burn planning, catchment management, sites of significance, and management of pest animals
• Ecological monitoring in a range of ecosystems including floodplains, riparian, dry and wet sclerophyll forest, rainforest, grassland, grassy woodland, and semi-arid mallee.

Role / Responsibilities

• Provide high level technical advice on flora and general ecological matters, including environmental impact assessments, relevant environmental laws and regulations, ecological research and monitoring, threatened species survey and management, habitat assessment and conservation management planning
• Undertake fieldwork across Australia (predominantly south-eastern Australia), including vegetation mapping, ecological monitoring, targeted threatened flora survey and Vegetation Quality Assessments
• Write and review technical reports
• Project management, including client liaison, management of budgets, deliverables, etc
• Business growth and development, including proposal preparation
• Carry out other duties as requested within your skill and competence

What we offer

• A genuine say in the types of projects we work on and the clients we work with. Our goal is to work with ethical and reputable clients on projects that make a real difference.
• Flexible work arrangements, including fully remote / WFH, with team days at shared workspaces approximately every 2-3 weeks, or more often as needed
• FT / PT flexibility
• Public holiday leave flexibility
• Time in lieu for hours worked above standard hours
• Professional development and training opportunities
• A caring and understanding, small team environment of like-minded people with a passion for conservation and sustainable development

Skills and qualifications (desirable)

• >5 years of experience conducting vegetation surveys in south-east Australia
• Good botanical identification skills, including experience using dissecting microscopes and identification keys
• Solid understanding of Ecological Vegetation Classes in Victoria (or interstate equivalents)
• Experience undertaking Habitat Hectare assessments and VQA accreditation
• Solid understanding of national and state environmental legislation and policy (e.g. EPBC Act, FFG Act, Planning and Environment Act)
• Availability to undertake extended overnight field trips periodically (regularly up to 5 days)
• Willingness to work flexibly and independently, particularly when undertaking flora surveys and traveling to remote locations
• Proven ability to develop and build client relationships
• Well-developed written and verbal communication skills
• Team player, who builds rapport with internal and external partners
• Demonstrated initiative, enthusiasm and passion for the environment, with a strong desire to learn and grow
• Excellent time management skills and ability to meet deadlines
• Bachelor’s Degree in Science with a Botany, Ecology or Environmental Science major. Honours or postgraduate qualifications viewed favourably.

Location

You will be primarily based at your home office - ideally in greater Melbourne or nearby areas of rural Victoria – and will undertake field work as directed. Work within a shared office space will be required approximately fortnightly in Melbourne.

Remuneration

A generous salary package will be negotiated with the successful applicant based on skills and experience. Salary is reviewed annually at the end of each financial year.

nrmjobs.com.au/job/20027118