Senior Ecologist – Auckland

AECOM; Auckland; On-site; NZD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible work arrangements

Up to 6 weeks additional annual leave

Volunteer leave

Representation leave

Flexible public holidays

Job summary

AECOM's Natural Resources team in Auckland is seeking an experienced Senior Ecologist to lead projects across freshwater, wetlands and terrestrial environments. The role focuses on delivering ecological assessments, environmental consenting and technical advisory services within NZ's infrastructure and environmental portfolios.

You'll work with multidisciplinary teams, manage field surveys, mentor colleagues and contribute to proposals while building client relationships across New Zealand.

Qualifications

• Significant professional experience in ecological consulting.
• Experience in freshwater, wetland or terrestrial ecology.
• Ability to deliver high-quality technical reports.
• Experience contributing to infrastructure or environmental advisory projects.
• Strong project management and client engagement skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead ecological assessments across freshwater and wetlands.
• Plan and deliver field surveys and monitoring programs.
• Prepare high-quality ecological reports and consent documents.
• Provide input to complex infrastructure and renewables projects.
• Support resource consent reviews and environmental advisory tasks.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams on solutions.
• Contribute to proposals and client engagement.
• Mentor colleagues in ecology practices.
• Stay updated on NZ biodiversity policy and legislation.
• Travel throughout New Zealand for fieldwork.

Skills

Ecology

Field surveys

Report writing

Project management

Client communication

Education

Ecology degree

Tools

ArcGIS

Job description

Company Description

At AECOM, we're delivering a better world. Whether improving your commute, keeping the lights on, providing access to clean water, or transforming skylines, our work helps people and communities thrive. We are the world’s trusted infrastructure consulting firm, partnering with clients to solve the world’s most complex challenges and build legacies for future generations.

Work with Us. Change the World.

There has never been a better time to be at AECOM. With accelerating infrastructure investment worldwide, our services are in great demand. We invite you to bring your bold ideas and big dreams and become part of a global team of over 50,000 planners, designers, engineers, scientists, digital innovators, program and construction managers and other professionals delivering projects that create a positive and tangible impact around the world.

We're one global team driven by our common purpose to deliver a better world. Join us.

Job Description

AECOM’s Natural Resources team is delivering some of New Zealand’s most significant transport, water, ecological restoration and infrastructure projects, helping shape the future of biodiversity outcomes across Aotearoa.

As our portfolio continues to grow, we're looking for an experienced Senior Ecologist to join our national Natural Resources/Ecology team in Auckland. This is an opportunity to bring your technical expertise to a diverse range of projects, with a particular focus on freshwater and wetland ecology, while contributing to our expanding renewables and infrastructure portfolios.

You'll work alongside experienced ecologists and multidisciplinary specialists on projects spanning ecological assessment, environmental consenting, technical advisory services and ecological restoration. With a growing pipeline of work across New Zealand, you'll have the opportunity to take ownership of technical delivery, provide trusted ecological advice to clients and help shape the next phase of our ecology capability.

This role would suit an ecologist who combines strong technical skills with practical field experience and enjoys working collaboratively to solve complex environmental challenges. You'll also have opportunities to contribute to proposals, develop client relationships and support the continued growth of our Natural Resources business.

Some of your key responsibilities include

• Lead and undertake ecological assessments across freshwater, wetland and terrestrial environments, with a focus on wetland ecology.
• Plan and deliver ecological field surveys, investigations and monitoring programmes.
• Prepare and review high-quality ecological reports, impact assessments, consent documentation and technical advice.
• Provide specialist ecological input to complex infrastructure, water, renewables and environmental restoration projects.
• Support resource consent reviews, ecological assessments and technical advisory assignments for a diverse range of clients.
• Work closely with multidisciplinary teams to develop practical, evidence-based solutions to environmental challenges.
• Contribute to proposal development, client engagement and business development opportunities across New Zealand.
• Mentor and share technical knowledge with colleagues, supporting the ongoing development of the wider ecology team.
• Stay current with New Zealand biodiversity policy, environmental legislation and ecological assessment best practice.
• Travel throughout New Zealand for fieldwork and project delivery as required.

Qualifications

• Significant professional experience in ecological consulting, ideally at Senior Ecologist level or equivalent.
• Strong experience in freshwater, wetland and/or terrestrial ecology, including ecological assessments and field surveys.
• Demonstrated ability to deliver high-quality technical reports and provide sound ecological advice.
• Experience contributing to infrastructure, consenting or environmental advisory projects.
• Strong project management skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and deliver work to agreed timeframes.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to work effectively with clients and multidisciplinary teams.

Preferred Qualifications

• A relevant tertiary qualification in Ecology, Environmental Science or a related discipline.
• Specialist knowledge of wetland ecology, including wetland delineation, assessment and monitoring methodologies.
• Experience with New Zealand biodiversity legislation, resource consent processes and ecological impact assessment.
• Experience using GIS software, preferably ArcGIS.
• Experience supporting proposals, developing client relationships or identifying new business opportunities.

Additional Information

Our Ecology team is collaborative, supportive and genuinely enjoys working together. We've built a strong culture with excellent staff retention, where people are trusted, encouraged to grow their careers and given the opportunity to work on projects that have a lasting environmental impact.

You'll work alongside experienced technical specialists on some of New Zealand's most significant infrastructure and environmental programmes, with opportunities to expand your expertise across transport, water, ecological restoration and biodiversity projects.

Why you'll love working with us

• Flexible work arrangements available, aligned with the market and client facing role requirements
• Purchase up to 6 weeks additional annual leave per year
• Volunteer and representation leave
• Flex public holidays – swap Easter or other holidays for ones that suit you better

We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including those with disabilities, additional health or mental health needs, and/or neurodiverse conditions. If you require any adjustments during the hiring process, please let us know.

About AECOM

AECOM is proud to offer comprehensive benefits to meet the diverse needs of our employees. Depending on your employment status, AECOM benefits may include medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, disability benefits, paid time off, leaves of absences, voluntary benefits, perks, flexible work options, well‑being resources, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, service recognition awards, retirement savings plan, and employee stock purchase plan.

AECOM is the global infrastructure leader, committed to delivering a better world. As a trusted professional services firm powered by deep technical abilities, we solve our clients' complex challenges in water, environment, energy, transportation and buildings. Our teams partner with public- and private-sector clients to create innovative, sustainable and resilient solutions throughout the project lifecycle – from advisory, planning, design and engineering to program and construction management. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm that had revenue of $16.1 billion in fiscal year 2025. Learn more at aecom.com.

What makes AECOM a great place to work

You will be part of a global team that champions your growth and career ambitions. Work on groundbreaking projects – both in your local community and on a global scale – that are transforming our industry and shaping the future. With cutting‑edge technology and a network of experts, you’ll have the resources to make a real impact. Our award‑winning training and development programs are designed to expand your technical expertise and leadership skills, helping you build the career you’ve always envisioned. Here, you’ll find a welcoming workplace built on respect, collaboration and community – where you have the freedom to grow in a world of opportunity.

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we believe in your potential and are here to help you achieve it. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.