Principal Ecologist

Beca; Auckland; On-site; NZD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Beca seeks a Principal Ecologist to provide specialist ecological advice on major infrastructure, renewable energy, water and environmental projects in New Zealand, Australia and the Pacific. You will influence project outcomes and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to deliver practical, future-focused solutions.

This role leads ecological assessments, supports biodiversity policy, and strengthens Beca's capability across Aotearoa New Zealand, Australia and the Pacific.

Qualifications

• Degree-qualified ecology professional with significant consulting experience.
• Deep knowledge of NZ environmental legislation, policy and regulatory frameworks.
• Experience providing technical leadership, peer review and quality assurance, with mentoring abilities.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership across a diverse portfolio of ecological projects, guiding assessment approaches and ensuring high quality outputs.
• Act as a trusted adviser to clients and project teams, delivering robust ecological advice.
• Lead strategic pursuits, proposals and tenders to secure high-value work across NZ, Australia and the Pacific.
• Build relationships with clients, regulators, iwi, contractors and multidisciplinary teams.
• Partner with specialists to develop integrated scientific, engineering and environmental solutions.
• Champion biodiversity policy knowledge and best practice to grow Beca's ecology capability.

Skills

Ecology expertise

Technical leadership

Regulatory knowledge

Client relationships

Mentoring

Strategic thinking

Education

Ecology degree

Job description

Are you a recognised ecologist with deep technical expertise and a passion for solving complex environmental challenges? At Beca, we're looking for a Principal Ecologist to provide specialist ecological advice across a diverse range of projects throughout New Zealand, Australia and the Pacific.

This role is ideal for a highly respected ecology professional who enjoys applying technical excellence, influencing project outcomes and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to deliver practical, future-focused solutions.

Te whiwhinga mahi | The opportunity

As a Principal Ecologist, you'll provide specialist ecological advice across major infrastructure, renewable energy, water sector and environmental projects, helping clients navigate challenging environmental issues and regulatory requirements.

Working closely with planners, engineers, environmental scientists and project managers, you'll contribute your specialist knowledge to deliver integrated solutions that balance environmental, social and commercial outcomes.

This is an opportunity to work on nationally significant projects, influence environmental outcomes and help strengthen Beca's technical ecology capability across Aotearoa New Zealand, Australia and the Pacific.

While Auckland is preferred, we are open to applications from experienced candidates based anywhere in New Zealand.

Ngā kawenga matua | What you'll be doing

• Provide technical leadership across a diverse portfolio of ecological projects, guiding assessment approaches, reviewing technical outputs and ensuring the highest standards of quality.

• Act as a trusted adviser to clients, project teams and stakeholders, delivering robust ecological advice and helping shape sustainable outcomes for complex projects.

• Lead and contribute to strategic pursuits, proposals and tenders, leveraging your expertise to secure and deliver high-value work across New Zealand, Australia and the Pacific.

• Build strong relationships with clients, regulators, iwi, contractors and multidisciplinary project teams, fostering collaboration and confidence in Beca's ecological expertise.

• Partner with specialists across Beca to develop integrated scientific, engineering and environmental solutions while strengthening collaboration with our Australian Ecology team.

• Champion technical excellence by staying at the forefront of biodiversity policy, legislation and industry best practice, while contributing to the continued growth and reputation of Beca's ecology practice.

Ko wai koe | About you

You're a recognised ecology specialist with a reputation for technical excellence, trusted advice and delivering high-quality outcomes on complex projects. You'll enjoy solving challenging environmental issues, influencing project direction and helping develop the next generation of ecologists.

You'll bring

• Degree-qualified ecology professional with significant consulting experience and recognised technical expertise in terrestrial and/or freshwater ecology, including the successful delivery of complex projects and ecological assessments.

• Deep knowledge of New Zealand environmental legislation, policy and regulatory frameworks, coupled with strong analytical thinking, sound technical judgement and pragmatic problem-solving skills.

• Experience providing technical leadership, peer review and quality assurance, with the ability to mentor others, build capability and champion technical excellence across a collaborative, multidisciplinary team.

• An established professional network and the ability to build trusted client relationships, win work and contribute to the growth of ecology services.

• CEnvP Ecology Specialist accreditation (or progress towards it) is preferred, while hearing, Board of Inquiry or Environment Court experience would be advantageous.

• Specialist expertise in freshwater ecology or ornithology and/or botany would be highly regarded.

• NZ working rights and a current driver's licence.

Why Beca?

At Beca, you'll be part of a stable, collaborative and highly respected Ecology team with a strong pipeline of work and trusted client relationships. You'll have the opportunity to:

• Work on nationally significant and technically challenging projects.

• Collaborate with specialists across environmental engineering, planning, hydrogeology, digital and other disciplines.

• Influence the future direction of our ecology practice.

• Contribute to expanding ecology services across Australia and the Pacific.

• Develop innovative, integrated solutions that balance environmental, social and engineering outcomes.

• Join a supportive team that genuinely enjoys working together and helping each other succeed.