Principal Ecologist – Senior Avifauna Advisor
Hawthorn East, Victoria or other locations.
Do you want to work with a team dedicated to protecting the environment and helping Australia move towards a renewable energy future?
Would you like of be part of our exciting team, chosen as much for their sense of fun and teamwork as their technical expertise? Would you like to work with us to develop your career, skills, and special interests? Would you like to chance to be involved in new and innovative monitoring and assessment techniques?
With our increasing workload in bird and bat ecological services in the eastern states to the wind energy industry, we are seeking a Principal Ecologist with a specialisation in ornithology to provide technical support to our growing team in the eastern states.
About Nature Advisory
Nature Advisory Pty Ltd is an Australian employee-owned specialist consulting ecological company, providing expert advice, field services, and reporting to organisations, governments and private clients on a range of ecosystem monitoring and management projects. We specialise in renewable energy and land development impact assessments and ensure environmental impacts from these projects are minimised in line with regulatory requirements. This allows us to make a positive contribution to conserving environmental values while supporting sustainable development and the growth of the renewable energy sector. As an environmental firm, we also ensure that the impact of our own operations are carbon neutral.
The company is a team of passionate ecologists, botanists, zoologists, GIS analysts and business professionals, collaborating to provide clients with the best biodiversity advice available, regularly achieving sustainable development and nature positive outcomes. We are a leading provider of ecological services to the wind energy and land development industries, with offices in Victoria (Melbourne), New South Wales and Queensland.
At Nature Advisory, we have established a strong company culture based on values of respect, support and communication. We understand that our staff are the most vital part of our company and are driven by valuing and developing staff as diverse individuals. Our workplace is pet friendly, relaxed, and highly team oriented. We have regular work social functions and a genuine sense of camaraderie.
About the role
The role will involve providing robust technical advice to our experienced team who undertake bird and bat field studies to assess the impacts of renewable energy projects, develop effective mitigation measures to avoid and minimise impacts, in line with regulatory requirements, and to monitor and mitigate the operational impacts of projects.
For this position, extensive field work may not be necessary. However, for those applicants interested in both intensive and extensive field surveys this may be also possible.
The role of the Principal Ecologist will include
- Guiding the development of ornithological and bat surveys of sites throughout Australia
- Directing general bird utilisation surveys, targeted bird studies and bat studies;
- Guiding, preparing and reviewing specialist assessments on bird species of concern to ensure impacts of wind energy facilities are minimised and residual impacts accurately assessed
- Providing expert review of and inputs into project reports
- Providing high level advice to company project managers and clients on project impacts on birds and bats
We offer similar pay and conditions to other consultancies, but we also offer flexibility, career building, a great workplace, and an innovative and exciting approach to our scientific work. After a qualifying period, you would be eligible for participation in the employee share ownership scheme.
Benefits include
- Attractive salary commensurate with skills and experience;
- Five weeks annual leave each year;
- Two additional weeks unpaid leave per year;
- Flexible working arrangements based in Melbourne
- Mentoring and options for career progression.
This position provides an excellent opportunity to join a diverse and friendly team of ecologists committed to a high standard of technical work and client service.
Contact us if you would like a change in your career and if you are ready to move to a more exciting and enjoyable workplace.
Key Selection Criteria
The successful candidate is a highly knowledgeable ornithologist, having extensive experience in bird investigations and the design and implementation of related field assessments and reports. Qualifications and experience in zoology is essential, and knowledge of the requirements of ecological impact assessments at different levels of government in Australia is very advantageous. Specific knowledge of threatened birds and/or bats will be highly regarded.
In addition the successful candidate is expected to have
- Tertiary qualifications in zoology;
- Ornithological experience
- Extensive bird identification skills and experience;
- Strong ecological data and interpretation experience;
- Experience in assessing the impact of developments on key species;
- High quality reporting skills;
- The capacity to work well independently, as well as within a team.
This position provides an excellent opportunity to join a diverse and friendly team of zoologists and ecologists committed to a high standard of technical work and client service. The role is a continuing position within Nature Advisory. A part-time appointment may be considered.
How to apply:
Email your resume and cover letter highlighting your suitability for the role and how you meet the key position criteria above to: info@natureadvisory.com.au with the subject line Attention Ref: 2025-06 Principal Ecologist – Senior Ornithological Advisor .
If you think you have the skills and interest to fill this position or would like to discuss the position we would be very happy to speak with you. Please call Dr. Inga Kulik on 0427 152 002 .
Date published: 4 February 2025
Closing date: 28 February 2025 (earlier applications are encouraged)