The Narla Environmental Sydney office is currently seeking a passionate Environmental Consultant or Ecological Consultant to join our team.

We are currently looking for someone who is excited to:

• Manage a variety of projects (small and large);
• Experience accelerated career progression in a reputable Environmental Consultancy;
• Join a team of like-minded, passionate, professional Ecologists;
• Build on your experience working with a diverse range of projects and industries; and
• Preferably at least 5 years in an ecological consulting role.

Who are we?

Narla Environmental is an Environmental Consultancy that delivers a spectrum of high-quality Environmental and Ecological Consulting services for approval, compliance, conservation and research. We do not limit ourselves to working with particular sectors- our clientele includes urban development, infrastructure, natural resources, mineral resources, non-government organisations, and local/state/commonwealth government agencies.

Our company has quickly grown to become a familiar name in the New South Wales Environmental Consulting space. Narla’s youthful team of enthusiastic and passionate Ecologists is the reason for our growing success. Our staff are key to our business model. We have a strong team who work together to provide great outcomes for the environment and our clients. Our culture is relaxed and we value open discussions and communication across all management levels.

Our staff are all willing to help others learn and develop in their role, and we are equally willing to learn from any relevant, unique skills that you may bring to your role.

Role Description

In the capacity of Senior Ecological Consultant at Narla Environmental, you will deliver a range of high-quality reports including, but not limited to, Flora and Fauna Assessments, Biodiversity Assessment Reports, Review of Environmental Factors, Pre and Post-clearing Assessments and Management Plans. You will also be expected to mentor junior staff and contribute to the company’s desire to grow and explore new projects.

To do this you will be required to:

• communicate effectively with specialist/field staff to extract, interpret and analyse field data to complete reporting tasks;
• work closely with the General Manager, other Project Managers, Admin staff and junior ecologists;
• prepare quotes and tenders to win work;
• display excellent ability to learn new skills, and follow instructions;
• communicate effectively with clients to obtain the information and data you require to complete your reporting tasks;
• regularly communicate with your team and other teams to plan out your workloads and reporting/work priorities;
• use Geographical Information Systems (GIS) to map field data;
• analyse data using Microsoft Excel; and
• compile reports using Microsoft Word.

In this role you will find yourself working on a diverse range of projects. Your ability to work with limited supervision and handle short-notice changes in work environment (from one project task to another) is essential.

When joining Narla you must be prepared to work for a wide range of different clients and be able to manage yourself professionally and effectively around clients and other stakeholders at all times.

Field work does not form a strong component of this role; however, as you are in charge of your workload you can adapt your field work schedule to suit.

Selection Criteria

Passion for the environment and/or ecology forms a strong foundation in a successful Environmental Consultant’s career, however, equally important (and essential) are your abilities to deliver excellent written reports and display strong ability in managing time to meet budgets and deadlines set by the clients and the General Manager.

This role will allow you to combine your passion for environmental management, and well-developed writing and project management skills to create high quality work and great outcomes for our clients and the environment.

Essential Application Criteria

• a relevant tertiary degree in Science, Environmental Science, Environmental Management, Planning, Ecology, Biodiversity, Natural Resource Management or equivalent;
• experience managing large projects and junior staff;
• BAM Accreditation (or desire to become BAM accredited);
• a minimum of 4 years of employment experience as an Environmental/ Ecological Consultant NSW, or
• at least 5 years demonstrated employment experience in a closely related field (e.g. conservation, regulatory/compliance or equivalent) in NSW.

The ideal candidate for this position will display:

• experience in preparing a range of high-quality consulting reports, including biodiversity assessment reports, project compliance approvals, environmental monitoring and environmental management;
• sound flora ID in NSW;
• demonstrated project, budget and client management skills;
• a demonstrated understanding of how to work to assigned budgets and meet deadlines;
• proven ability to work independently with limited supervision;
• well-developed written and verbal communication skills with proven ability to communicate effectively with peers and clients and operate in a team environment;
• confidence in meeting, advising and working with clients and regulators;
• Knowledge of local, NSW and Commonwealth environmental legislation and policy including relevant provisions of one or more of the following:
• NSW Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 and
• Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016 and
• Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999
• State Environmental Planning Policies (SEPPs)
• ability to work extended hours at a computer;
• ability and desire to engage with stakeholders including developers, state government, local councils and members of the general public; and
• proficiency in the use of Microsoft suite of products, including Microsoft Word and Excel.
• ability to use Geographical Information Systems (QGIS) to analyse data, compile pre-existing layers and produce simple maps that can be published in compliance/approvals reports

Other important details:

Narla will provide accelerated experience and career growth that cannot be found in most other consultancies. At Narla, we value your contributions, abilities and skills, not simply your ‘time on the job’.

The successful candidate will become a valued, member of an energetic and passionate team of Environmental Professionals based in our office located in the leafy, lower Northern Beaches of Sydney. Working from home is supported.

Narla is keen to enhance the abilities of our staff and will pay for you to attend formal training and/or maintain industry memberships and subscriptions where relevant to your role.