Ecology Australia is seeking an experienced mid-level or senior Botanist for a permanent full-time position. This is an opportunity to work across a diverse range of botanical projects, including vegetation surveys, ecological monitoring, applied research, threatened species work and environmental impact assessments.

About Ecology Australia

Ecology Australia is Victoria’s longest-running ecological consultancy, established in 1978. We provide specialised ecological services across south-eastern Australia and are known for scientifically rigorous work, professional integrity and practical environmental advice. Our work bridges ecological consulting and applied research, with services spanning botany, zoology, aquatic ecology, monitoring and research, environmental approvals and GIS.

We are a friendly team of experienced ecologists and GIS professionals who work collaboratively to achieve positive environmental outcomes for government, corporate and community clients. We offer a flexible, supportive and enriching workplace, with accredited environmental, quality and safety systems and a strong commitment to staff development.

About the role

As a Botanist or Senior Botanist with Ecology Australia, you will contribute to winning and delivering projects through all phases, from initial planning through to field surveys, data analysis, interpretation and technical reporting. Depending on your experience, you will manage small- to large-sized projects of varying levels of complexity and provide relevant recommendations and advice to clients including environmental legislation and policy requirements.

Our Botanists undertake surveys and monitoring across a variety of landscapes and vegetation communities throughout south-eastern Australia. The team works on projects of different scales and provides tailored botanical advice across a range of areas that include:

• large- and small-scale vegetation monitoring
• floristic surveys and vegetation mapping
• targeted threatened species and weed surveys
• vegetation condition assessments
• Vegetation Quality Assessments, including habitat hectare assessments
• Index of Wetland Condition assessments
• Ecological Vegetation Class mapping
• environmental impact assessments
• biodiversity strategies and conservation management plans
• threatened species, weed, offset and vegetation management plans
• ecological monitoring and applied research projects
• data analysis and preparation of technical reports
• peer review and provision of botanical advice.

This role includes office-based project work and fieldwork throughout Victoria and, at times, elsewhere in south-eastern Australia. You will need to be comfortable working outdoors, travelling to regional or remote locations, working flexible hours when fieldwork is required, and occasionally staying away from home for short periods.

About you

You will be a practical and capable Botanist or Senior Botanist with a minimum of 3 years’ experience in the ecological consulting industry. You will have strong Victorian flora identification skills, sound ecological judgement, and the ability to produce accurate, high-quality work. You will enjoy working collaboratively, while also being able to take responsibility for your own tasks and projects.

Selection criteria

Field experience

• Demonstrated capacity and willingness to undertake fieldwork in regional and remote locations
• Experience planning and undertaking vegetation surveys, assessments or monitoring programs

Identification skills

• Strong working knowledge of Victorian native and naturalised flora, including field and specimen identification methods

Scientific communication and data management

• Strong technical writing skills and experience preparing clear, accurate reports
• A sound understanding of relevant Commonwealth and Victorian environmental legislation and policy
• Moderate to high levels of experience in development approval type projects
• Experience managing, analysing and quality-checking ecological data

Project management and professionalism

• Moderate to high levels of experience in managing projects of varying sizes and levels of complexity
• The ability to work productively with colleagues, clients and stakeholders, including Traditional Owners, land holders and members of the public
• A collaborative, team-oriented approach and a strong commitment to professional integrity
• The ability to calmly and effectively manage competing priorities and deliver work within agreed timelines and budgets
• The ability to communicate effectively and proactively, including seeking assistance where required

To be considered for this role, you will require:

• a tertiary degree in botany, ecology, environmental science or a related ecological discipline, preferably with a strong focus on botany
• a valid Victorian manual driver’s licence
• a current Working With Children’s Check
• the right to live and work in Australia

What we can offer you

• A full-time position
• A varied workload across consulting, ecological monitoring and applied research
• The opportunity to work alongside experienced botanists and other ecological and GIS specialists
• A flexible, supportive and enriching work environment
• Interesting fieldwork across a range of Victorian landscapes
• Support for professional development
• Remuneration based on qualifications and experience
• A friendly team with a shared commitment to high-quality ecological work and positive environmental outcomes

Preferred commencement: 30 November 2026