Associate, Ecology

Aurecon Group; Auckland; On-site; NZD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Aurecon Group is seeking an Associate, Ecology in Auckland to establish and grow a new ecology team in New Zealand. You will lead development of the ecology capability, build relationships with major clients across water, transport and renewable energy, and deliver ecological assessments and projects.

You will recruit and mentor ecology professionals, provide technical leadership, and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to create integrated environmental solutions as Aurecon expands its

Qualifications

• Ecology knowledge and practical environmental science understanding.
• Strong leadership and mentorship abilities.
• Proven ability to engage clients and win work.

Responsibilities

• Lead the establishment and growth of Aurecon's ecology team in New Zealand.
• Build relationships with key and platinum clients, identifying and converting opportunities.
• Win and deliver ecology projects across transport, water and renewable energy sectors.
• Provide technical leadership across ecology reporting and assessment lifecycle.
• Mentor and develop emerging ecology professionals as the team grows.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to deliver integrated environmental solutions.
• Help shape the future direction of Aurecon's ecology offering and market presence in New Zealand.

Skills

Client engagement

Business development

Leadership

Communication

Team growth

Education

Degree in Ecology or Environmental Science

Job description

Associate, Ecology Environment & Planning | Auckland

A rare opportunity to build and grow Aurecon's ecology capability in New Zealand, leading a new team and partnering with important clients across water, transport and renewable energy. At Aurecon, we are optimistic about the future. We are thinkers, problem solvers and collaborators who work with our clients to deliver the infrastructure and environmental outcomes that strengthen communities and create a sustainable future.

What you'll do

This is a rare opportunity to build something from the ground up, with plenty of support from experienced practitioners. As an Associate, Ecology in our Environment & Planning team based in Auckland, you'll play a pivotal role in establishing and growing Aurecon's ecology capability in Aotearoa New Zealand. You'll lead the development of a brand-new team, shape our ecology offering, and work alongside some of our most important clients to unlock opportunities and deliver meaningful environmental outcomes. The role has been created to support growth, and strengthen our relationships with our major clients. This is a genuine seller-doer leadership opportunity where you'll combine technical excellence, client engagement and business growth.

• Lead the establishment and growth of Aurecon's ecology team in New Zealand.
• Build strong relationships with key and platinum clients, identifying and converting new opportunities.
• Win and deliver ecology projects across transport, water and renewable energy sectors.
• Provide technical leadership across the full ecology reporting and assessment lifecycle.
• Mentor and develop emerging ecology professionals as the team grows.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to deliver integrated environmental solutions.
• Help shape the future direction of Aurecon's ecology offering and market presence in New Zealand.

What makes this role different is the opportunity to create and grow a new capability within a Tier 1 consultancy. Rather than stepping into an established team, you'll help build one.

What you'll bring

We're looking for an experienced ecologist who combines technical credibility with commercial acumen and a passion for growing teams and client relationships.

• A degree qualification in Ecology, Environmental Science or a related discipline.
• 10+ years' ecology experience within New Zealand.
• Proven experience delivering ecology assessments and reports across all project stages.
• A track record of work winning, client management and business development.
• Strong relationships across the New Zealand infrastructure, transport, water and/or renewable energy sectors.
• Experience leading projects, mentoring others and building high-performing teams.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to influence both clients and colleagues.
• A self-motivated, entrepreneurial mindset with the ambition to help grow a new service offering.
• A team-player, who is happiest collaborating with others, creating great outcomes.

How we support your growth

We believe your career should be a rewarding adventure. You'll tackle some of New Zealand's most significant infrastructure and environmental challenges while helping shape a capability that doesn't yet exist within our business. Recognised by the AFR as a Best Place to Work in 2026, we embrace diverse perspectives and provide opportunities for people to make a real impact. You'll have the backing of a multidisciplinary Australasian business, support from our established Australian ecology specialists, and the freedom to help define what success looks like for ecology at Aurecon in New Zealand.

Who we are

We are an engineering consultancy with more than 6,000 people across Australia, Aotearoa 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 for your next adventure? If you're excited by the opportunity to build and lead a new ecology team, influence the growth of a market-leading consultancy, and help shape better outcomes for New Zealand's communities and environment, we'd love to hear from you. Our hiring decisions are made by people, not AI. We're most interested in your individual thinking and experiences, so please ensure your application reflects your authentic perspective.

Te whā i ngā whakaaro | Breathing life into our ideas, thoughts, views Kia māia, kia kaha, mahi tahi | Be bold, be strong, work as one.

Our purpose is bringing ideas to life. Learn more about us on our website.