• QLD Ecology leadership experience required
• Mix of large, complex pre and post-approvals projects
• Incredible culture with progressive programs to mentor and be mentored.

The company

Our client, Niche Environment and Heritage, along with its owned entity Ausecology are an environmental and heritage consultancy business built on a purpose: to empower people to create a sustainable future. The team at Niche and Ausecology are passionate about doing work that matters, and this has a lasting and profound impact on their clients, communities and environment. They are a leading multidisciplinary environmental consultancy specialising in ecology and biodiversity, heritage management, natural capital, environmental management and approvals and environmental offsetting. Their 100+ strong team includes ecologists, botanists, archaeologists, environmental scientists and project managers.

The role

Due to continued growth, Ausecology are seeking a motivated and enthusiastic Principal Ecologist to act as a specialist adviser on projects. The Principal will be up to date with industry advances and drive technical excellence within the team and will provide support to their discipline team in the form of information sharing, innovation development, leadership and mentoring to team members. The Principal Ecologist will work with their manager and senior stakeholders in the business to develop and maintain relationships with key and emerging key clients, undertaking business development activities that deliver profitable revenue and satisfied clients. Key responsibilities will include:

• Lead project teams to deliver high-quality technical outputs on complex, high-value projects.
• Act as Project Manager/Director on larger projects, ensuring strong budget, program and risk control.
• Prepare and review technical reports, proposals and assessments, providing expert advice and quality assurance.
• Coordinate team members, subcontractors and resources to achieve efficient, high-quality project delivery.
• Support team capability through mentoring, technical guidance and development initiatives.
• Contribute to financial performance through accurate forecasting, cost control and achieving project margins.
• Build and manage key client relationships, identifying opportunities for repeat and new business.
• Drive business development through networks, market insight and cross-team collaboration.
• Foster a collaborative, accountable team culture aligned with company values.

About you

With a proven track record of success in a consulting environment, you will have a demonstrated senior Ecological experience, including excellent communication, motivational and organisational skills.

You will possess:

• Relevant tertiary qualifications; in ecology, biology, environmental science, environmental management, or similar.
• At least 9 years’ experience in total, and experience in a similar consulting role.
• Demonstrated expertise in delivering large and complex projects of high value.
• Extensive experience undertaking ecological survey, and flora and/or fauna identification in the communities of QLD
• Significant experience with stakeholder management, business development initiatives and managing a diverse project portfolio.
• Strong ability and willingness to interpret and explain complex technical issues to all levels of employees and to clients.
• Valid driver’s license and willing to travel throughout QLD for project/fieldwork.

The rewards

This is an excellent opportunity for a Senior or Principal Ecologist with leadership experience to advance their career within a flexible, well-structured and genuinely supportive organisation. Niche and Ausecology offer a strong, non-hierarchical culture that empowers staff to take ownership of projects end-to-end. You’ll work across a diverse project portfolio including major gas, transport and mining and electricity transmission infrastructure.

The role is backed by a solid remuneration and benefits package, including a professional development allowance, flexible time-in-lieu for fieldwork, regular social events, and a strong internal mentoring program.

If you’re looking to join a values-driven organisation with a proven track record in protecting habitat across Australia, this is a compelling next step.