Senior Ecologist

Arup; Gold Coast City; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Profit Share

Job summary

Arup on the Gold Coast seeks a Senior Ecologist to lead ecological assessments and help shape project strategy across major road, rail, water and energy initiatives in Queensland.

You will combine fieldwork with client engagement, guiding a multidisciplinary team to deliver robust environmental outcomes and develop emerging ecologists within the ecology group.

Qualifications

• Recognised tertiary qualifications in Ecology or related discipline.
• SQP status for protected plants surveys in Queensland is highly desirable.
• 7+ years relevant industry experience in ecology, preferably in consulting, with field leadership.

Responsibilities

• Lead ecological assessments and contribute to project strategy.
• Represent Arup at internal and external meetings.
• Mentor and develop junior ecologists within the team.
• Deliver high‑quality environmental outcomes on major projects.
• Assist in budgeting and client/supplier negotiations to meet targets.

Skills

Ecology

Field surveys

Stakeholder engagement

Environmental compliance

Education

Ecology degree

SQP status desirable

Job description

Arup’s purpose, shared values and collaborative approach has set us apart for over 80 years, guiding how we shape a better world.

Join our growing Gold Coast team and be part of an extraordinary collective where diverse perspectives, shared ambition and collaboration drive remarkable outcomes. Working alongside some of the industry's brightest minds, you'll contribute to transformative projects that strengthen communities, shape more sustainable places and improve lives. Backed by Arup's global network and the power of Total Design, you'll have the opportunity to collaborate across disciplines, tackle complex challenges and make an impact locally, nationally and internationally, all while enjoying the unique lifestyle the Gold Coast has to offer.

Shape the future of major road, rail, water and energy projects across Queensland by providing expert ecological advice and helping clients navigate complex environmental challenges. As a Senior Ecologist, you will lead ecological assessments, contribute to project strategy and work closely with multidisciplinary teams to deliver high-quality environmental outcomes.

You will have the opportunity to combine fieldwork, technical expertise and client engagement while supporting the development of emerging ecologists and contributing to the growth of our ecology team.

The Opportunity

• You will be accountable for the ecological components of significant and complex activities or projects. This will require you to be responsible for predicting and planning future resources;
• You will professionally represent Arup at internal and external meetings;
• You will take a longer-term strategic view of the business and contribute to the development plan of Arup;
• You will be responsible for executing responsibilities as outlined in Arup’s Management System;
• You will mentor and develop others, including providing guidance, training, motivation and direction to staff;
• You may be involved in setting budgets; as such you would be responsible for negotiating agreements with customers and suppliers in order to achieve financial targets.

At Arup, you belong to an extraordinary collective – in which we encourage individuality to thrive. Our strength comes from how we respect, share and connect our diverse experiences, perspectives and ideas.

You will have the opportunity to do socially useful work that has meaning – to Arup, to your career, to our members and to the clients and communities we serve.

Is this role right for you?

• Recognised relevant tertiary qualifications in Ecology, Botany, Zoology, Marine/aquatic sciences, Environmental Science or related discipline
• Suitably Qualified Professional (SQP) status for protected plants surveys in Queensland is highly desirable
• Position includes both office and field work and the applicant must be physically able to stand and work in the field including in remote areas for extended periods of time.
• 7 + years relevant industry experience in a professional working environment, preferably in a consulting role or similar. Experience with Commonwealth referrals, significant impact assessments and development of ecological assessment reporting for large scale, complex projects is highly regarded
• 7 + years relevant hands-on experience undertaking field work in the area of terrestrial or aquatic ecology, with substantial experience leading field surveys, and majority of experience within Queensland. Demonstrated success in executing complex, large scale, ecological surveys are highly regarded.
• Field strengths in identifying flora and/or fauna of Queensland, with proficiency in undertaking BioCondition assessments and Regional Ecosystem identification

What we offer you

At Arup, we care about each member’s success, so we can grow together.

Guided by our values, we provide an attractive total reward package that recognises the contribution of each of our members to our shared success. As well as competitive, fair, and equitable pay, we offer a career in which all of our members can belong, grow and thrive – through benefits that support health and wellbeing, a wide range of learning opportunities and many possibilities to have an impact through the work they do.

We are owned in trust on behalf of our members, giving us the freedom, with personal responsibility, to set our own direction and choose work that aligns with our purpose and adds to Arup’s legacy. Our members collaborate on ambitious projects to deliver remarkable outcomes for our clients and communities. Profit Share is a key part of our reward, enabling eligible members to share in the results of our collective efforts.

Different people, shared values

Arup is an equal opportunity employer that actively promotes and nurtures a diverse and inclusive workforce. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, regardless of age (within legal limits), gender identity or expression, marital status, disability, neurotype or mental health, race or ethnicity, faith or belief, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, and whether you’re pregnant or on family leave. We are an open environment that embraces diverse experiences, perspectives, and ideas – this drives our excellence.

Guided by our values and alignment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, we create and contribute to equitable spaces and systems, while cultivating a sense of belonging for all. Our internal employee networks support our inclusive culture: from race, ethnicity and cross-cultural working to gender equity and LGBTQ+ and disability inclusion – we aim to create a space for you to express yourself and make a positive difference. Discover more about life at Arup at www.arup.com/careers/your-life-at-arup.

We are committed to making our recruitment process and workplaces accessible to all candidates. Please let us know if you need any assistance or reasonable adjustments throughout your application or interview process, and/or to perform the essential functions of the role. We will do everything we can to support you.

Arup does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters or employment agencies.