Principal Ecologist & Team Lead - Drive Impactful Projects

SLR Consulting New Zealand Limited; Wellington; On-site; NZD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

SLR Consulting New Zealand Limited is seeking a Principal/Team Lead Ecologist to lead the Wellington ecology team and empower senior staff across Wellington and Nelson. You will guide technical excellence, drive business development, and grow a high-performing team.

You will develop and coach staff, win work, deliver high-quality reports, and manage multidisciplinary projects across diverse sectors while ensuring regulatory compliance and strong client relationships.

Qualifications

• A degree in Ecology, Marine Science or a related field.
• 12-15+ years in Ecology or Marine Science with strong technical ability in terrestrial/freshwater ecology.
• Experience winning, leading and managing projects.
• Experience in preparing impact assessments and environmental risk assessments.
• Working knowledge of New Zealand environmental legislation, standards and guidelines.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• New Zealand citizenship or rights to work in NZ.
• Excellent driving history and a current driver’s license.

Responsibilities

• Bringing with you an established network and proven ability to win work will be highly advantageous
• Delivering clear and precise, high-quality reports
• Undertaking fieldwork activities and resourcing the right teams on projects
• Developing, facilitating and enhancing effective relationships with clients and internal SLR team members
• Working within multidisciplinary teams to deliver projects across a range of sectors

Skills

Ecology expertise

Project leadership

Environmental risk assessments

NZ legislation knowledge

Communication skills

Education

BSc/MSc in Ecology or Marine Science

Job description

SLR Consulting New Zealand Limited is seeking a Principal/Team Lead Ecologist to lead the Wellington ecology team and empower senior staff across Wellington and Nelson. You will guide technical excellence, drive business development, and grow a high-performing team.

You will develop and coach staff, win work, deliver high-quality reports, and manage multidisciplinary projects across diverse sectors while ensuring regulatory compliance and strong client relationships.