Principal Ecologist

One of Australia's largest employee-owned environmental consultancies Industry Leading Ecology Team Additional Benefit of a #ME Day (Paid day off once a month) About Umwelt With over three decades of experience and nine locations nationwide, we are a team of vibrant professionals servicing a range of sectors including renewables, infrastructure, sustainability, defence, regulation and policy, critical minerals, and urban development.
We provide fully integrated environmental and social assessment and management services including concept and feasibility, technical assessment, consultation, approvals, delivery, operation, and decommissioning.
Our national biodiversity team is known for our wide-ranging and extensive technical expertise and our robust biodiversity assessments.
Our services are in high demand and continue to grow on the back of new and exciting projects, including within the renewable energy, infrastructure and resource sectors.
At all times, our goal is to use our expertise to provide specialist advice to balance development, impact avoidance and offsetting results that achieve the best possible environmental outcome.
About the Opportunity As a Principal Ecologist specialising in Zoology, you will lead our ecological initiatives, providing both leadership and technical expertise to drive projects from start to finish.
With a focus on innovation and excellence, you will mentor staff and foster a culture of continuous learning and professional development.
Your role will encompass both fieldwork and office-based activities, with opportunities to travel across the country as part of a national team.
You will oversee field survey programs, often in logistically complex and remote locations, ensuring the delivery of high-quality outcomes.
Additionally, you will build strong client relationships, identify new business opportunities, and contribute to the growth of our consultancy firm.
You will play a key role in shaping the growth strategy for the ecology workstream in Western Australia, with strong support from our national Ecology managers and executive team to ensure the successful delivery of ecological services in Western Australia.
Key Requirements: 10+ years of relevant ecological experience, preferably in a consulting environment Degree qualified in ecology, environmental science, zoology, botany or a related discipline Demonstrated experience in leading and managing medium and large-scale ecological assessment and management projects, including field survey programs Must possess a strong safety mindset, ensuring all ecological activities are conducted in an accordance with safety regulations and best practices Substantial experience in preparing and managing ecological impact assessment Experience working on infrastructure projects, including energy sector projects such as wind farms Experienced in developing and maintaining positive relationships with a range of stakeholders including clients, government agencies and fellow team members Strong understanding of relevant legislation, regulations, and ecological policies and guidance Strong verbal and written communication skills including experience in preparing and reviewing reports.
Willingness to take responsibility for delivery of reports to final quality Excellent communication skills, with the ability to convey technical information to diverse audiences, which include clients, government agencies and internal staff Demonstrate leadership abilities, including project management and team coordination Current Australian driver's license What We Offer Our people are our number one asset, and we are committed to providing a workplace that supports our team to grow.
As part of our team, you will be offered: A role working with experienced professionals to support your growth and development Opportunities to work nationally across diverse and technically challenging projects #MeDays – an Umwelt wellbeing initiative offering staff one extra paid day off per month (12 days per year for FTE) to support mental health Flexible work arrangements to support a work/life balance Generous additional hours policy and working away from home benefits Paid parental leave for both primary and secondary carers Opportunities to join the company's Employee Share Plan (ESP) A workplace culture of learning and personal development, with a mix of in-house and externally hosted training opportunities offered as well as mentorship Established and well considered wellbeing tools and initiatives and hands-on training A competitive salary based on skills and experience Diversity and Inclusion At Umwelt, we are committed to fostering a workplace that embraces diversity and inclusion.
We're all responsible in creating a diverse, inclusive, and accountable culture where employees of all backgrounds and lifestyles feel a sense of belonging, mutual respect, and kindness.
The Umwelt team are privileged to collaborate closely with Indigenous communities across the nation, and we actively pursue the goals outlined in our Reconciliation Action Plan.
We believe that a diverse and inclusive environment not only enriches our workplace culture but also drives innovation and excellence in all that we do.
Join us in our mission to create a supportive and equitable workplace where everyone's unique perspectives and contributions are valued.
Join the Umwelt Team If you believe you meet the criteria for this opportunity, please apply via SEEK.
Your application should include a cover letter addressing how you meet the above criteria and your resume outlining your previous experience.
If you would like additional assistance through the recruitment process, please reach out to our friendly HR team at ******.
To be eligible for this position you must have legal work rights to work in Australia.