• Build a new local team in Coffs with work already lined up for 2026+
• Work under a Principal with 30+ years' top-tier pedigree
• Deep Renewables networks.
As a Senior Ecologist or Senior Planner in Coffs Harbour, you'll be one of the founding hires for a brand-new NSW presence - backed by an established, well-resourced consultancy with strong project flow across renewables, development and infrastructure. With a heavyweight Principal already secured locally (ex-top tier, 30+ years, exceptional operator), the foundations are in place. Now we're building the support around him.
This is a chance to establish and grow something in your own community. No inheritance of legacy systems, no fighting incumbents. Just real influence, pipeline certainty, and the fun of helping shape a fresh team backed by a national business already delivering major state and national projects - from renewables to Olympic-related planning work.
The Roles
Senior Ecologist – Coffs Harbour
Working directly with the new local Principal (a 30+ year veteran known for high-calibre delivery and a serious renewables network), you'll play a major part in delivering ecology assessments across renewables, development and infrastructure. Plenty of technical stretch, strong mentorship and a genuine runway to step up as the local ecology lead as the office scales.
You'll be involved in:
* Terrestrial ecology assessments, targeted flora/fauna surveys, ecological constraints advice
* Supporting EIA, State and Federal approvals across renewables & infrastructure
* Local Coffs projects + wider NSW/QLD/QLD work
* Helping build a new NSW ecology capability from day one
* Working closely with GIS, planning and approvals specialists nationally
Senior Planner – Coffs Harbour
This role supports the same local Principal to establish a planning presence in NSW delivering development, infrastructure and renewables approvals. You like taking ownership, shaping strategy and influencing project direction - not just writing chapters.
You'll be involved in:
* Development applications, environmental planning assessments and statutory advice
* Approvals for renewables, transport, pipelines, property development
* Client engagement and guiding assessment pathways
* Helping lay the groundwork for a new NSW planning team
* Linking into a 30-person national network across Planning, Ecology, GIS & Landscape
Who You'll Work With / Culture Fit
You'll be joining an established team of 30 across QLD who've grown steadily by focusing on doing genuinely good work - practical, clever, low-ego and collaborative. The leadership is supportive and commercially sharp without the corporate grind. They back autonomy, back people early, and don't get in the way.
In Coffs, you'll work day-to-day with a Principal who has spent 30+ years in top-tier consulting, is exceptionally well connected in renewables and infrastructure and is known for being both technically / commercially strong and simply enjoyable to work with. It's a team that wants to build something good - not something big for the sake of it.
These roles suit someone who likes influence, local impact, and being part of the "fun beginning stage" of a growth story.
What You'll Bring
* 5+ years in Ecology (Senior Ecologist) or Environmental Planning (Senior Planner)
* Strong technical reporting skills and confidence engaging with clients and regulators
* Interest in helping build a new regional presence
* A collaborative approach - no egos, no politics
* Full working rights
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If you're interested in either position please don't hesitate to hit Apply or to contact me for further information. Your approach will be held in confidence.
Brett Clemenson
Director & Founder of ALRA – 18+ years in Environmental Recruitment