* Brisbane
* $150,000 – $180,000 + super
As a Principal Ecologist, this role exists for one clear reason: to take ownership of Commonwealth EPBC referral work and lead the technical delivery at a level that frees up senior leadership to focus on mentoring, strategy, and team growth.
This is a high-end technical role, not a sales job. The work is already there, the clients are established, and the expectation is that you lead complex ecological reporting, manage offsets-linked approvals, and set the technical standard across major projects.
The project portfolio is strong and varied, including renewables, linear infrastructure, pipelines, Olympic-related referrals, and large residential approvals. Commonwealth matters are central to the workload, so experience navigating EPBC referrals and approvals is essential.
This role is well suited to a senior ecologist or emerging principal who is ready to step into genuine technical leadership without the pressure of business development.
The Role
* Lead EPBC referral strategy and reporting for major Commonwealth projects
* Own high-end terrestrial flora and fauna assessments
* Deliver and review complex technical reports across renewables and infrastructure
* Be actively involved in ecological offsets tied to referral work
* Provide technical guidance and mentoring to a growing ecology team
* Work closely with planning, approvals, spatial and landscape teams in-house
The Team
You'll sit within a multidisciplinary environmental consultancy of 30+ staff, with ecology, environmental planning, landscape architecture and spatial capability all in-house. The ecology team is established and growing, supported by strong junior and senior talent across multiple offices in Queensland and NSW.
This is a technically focused environment with depth, momentum and a clear growth trajectory. Leadership values quality output, sensible workloads and giving senior people the space to do their best work.
What you'll bring
* 12+ years' experience in terrestrial ecology
* Proven EPBC referral and Commonwealth approvals experience
* Background across renewables, infrastructure or large-scale developments
* Strong technical writing and report leadership capability
* Experience with ecological offsets linked to approvals
* Consulting background and confidence operating at Principal level
_____________________________
If you're interested in this position, please don't hesitate to hit Apply or contact me for further information. Your approach will be held in confidence.
Brett Clemenson
Director & Founder of ALRA – 18+ years in Environmental Recruitment