Principal Ecologist

GeoLINK is recruiting a Principal Ecologist to manage and lead its Ecology team, based out of any of its three northern NSW offices in Lennox Head, Coffs Harbour or Armidale. GeoLINK has been servicing northern NSW for over 30 years and is a multi-disciplinary environmental, planning and design consultancy with principal services in planning, environmental assessment, ecology, civil and environmental engineering, and urban design. The company emphasises work-life balance, flexible working conditions, community volunteering, and a close-knit collaborative culture.

The Principal Ecologist will mentor and lead the ecology team, problem-solve and devise solutions to complex ecological issues, prepare and review proposals, write and review reports, and conduct field investigations across diverse terrestrial ecosystems. The role contributes to high-level reporting, provides ecological advice, and manages the identification of environmental constraints and opportunities across ecological and multi-disciplinary projects. Mentoring junior and mid-level team members, leading interdisciplinary project teams, and developing contacts and networks to support new business development are all central to the position.

Essential requirements include a Bachelor’s degree in Science, Environmental Science, Applied Science, Natural Resource Management or a related discipline (Ecology, Zoology, Botany or similar) with high levels of academic achievement, and a minimum of 15 years of professional experience in ecological or environmental consulting, including demonstrated capability in leading and managing complex projects. The successful candidate must be a BAM-accredited assessor under the NSW Biodiversity Accredited Assessor System with broad experience applying the Biodiversity Assessment Method.

Technical requirements include proven ability to write clear and concise reports across the full range of NSW environmental documentation (BARs, BSSARs, BDARs, REFs, EISs, SISs, VMPs, offset strategies, species-specific management plans, weed management plans, nest box management plans), extensive experience delivering ecological field surveys and statutory assessments, knowledge of NSW and Commonwealth environmental legislation, the ability to collect and review field data using ArcGIS apps (FieldMaps, Survey123, Quick Capture), and expertise in flora and fauna identification, vegetation mapping, plant community types and complex ecological assessments. A current Class C manual driver’s licence is required.

GeoLINK offers a competitive salary package, flexible working conditions, a negotiable welcome bonus and moving costs package, support and mentoring from management with a tailored training budget, and direct input into how the company develops business. Applications should be sent to info@geolink.net.au with a cover letter addressing the selection criteria and a resume. Enquiries can be directed to Jacob Sickinger, Coffs Harbour Branch Manager (jsickinger@geolink.net.au).