About Umwelt

With over three decades of experience and eight locations nationwide, Umwelt are an organisation of vibrant professionals with expertise in a variety of sectors, such as resources, infrastructure, renewable energy, defence, regulation and policy, and urban development. Our national team of ecologists have a reputation for their extensive scientific expertise and thorough evaluations of biodiversity. Our services are in high demand due to new projects in the renewable energy, infrastructure, and resource sectors. We aim to use our experience to deliver specialised advice in order to avoid and minimise impacts, for the best possible environmental outcomes.

About the Opportunity

As a Principal Ecologist, you will spearhead our ecological initiatives, providing leadership and technical expertise to guide projects from inception to completion. With a focus on innovation and excellence, you will lead by example, using your technical skill sets to mentor staff, and foster a culture of continuous learning and professional development. Your role will involve a variety of field and office-based activities, with the opportunity to travel nationwide as part of a national team.

You will be responsible for the delivery of field survey programs, often on logistically complex and remote sites, and the preparation of high-quality deliverables. Your role will also involve cultivating client relationships, identifying new business opportunities, and contributing to the growth and success of our consultancy firm. You will be willing to play a key role in the development and implementation of the growth strategy for the ecology workstream in Victoria.

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.
• DEECA Vegetation Quality Assessment (VQA) Habitat Hectares training and competency check is highly desirable.
• Must possess a strong safety mindset, ensuring all ecological activities are conducted in a accordance with safety regulations and best practices.
• Substantial experience in preparing and managing ecological impact assessments.
• 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 alongside experienced professionals that can support you to grow and develop professionally.
• Opportunities to work nationally across sectors on diverse and technically challenging projects.
• Additional "Me" Days: an Umwelt initiative offering staff one paid leave day per month (up to 12 days per year for FTE) to support mental health and wellbeing.
• Flexible work arrangements to support a work/life balance.
• Paid parental leave for both primary and secondary carers.
• Opportunities to join the company's Employee Share Plan (ESP).
• Generous additional hours policy and working away from home benefits.
• 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.