• Ecological strategy, advice and design in a changing environment

Opportunities for the role

We are looking for a senior consultant with a background in ecology or environmental science who wants to use their expertise and knowledge to improve our natural resources.

We are not focussed on Impact Assessment. This is an opportunity to use your expertise and knowledge to have a genuine impact on Australia’s natural resource gems. As a company we want to help inform environmental futures rather than measure the past. We are not content with just measuring what is there – we want to apply our knowledge to help manage ecosystems under changing conditions.

The role is intended to be based in our Melbourne office. We pride ourselves on the flexibility of our working arrangements, so we are open to part time or other arrangements.

The position involves:

• Managing projects – ecological/environmental assessments and strategy development
• Leading a team of ecologists and scientists
• Working on multi-disciplinary projects collaboratively with economists, engineers and social scientists
• Working across a range of land and seascapes
• Contributing to our strategic direction, management and culture

Opportunities to work with Alluvium’s Research and Insights Program

Across the Alluvium Group we aim to link the best research with environmental management. Actively participating in research is crucial to that role, exposing staff from across the organisation to advances in thinking as well as enabling researchers to tailor and apply projects to what’s needed by managers and policy makers. We do this through writing papers, supporting our staff who wish to pursue research, jointly supervising students, hosting research interns and funding our own research priorities.

Our research and development program has established formal links with CSIRO, University of Melbourne, Griffith University, Monash University and the University of Newcastle through CRCs, post graduate student projects and joint research bids.

Opportunity to work internationally

Alluvium has been working in the international market for the past decade, largely focussing on the AsiaPacific region. We have a team in India, undertake much work in the Mekong countries and have a presence in Fiji. All of these regions have critical ecological and environmental issues.

Alluvium works with clients such as country Governments, Asian Development Bank, World Bank, United Nations and Australian Water Partnership in countries across the Asia-Pacific.

The role requirements

Skills and experience expected in the role

• 15 years industry experience or research experience with a passion in developing and applying approaches to help clients manage their natural resources
• Demonstrated project management experience in ecology or environmental science
• A passion for leading teams of scientists to complete a diverse range of projects
• Exceptional leadership skills and a keen willingness to position our business at the forefront of the industry in advising clients to manage transition of their natural resources under a range of large-scale impacts like climate change
• Knowledge of and experience with planning and implementing ecological/environmental assessments, strategies and plans
• Possessing a wide network of colleagues and organisations to draw on to generate work
• Excellent written and verbal communications skills in order to describe complex processes in clear plain language
• Demonstrated ability and desire to work across disciplines and geographies to provide highly integrated outputs
• Ability to develop good rapport with clients, stakeholders, staff and partners, together with listening skills, empathy and awareness
• A willingness to positively contribute to a collaborative and values-driven work culture

The successful candidate must have graduate or post-graduate qualifications in ecology, environmental science or a related field. Knowledge of the biodiversity and ecosystems in Victoria along with the associated legislation is highly desirable. The position has a competitive salary, provision for unpaid leave and a focus on professional development as well as the opportunity to become a shareholder in the company.

Ecofutures is part of the Alluvium Group of companies

Since the creation of Alluvium Consulting in 2006 we’ve pursued our vision to make a positive impact on the world and the communities that rely on healthy ecosystems.

Our corporate model is different. We pursued a growth strategy that developed a number of separate companies and associated brands under the Alluvium Group. This approach is driven by a strong belief that specialised businesses deliver better technical outcomes for our clients. Each of the five businesses within the Alluvium Group have their own governance and

management arrangements, but also all operate within the Alluvium group ecosystem to ensure integrated products are delivered seamlessly.

The combined skills and resources across the Alluvium ecosystem are specially designed to support clients to solve complex and systematic challenges facing our society and environment. We work across three core discipline areas:

• Biophysical sciences & engineering;
• Social sciences & human welfare; and
• Economics & public policy.

Remuneration is commensurate with skills and experience and subject to negotiation.

Note that applications are only open to applicants with Australian citizenship or permanent residency.

An important part of our business is the ownership structure. Alluvium is a staff owned business and over 48% of our staff have ownership. We are committed to continued broadening of the ownership to staff who support and are actively engaged in the attainment of our strategic goals. The opportunity is available for staff to build an ownership stake in the business over time.

The Alluvium Group has an active reconciliation program, operates as a carbon neutral business and is a certified BCorp.