Abzeco is an Eltham based ecological consulting practice (part of the PF Olsen group au.pfolsen.com/Biodiversity) with expertise in flora and fauna survey and monitoring, habitat hectare assessments, biodiversity assessment reports, land management plans, offset assessment reports, offset management plans, offset monitoring and reporting, ecological management and restoration, weed mapping, targeted surveys for threatened species, salvage and translocation of threatened flora and fauna species, design and implementation of pest control programs, bushfire management plans and expert environmental and conservation planning advice. Abzeco consulting staff are all Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) accredited native vegetation quality assessors (VQA) and our staff include accredited native vegetation offset site assessors. Abzeco is also a registered offset broker of native vegetation credits.

About the role:

We are seeking a full-time botanist (with flexibility to work from home) who's is prepared to work in remote and regional areas on occasion. In collaboration with the existing consulting team, your role will involve undertaking the ecological scope of works for a wide range of projects for a variety of clients including, private landowners, local councils, Parks Victoria, DEECA, water authorities etc.

As the ideal candidate, you will be well-organised, have excellent technical report writing skills and be a great communicator with a solutions-focused attitude, capable of working independently and within a team. You will also be proficient in using the relevant DEECA online tools and databases.

This is a wonderful opportunity for a passionate and client focused individual who enjoys building and maintaining strong working relationships with clients and peers.

Your everyday responsibilities will include:

• Proposal writing.
• Undertaking flora surveys and monitoring.
• Undertaking targeted threatened species surveys.
• Ecological vegetation class (EVC) determination and mapping.
• Plant identification.
• Conducting habitat hectare assessments.
• Conducting ecological impact assessments.
• Undertaking pest plant and animal surveys and monitoring.
• Accessing and using DEECAs Native Vegetation Removal Tool, Native Vegetation Offset Tool, NatureKit, Victorian Biodiversity Atlas, and online planning schemes.
• Addressing ecological planning permit conditions.
• Providing general advice to clients on native vegetation removal, local planning schemes and native vegetation management.
• Report writing including though not limited to biodiversity assessment reports, land management plans and ecological monitoring reports in line with the relevant guidelines.
• Maintaining effective client communication to build and maintain good working relationships with clients.

To be considered for this role, you will have:

• More than three years' experience working as an environmental consultant in different locations across Victoria undertaking work including general and targeted flora surveys, habitat hectare assessments, flora monitoring and the relevant reporting.
• Current VQA accreditation, competency and experience gained from undertaking multiple habitat hectare assessments.
• Tertiary qualifications in botany, ecology, environmental science, environmental management, natural resource management or a related field.
• A high level of plant identification skills and experience in determining EVCs across Victoria.
• A good working knowledge of Commonwealth and Victorian legislation and local government planning laws and policy.
• A current Victorian drivers licence with 4WD experience (Current first aid and 4WD training would be desirable).

What we can offer the right person:

• An excellent remuneration package.
• Secure long-term employment and career development.
• The opportunity to work with a team of experienced senior and principal ecologists.

It's also important you're physically able to complete work in the field and you must hold a current Victorian Drivers license.