Senior Ecologist

Aurecon; Brisbane; On-site; AUD 100,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Aurecon is seeking a Senior Ecologist to join the Environment and Planning team in Queensland. You will lead ecological assessments, conduct field surveys, and mentor less experienced ecologists while coordinating with multidisciplinary teams.

The role covers diverse projects across energy, transport, infrastructure, and water, with travel across Queensland and autonomous fieldwork. Consulting experience is valued but not essential.

Qualifications

• Strong technical report-writing skills and ability to turn field findings into practical advice.
• Understanding of Queensland and Commonwealth environmental legislation for EC impact assessments.
• Ability to plan and lead fieldwork autonomously while collaborating with a wider team.
• Teamwork and communication skills with an interest in mentoring junior colleagues.
• Current open driver's licence and willingness to undertake fieldwork and travel across Queensland.

Responsibilities

• Lead and deliver ecological assessments from planning and field investigations to reporting and advice.
• Undertake flora and fauna field surveys and biodiversity data collection/analysis across Queensland.
• Manage own work packages, coordinating requirements, timelines and outcomes with senior support.
• Prepare and review high-quality ecological impact assessment reports aligned to legislation.
• Provide biodiversity offset advice and contribute to offset assessments where possible.
• Guide and mentor junior ecologists, sharing knowledge to strengthen the team.
• Collaborate with environmental, planning and engineering specialists and contribute to client discussions.

Skills

Report writing

Communication

Mentoring

Education

Degree in ecology, botany, zoology, environmental science or related

Job description

At Aurecon, we are engineering optimists who see the world differently. We ask what’s possible and turn ideas into impact. Here, you’ll bring your expertise to challenges that matter, alongside people who think boldly and are determined to make a difference.

Due to a strong and growing pipeline of biodiversity work across Queensland, we’re looking for a Senior Ecologist to join our Environment and Planning team.

This is a great opportunity for an experienced ecologist who enjoys the technical side of ecology but is ready to take greater ownership of projects, lead field teams and mentor others. You’ll work across a diverse portfolio spanning energy, transport, infrastructure, land and water, government and the built environment.

What you’ll do

• You’ll join an established Queensland biodiversity team, delivering ecological assessments and advice as part of multidisciplinary projects and directly for our clients.You will:


• Lead and deliver ecological assessments, from planning and field investigations through to technical reporting and advice.


• Undertake and lead flora and fauna field surveys, biodiversity data collection and analysis across Queensland.


• Manage your own packages of work, coordinating project requirements, timelines and outcomes with support from our senior team.


• Prepare and review high-quality ecological impact assessment reports and provide advice aligned to relevant State and Commonwealth legislation.


• Provide biodiversity offset advice and contribute to offset assessments where your experience allows.


• Guide and mentor junior ecologists, sharing your knowledge and helping strengthen capability across the team.


• Collaborate with environmental, planning and engineering specialists and contribute to client conversations and proposals.

Your experience and expertise

• We’re looking for someone who has built strong hands-on ecological experience and is now comfortable taking responsibility for delivering defined pieces of work.

You’ll bring:

• A degree in ecology, botany, zoology, environmental science or a related discipline.


• Relevant professional experience undertaking ecological assessments and field surveys.


• Strong technical report-writing skills and the ability to turn field findings into clear, practical advice.


• An understanding of Queensland and Commonwealth environmental legislation and how it applies to ecological impact assessments.


• The confidence to plan and lead fieldwork and work autonomously while collaborating closely with a wider team.


• Strong teamwork and communication skills, with an interest in mentoring and developing junior colleagues.


• A current open driver's licence and willingness to undertake fieldwork and travel across Queensland as projects require.

Consulting experience is highly regarded, but it isn't essential. If you have developed strong ecological assessment and technical reporting capability within government, industry, research or another environment, we'd still like to hear from you.

Experience with biodiversity offsets and MHQA methodology would also be valuable, but we don't need you to tick every box.

How we support your growth

Engineering possibilities for your career means having room to shape what comes next. You bring your ambition and commitment to lifelong learning, and we provide the foundation and development to help you turn your aspirations into achievement.

The Aurecon Way guides how we think, act and work together, what we value and how we invest in our people. You’ll be part of a culture built on clear expectations, optimism and determination, where you can feel safe, included and empowered to speak openly, think boldly and deliver brilliantly.

Who we are

We are an engineering consultancy with more than 6,000 people across Australia, New Zealand and Asia. We believe the world needs people who can engineer possibilities; people who can create infrastructure that makes life better for people and the planet. That is why we are here – to bring ideas to life, the Aurecon way.

Ready to engineer possibilities?

We value diverse experiences and welcome applications for part-time or flexible working arrangements. For recruitment adjustments, contact ***************@aurecongroup.com.

Our hiring decisions are made by people, not AI. We’re interested in your thinking and experience, so please ensure your application reflects your authentic perspective.