Think Laterally:

That’s what we do at LATERAL ENVIRONMENTAL – we combine the latest innovations in environmental sampling with proven experience in the field of aquatic ecology, to deliver practical, science-based solutions to our valued clients.

Lateral is a start-up aquatic ecology consultancy founded over 12 months ago that specialises in baseline water quality and aquatic ecology studies, environmental impact and risk assessments, dewatering discharge compliance monitoring, stable isotopes and ecotoxicology assessments and threatened aquatic fauna surveys. Lateral has a strong focus on workplace culture and safety management and building authentic long-term relationships with our clients. We provide science-based solutions and certainty around project environmental approvals and for compliance with permitting conditions on both large and small-scale projects throughout Northern Australia and the Asia Pacific region for a variety of diverse clients.

Lateral has sustained continuous and steady growth as a specialist provider of aquatic ecology and water resource assessment and management services since inception. We have a variety of projects underway, as well as a stack of exciting opportunities in the pipeline for the dry season 2022 / wet season 2023 and are seeking a passionate and experienced Senior Aquatic Ecologist / Taxonomist to head up our newly custom built Laboratory in West Perth.

You will play an integral role in our long-term growth as we organically build a leading specialist environmental consultancy with a collective group of like-minded committed, dynamic and highly motivated aquatic ecologists (otherwise known as bug nerds).

The Opportunity:

Do you love water bugs? Do you love taxonomy? Are you up for an exciting challenge, keen to have autonomy and flexibility, and consider yourself a career aquatic ecologist? We’re looking for that special person to join us in our West Perth office in a permanent full-time or part-time capacity (we’re all about the right balance -tell us what suits you!).

You will head up our newly built custom Laboratory with leading Leica stereomicroscopes to provide leading species-level assessment of aquatic invertebrates. Mentoring to less experienced team members will also be a crucial part of our growth strategy.

We’ll provide the support you need, but you’ll also have autonomy to play an integral role in all aspects of project delivery including project and budget management, leading fieldwork, data analysis and report writing.

We’re looking for the following attributes:

• A positive and growth mindset, ability to work as part of a small team, and of course a passion for all things water-ecology related!
• Keen interest in the identification of freshwater macroinvertebrates, with comprehensive experience in species-level identification using relevant Identification guides (did we mention we’re mad about bugs?!).
• Knowledge of scientific data collection techniques for sediment chemistry, water quality and aquatic biota indicators.
• Analytical mind, strong experience in uni- and multi-variate data analysis techniques and application.
• Excellent technical writing skills, ability to produce detailed reporting deliverables to peer review standard.
• Strong organisational, verbal and interpersonal communication skills.
• Strong project / contract management skills suitable for leading small to large sized projects in a day-to-day environmental consultancy.
• Bachelor level degree in a related Environmental, Biological or Marine science. While a PhD is not considered mandatory,
• Minimum five years professional ecological consulting experience (or relevant research experience through a PhD).
• We are looking for a permanent Australian citizen or resident currently residing in Australia and are not placed to sponsor overseas arrivals.

At Lateral, we value our people and are committed to a diverse and inclusive work environment that enables you to reach your full potential, but one that provides balance. We love aquatic ecology but also love our family, friends and hobbies and want to give you the flexibility to live a full life. Culture is exceptionally important to who we are and how we approach our work. 

Our work-life commitment to you:

• Opportunity to lead our laboratory and work with leading Leica equipment, heading up our taxonomic services offering.
• Opportunity to guide direction and support the growth of a small team that is focused on working on a diverse range of aquatic ecosystems, locations and fauna.
• Supportive leadership working alongside a passionate team that values workplace culture and safety in the field.
• Continuous, structured and personalised learning and development opportunities, including presenting at, or attending relevant seminars, conferences and workshops.
• Flexible working arrangements including office/lab based and working from home opportunities.
• No timesheets, utilisation targets or micro-management with us (gamechanger).
• Leading employment benefits package including private healthcare, wellness program and professional development allowances.
• Very competitive base salary (up to $110,000 + 10% Superannuation Guarantee) reflecting skills and experience you bring to the table.
• Competitive time in lieu policy to compensate for extended hours as may be required during field surveys.
• Profit share arrangements (if you’re super awesome and we know the fit is right).
• An attractive relocation package to Perth, WA is available for interstate applicants.