Nature Advisory is a team of consultants working in the specialised area of environmental impact assessments on flora and fauna in Australia. We assist our clients to meet the expectations of regulators by undertaking technically robust studies to inform ecologically sustainable outcomes. We are one of Australia’s leading wind farm bird and bat impact assessment consultants working on Australia.

A particular focus of our work throughout Australia is renewable energy development impact assessments and seek to ensure ensuring environmental impacts from these projects are minimised. This allows us to make a positive contribution to conserving environmental values while supporting the growth of the renewable energy sector. As an environmental firm, it is also important to us that the impact of our own operations are considered and we are carbon neutral. 

We are a leading provider of bird and bat ecological services to the wind energy industry and primarily work throughout Australia’s eastern states. We specialise in pre-construction and operational ecological impact assessments, identifying relevant issues, implementing appropriate monitoring, and creating workable alternatives to avoid, minimise and mitigate impacts on bird and bats. We also have expertise in operational monitoring, implementing routine surveys, responding to impacts upon threatened species and undertaking targeted surveys. The renewable energy industry is a rapidly growing sector in Australia where we, as environmental consultants, can have a major influence by informing key environmental decisions based on scientific data during the planning phase of a development.

We are currently seeking a Scent Detection Dog Handler to join our team in conducting field investigations at wind farms in central New South Wales (ideally based in the Canberra – Goulburn - Orange). The position will involve being the primary full-time career, reinforcing and maintaining existing training, handling and deployment in the field with Nature Advisory’s professionally trained detection dog. The detection dog will be primarily deployed for the purpose of implementing bird and bat management plans at operating wind farms in NSW. The role will also include, but not be limited to; data collection, collation and analysis, report writing and other ecological surveys as required. The successful applicant will be supported by Nature Advisory’s lead scent dog trainer and handler from our Victorian office and guidance from an independent elite detection dog trainer.

Essential selection criteria:

• A degree in environmental science;
• Experience and/or formal training in handling and maintaining scent detection or working dogs;
• Capability to appropriately house and care for the dog on a long-term basis;
• Ability to work independently in the field;
• Data collection and management;
• Verbal and written communication skills; and
• A current driver’s license and 4WD competency.

The following additional skills are highly favourable, but are not essential:

• Strong bird and bat identification skills;
• Experience in ecological surveys;
• Report writing skills;
• Data analysis skills; and
• Consulting experience.

The position provides an excellent opportunity to join a diverse and friendly team of ecologists working within the renewable energy sector, committed to a high standard of technical work and client service.  It is best suited to someone seeking to further their zoological and detection dog training skills for conservation. There will be periods when field trips involve several days away from home which will be covered through away from home allowance.