Senior / Principal Ecologist – BAM Accredited Assessor

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

Senior / Principal Ecologist – BAM Accredited Assessor

Eco Logical Australia

Location: Sydney, NSW | Lead diverse ecology projects, mentor teams, and enjoy supportive hybrid and flexible workplace culture with Eco Logical Australia.

At Eco Logical Australia (ELA), a Tetra Tech Company, we’re more than just an environmental consultancy. We’re a multi-disciplinary community of over 200 approachable experts who lead with science to inform critical environmental decisions and deliver positive solutions.

Our "Find Your People" philosophy means you’ll be surrounded by smart, grounded, and genuinely supportive teammates who love what they do. Our clients trust and rely on us for solutions; together, we work on some of the most complex and meaningful biodiversity projects in NSW and beyond.

ELA operates autonomously within the Tetra Tech group, a leading provider of consulting services worldwide with a network of 49 specialist companies. This unique blend of local expertise and international strength gives our clients the agility of a mid-sized consultancy, backed by the security, resources and opportunities of a global organisation.

We’re deeply committed to creating a welcoming, inclusive and supportive workplace where everyone feels they belong and their contributions are genuinely valued. This commitment is grounded in our core values: Listen First, Share Your Genius, Be Courageous, and Feed the Culture.

Our recruitment practices uphold equal opportunity and accessibility, and our culture actively supports professional growth, wellbeing, and career development in a safe and respectful environment. We offer full‑time, part‑time and flexible work arrangements—so our people can live their best lives while doing their best work.

We are implementing our Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) and are proud to partner with CareerTrackers to provide meaningful internship opportunities for First Nations university students.

WHAT YOU'LL BE DOING

With the continued success and growth of our Sydney Metro ecology team, we are looking for a BAM‑accredited Senior or Principal Ecologist to join us. Based in our Newcastle, Sydney or Wollongong office, this role offers an exciting opportunity to lead interesting and diverse projects, mentor junior consultants, and deliver innovative environmental management and conservation solutions to our clients.

As one of 40 ecologists in our Sydney Metro region, you’ll work alongside a national network of ecologists, GIS experts, and planners who share your commitment to getting it right.

• 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.

WHAT YOU’LL BRING

• 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.

WHY YOU’LL LOVE WORKING WITH US

• A competitive salary subject to annual review
• Workplace flexibility.
• Paid birthday leave.
• Study assistance scheme and learning opportunities with industry experts.
• Paid membership to one professional organisation annually.
• Collaboration on national projects, building your expertise within a supportive community of practice.
• Genderless 12‑week paid parental leave.
• Salary packaging options including for car leasing and salary sacrifice into superannuation or to purchase up to 4 weeks of additional annual leave.
• Opportunity to participate in the Tetra Tech employee stock purchase program, and purchase at a discounted rate (NASDAQ TTEK).

Most of all, we offer purpose‑driven work, incredible colleagues, and the opportunity to grow a career where you don’t have to choose between quality of work and quality of life.

• For further information about the position, please contact Stacey Wilson, Principal Ecologist and Ecology Discipline Lead, via [e-mail]