Senior Ecologist / Threatened Species Conservation & Research

Senior Ecologist / Threatened Species Conservation & Research

Australia's Threatened Species Need Applied, Evidence-Based and Innovative Solutions. Help Us Deliver Them.

Senior Ecologist / Threatened Species Biologist

Wild Research Pty Ltd is seeking an experienced ecologist to play a leading role in delivering high-impact research, monitoring and conservation programs for Australia's threatened wildlife.

This is an opportunity for an accomplished practitioner to help shape the direction of conservation projects while working with a highly skilled team tackling some of Australia's most complex ecological challenges.

Our work spans threatened amphibians, freshwater fish, reptiles, mammals and broader ecosystem conservation. We integrate rigorous science, innovative approaches and practical management outcomes to help secure the future of Australia's biodiversity.

Employment Type

Full-time or part-time (fixed-term to June 2027, with potential for ongoing employment)

Location

Victoria, base flexible, but frequent travel and fieldwork across Victoria and interstate is required.

About the Role

As a Senior Ecologist you will provide technical leadership across research, monitoring and conservation projects while helping to grow the organisation's impact and capability.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading and delivering threatened species research and monitoring programs
• Designing ecological surveys and applied research projects
• Managing complex field programs and multidisciplinary project teams
• Analysing ecological data and preparing technical reports
• Developing conservation, recovery and monitoring strategies
• Building and maintaining collaborative relationships with clients, researchers, Traditional Owners, government agencies and conservation organisations
• Mentoring graduate and early-career ecologists
• Supporting project development, proposal preparation and business growth opportunities

The position combines scientific leadership with practical conservation outcomes and provides substantial opportunities to influence the direction of projects and organisational growth.

About You

You are a highly motivated and capable ecologist with demonstrated experience leading projects and delivering high-quality scientific outcomes.

Essential

• Demonstrated experience delivering ecological research, monitoring or conservation projects
• Strong technical writing and reporting skills
• Proven project management capabilities
• Experience supervising, mentoring or leading staff
• Ability to work independently and manage competing priorities
• Current Australian driver's licence

Highly Regarded

• Degree qualifications in ecology, zoology, environmental science or a related discipline

Expertise in one or more of the following:

• Threatened species ecology and recovery
• Amphibian, reptile, freshwater or terrestrial ecology
• Biodiversity monitoring and ecological assessment
• Bioinformatics
• Statistical analysis, data science or quantitative ecology
• R, Python, GIS and spatial analysis
• Conservation planning and adaptive management
• Environmental consulting, government conservation programs or research organisations

Additional consideration will be given to candidates who can demonstrate:

• Established relationships with Traditional Owners
• Established professional networks
• Success developing partnerships and collaborations
• Project development and funding acquisition experience
• Ability to identify and generate new work opportunities

What We Offer

• Opportunity to lead meaningful conservation projects
• Diverse and challenging work across research and applied conservation
• Flexible work arrangements
• Supportive, science-focused team culture
• Opportunities to influence organisational growth and strategy
• Professional development and leadership opportunities
• Potential for ongoing employment beyond June 2027

Remuneration

A competitive salary package will be negotiated based on qualifications, expertise and demonstrated experience.

Join us in delivering the science, partnerships and conservation actions needed to secure Australia's threatened wildlife for future generations.

Documents

• Key Selection Criteria

• Submit your CV, a letter of interest (maximum 3 pages) addressing key selection criteria (use the template provided, see link). Submit your application by midnight 20 November 2026.

Email application to: admin@wildresearch.com.au