Senior or Principal Aquatic Scientist

Stantec Consulting International Ltd.; Perth; Hybrid; AUD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working arrangements

Work from home opportunities

Professional development programmes

Mentoring and career progression

Leave enhancement options

Job summary

Stantec is seeking a Senior or Principal Aquatic Scientist to join the Perth-based Aquatic Ecology Team. You will manage inland waters projects, lead surveys, conduct laboratory analysis, and prepare high-quality technical reports for diverse projects across the region.

You will work with a broad national group of ecology experts and benefit from flexible working arrangements, professional development, and the opportunity to mentor others. Perth-based with remote options.

Qualifications

• Tertiary qualification in Freshwater Ecology / Biology, or Marine Science or equivalent.
• Five to 20 years’ professional inland waters experience.
• Demonstrated knowledge of inland waters concepts.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Well-developed field and technical skills, including leadership.
• Exceptional data management, analysis and report writing skills.
• Ability to work well in a team environment.
• Taxonomic or specimen identification experience is desirable.
• Understanding of relevant state and Commonwealth inland waters legislation and guidance is desirable.
• Interest in innovation to improve work.

Responsibilities

• Planning, leading and implementing aquatic ecology projects.
• Intermittent field work surveying waterbodies in remote areas.
• Laboratory analysis and data management.
• Preparation of proposals and budgets to meet client and regulatory expectations.
• Managing project staff and mentoring junior staff.
• Undertaking environmental impact assessment.
• Technical report writing to a high scientific standard.
• Collaboration across ecological disciplines.

Skills

Inland waters experience

Leadership skills

Data management

Laboratory analysis

Technical report writing

Excellent communication skills

Teamwork

Field work

Driver's licence

Education

Tertiary qualification in Freshwater Ecology / Biology, or Marine Science or equivalent

Job description

Senior or Principal Aquatic Scientist - ( 260000LW )

Description

Due to exciting growth in our Australian Environmental Business, we are looking for experienced Senior or Principal Aquatic Scientists to work in our passionate Aquatic Ecology Team. We are interested in experienced aquatic scientists that can manage projects, lead surveys, undertake laboratory analysis, and write technical reports. You will also be a part of a broader national group with industry experts across aquatic ecology, marine ecology, terrestrial ecology, and environmental approvals disciplines, who are currently undertaking a range of exciting projects across the Asia Pacific Region.

About the role

Our broader Perth Environment and Geoscience Team provides strategic and practical solutions to clients with environmental challenges and comprises more than 100 skilled staff across more than 10 disciplines. We are currently seeking a Senior or Principal Aquatic Scientists with inland waters experience to join our team.

Based in our Perth office, the Aquatic Ecology Team includes a range of leading experts in their field, with demonstrated experience in undertaking comprehensive baseline inland waters surveys, compliance monitoring, specialist analysis and identification (including algae, macrophytes, aquatic invertebrates and fish), technical reporting, and environmental impact assessments. We have a variety of current and upcoming exciting projects spanning across the Pilbara, Central Deserts, Mid-west, Goldfields, and Southwest regions of Western Australia, sampling waterbodies ranging from freshwater riverine habitats to coastal and offshore marine ecosystems.

Joining our Aquatic Ecology Team would involve the following day to day tasks:

• Planning, leading and implementing aquatic ecology projects

• Intermittent field work surveying waterbodies in remote areas

• Laboratory analysis and data management

• Preparation of proposals and budgets to meet client and regulatory expectations

• Managing project staff and mentoring junior staff

• Undertaking environmental impact assessment

• Technical report writing to a high scientific standard

• Collaboration across various ecological disciplines (flora and vegetation, terrestrial fauna, marine science, environmental approvals, mine closure, and rehabilitation)

To be successful for this role you'll need:

• Tertiary qualification in Freshwater Ecology / Biology, or Marine Science or equivalent

• Five to 20 years’ professional inland waters experience

• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of inland waters concepts

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

• Well-developed field and technical skills, including leadership skills

• Exceptional data management, analysis, and report writing skills

• Ability to work well in a team environment

• Taxonomic or specimen identification experience is desirable

• Working knowledge of State and Commonwealth legislation and guidance, relevant to inland waters, is desirable

• Interest in embracing innovation to continually improve our work

• Eligibility to work in Australia with a current C class unrestricted (manual) drivers' licence

What we offer

Along with a competitive salary for commensurate skills and experience, we offer a number of benefits to ensure ongoing professional development and wellbeing including:

• Ability to work with a highly experienced and friendly team, comprising dedicated aquatic scientists with a range of expertise, working on exciting projects

• Penalty rates and time in lieu for extended field work in remote locations

• Being part of a broader Environment and Geoscience Team across Australia, with the opportunity to diversify your skill set nationally

• Genuine Flexible Working Arrangements - including work from home opportunities

• Option to purchase up to 4 weeks additional leave

• Learning and Talent Development Programs - including global programmes, online learning and on-the-job learning

• Mentoring for your own development and the opportunity to mentor others

• Social and professional clubs within Stantec to enhance connection, interactions and upskilling across Australia

• Professional Registrations and Memberships

• Salary Continuance Insurance (SCI)

• Mental Health and Wellbeing Programs

• Service Recognition Awards

• Employee Referral Benefits

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for employees and their immediate family members

About Stantec

The Stantec community unites over 34,000 employees working in over 450 locations across six continents. We collaborate across disciplines and industries to bring buildings, energy, resources, water, environmental, transport, and infrastructure projects to life. Our work from initial project concept and planning through design, construction, and commissioning begins at the intersection of community, creativity, and client relationships.

Culture

Stantec is serious about healthy work-life balance, diversity, inclusion & equity, indigenous relations, innovation, community engagement, corporate sustainability, and social wellbeing. We have employee groups for women, LGBTQI , neurodiversity, and more! Our employees play sport, fundraise, volunteer, learn, and have fun together.

We are committed to reconciliation and to building respectful relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. We're better together when different perspectives are welcomed and valued, and we're committed to a workplace where everyone can belong and thrive. If you need any adjustments to participate in our recruitment process, please let us know

Qualifications

• Tertiary qualification in Freshwater Ecology / Biology, or Marine Science or equivalent

Primary Location : Australia-Western Australia-Perth

Organization : BC-3045 EnvSvcs-AU Australia

Employee Status : Regular

Job Level : Individual Contributor

Travel : No

Schedule : Full-time

Job Posting : Sep 13, 2026, 6:53:06 PM

Req ID : 260000LW

Stantec provides equal employment opportunities to all qualified employees and applicants for future and current employment and prohibit discrimination on the grounds of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, genetic information, disability, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. We prohibit discrimination in decisions concerning recruitment, hiring, referral, promotion, compensation, fringe benefits, job training, terminations or any other condition of employment. Stantec is in compliance with local, state and federal laws and regulations and ensures equitable opportunities in all aspects of employment. EEO including Disability/Protected Veterans