Your next chapter starts here
At Eco Logical Australia (ELA), A Tetra Tech Company, we’re more than just an environmental consultancy. We’re a multi-disciplinary community of over 200 approachable experts who lead with science to inform critical environmental decisions and deliver positive solutions.
Our "Find Your People" philosophy means you’ll be surrounded by smart, grounded and genuinely supportive teammates who love what they do. Our clients trust and rely on us for solutions; together, we work on some of the most complex and meaningful biodiversity projects in Victoria and beyond.
ELA operates autonomously within the Tetra Tech group, a leading provider of consulting services worldwide with a network of 49 specialist companies. This unique blend of local expertise and international strength gives our clients the agility of a mid-sized consultancy, backed by the security, resources and opportunities of a global organisation.
We’re deeply committed to creating a welcoming, inclusive and supportive workplace where everyone feels they belong, and their contributions are genuinely valued. This commitment is grounded in our core values: Listen First, Share Your Genius, Be Courageous, and Feed the Culture.
Our recruitment practices uphold equal opportunity and accessibility, and our culture actively supports professional growth, wellbeing and career development in a safe and respectful environment. We offer full-time, part-time and flexible work arrangements - so our people can live their best lives while doing their best work.
Our Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) is progressing, and we’re proud to partner with CareerTrackers to provide meaningful internship opportunities for First Nations university students.
That’s what makes us more than just an environmental consultancy.
About the opportunity
With a growing pipeline of work, we are looking for a motivated and enthusiastic Principal Ecologist and Team Leader to join the Melbourne team. You will have the opportunity to work on interesting and diverse projects, delivering innovative environmental management and conservation solutions to our clients. Our clients and projects are continually growing - particularly in the renewables, resources and conservation sectors.
The role will involve providing expert advice to our clients, helping them to meet their obligations for flora and fauna assessments, monitoring and rehabilitation objectives in accordance with State and Commonwealth guidelines, identifying business opportunities and contributing to work-winning, and project and budget management.
In additional to the technical aspect of the role, it is an opportunity for some to take the next step in their career and lead a team of ecological specialists with a positive and pragmatic approach. This role is vital for maintaining ecological balance and supporting the organisation's environmental responsibilities and initiatives.
About you
This role will allow you to combine your passion for ecology, environmental management, legislative knowledge, and well-developed writing and project management skills to create high quality work and excellent outcomes for our clients and the environment.
You will also have a passion for leadership and a drive to motivate your team to deliver industry leading ecological projects. You will play a crucial role in guiding and coordinating ecological projects, ensuring that environmental goals are met efficiently and effectively, provide expert knowledge and leadership to the team, foster collaboration, and ensure that scientific and regulatory standards are upheld.
This role is vital for maintaining ecological balance and supporting the organisation's environmental responsibilities and initiatives.
To be successful, you will have:
- Tertiary qualifications in Ecology or related discipline.
- Minimum 10 years’ working as an ecologist (with some of this in Victoria).
- VQA accreditation.
- Strong working knowledge of Victorian planning and environmental legislation and Commonwealth environmental legislation.
- Strong Victorian flora and fauna species identification skills.
- Experience planning and undertaking ecological fieldwork, including targeted threatened flora and fauna species surveys.
- Previous consulting experience (minimum of 8 years is desirable).
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with experience producing high-quality reports and assessments.
- Demonstrated experience in project and budget management.
- Ability and desire to work in a fast paced, dynamic consulting environment.
About the location
Melbourne, Australia’s cultural capital, is a dynamic city renowned for its thriving arts, food, and sporting culture. With its vibrant laneways, iconic coffee scene, world-class dining, and diverse festivals, Melbourne offers a lifestyle rich in creativity and community.
The city is home to leading universities, global businesses, and innovative industries, making it a hub for professional growth. Just beyond the city, you’ll find easy access to stunning coastlines, wine regions, and national parks, offering the best of both urban energy and natural escapes.
Why you’ll love working with us
Because we actually mean it when we say, “Find Your People.” At ELA, we offer,
- A competitive salary subject to annual review
- Workplace flexibility
- Paid birthday leave
- Health & wellbeing programs
- Study assistance scheme and learning opportunities with industry experts
- Collaboration on national projects, building your expertise within a supportive community of practice
- Professional development opportunities
- Genderless 12-week paid parental leave
- Salary sacrifice into superannuation and the ability to purchase 2 weeks of additional annual leave
- Opportunity to participate in the Tetra Tech employee stock purchase program and purchase at a discounted rate (NASDAQ TTEK)
Most of all, we offer purpose-driven work, incredible colleagues, and the opportunity to grow a career where you don’t have to choose between quality of work and quality of life.
Next Steps
If you're an Australian citizen, resident, or hold permanent working rights - and you're looking to join a supportive, values-driven organisation that prioritises workplace culture and offers genuine opportunities for growth and development - we’d love to hear from you!
nrmjobs.com.au/job/20027086
📌 Principal Ecologist & Team Leader
🏢 Eco Logical Australia
📍 Melbourne