Join Our Adventurous Team as a Botanist in Newcastle!

At Scout, our vision is to change the way the world values biodiversity, and we need your help. We do this by working with like-minded clients to deliver the best environmental and project outcomes. We have a significant opportunity for a botanist to join our team and assist in the delivery of multi-year reserve-scale vegetation mapping projects, development of Biodiversity Stewardship Agreements, and engagement with regulators on key issues affecting biodiversity in NSW.

About Scout: We’re a small, boutique team specializing in landscape-scale vegetation mapping and strategic biodiversity assessment. At Scout, we do things differently. We venture into uncharted territories to discover new things through innovation, communication, and adventure. Unlike others, we focus solely on conservation-based projects, allowing you to dedicate your efforts to meaningful work. Our team thrives on getting things done while taking time to balance busy days – a surf always clears the head.

About the Role: We’re looking for a passionate botanist to join our Newcastle team. Our ideal candidate has considerable experience in botany, NSW vegetation community ecology, and mapping. Self-motivated and independent, you will work alongside a small team, continuously developing your technical skills.

About You:

• Self-motivated and passionate about botany
• Strong plant identification skills
• Broad regional NSW botanical experience
• Degree in botany or environmental science (or similar)
• Accredited to apply the Biodiversity Assessment Method (BAM)
• Ideally, 5+ years field experience in botany, vegetation communities, and mapping
• GIS savvy and able to analyse complex spatial and technical datasets
• Focused on developing your professional career as a vegetation ecologist
• Willing and able to camp and work at remote project locations
• Based in Newcastle or willing to relocate

We’re Offering: An opportunity to work directly with and be mentored by some of the best in the industry doing strategic work that makes a difference. You’ll get to use the latest 3D mapping technology, drones and other tech to deliver spatially and technically accurate mapping products. You’ll have the chance to work throughout NSW and beyond. We value flexibility and offer the same in return.

We’re offering a competitive salary package which will be tailored for the successful candidate based on your experience.

Benefits of Working at Scout:

• Weekly per-diem payments for remote fieldwork
• Time in lieu for long field weeks
• Annual performance-based bonuses/profit sharing
• Support for professional development and certifications (e.g. BAM Accreditation, plant identification courses, presentations at conferences)
• A vibrant, supportive, and adventurous team culture
• Regular team-building activities like surfing, hiking, canyoning