The Ecology Office is a small but highly experienced consultancy providing specialist ecological advice. Our primary areas of expertise are in flora, fauna, threatened species, biodiversity conservation, design and implementation of ecological monitoring programs, environmental impact assessment, ecological risk assessment and expert witness services.
Importantly, we are passionate about caring for the environment. We are renowned for the quality of our work. We are strongly independent and critical thinkers. And we provide practical solutions to complex ecological problems.
Our clients include government agencies, water authorities, the renewables sector, leading consultancies, legal firms and reputable private developers. Our projects include:
* Planning approvals advice for transport, solar, wind, urban development and eco-tourism projects
* Expert witness services for government authorities through leading law firms
* Conservation and ecological management advice for floodplain restoration, offsets monitoring, burn planning, catchment management, sites of significance, and management of pest animals
* Ecological monitoring in a range of ecosystems including floodplains, riparian, dry and wet sclerophyll forest, rainforest, grassland, grassy woodland, and semi-arid mallee.
Role / Responsibilities
* The role focuses on native and introduced terrestrial vertebrate fauna (mammals, birds, reptiles, frogs), and threatened terrestrial invertebrate fauna (e.g. Golden Sun Moth)
* Provide high level technical advice on fauna and general ecological matters, including environmental impact assessments, relevant environmental laws and regulations, ecological research and monitoring, threatened species occurrence and management, habitat assessment and conservation management planning
* Undertake fieldwork across Australia (predominantly south-eastern Australia), including assessments of habitat types and quality, monitoring and/or mapping of ecological values, and targeted surveys for threatened fauna
* Write and review technical reports
* Project management, including client liaison, management of budgets, deliverables, etc
* Business growth and development, including proposal preparation
* Carry out other duties as requested within your skill and competence
What we offer
* A genuine say in the types of projects we work on and the clients we work with. Our goal is to work with ethical and reputable clients on projects that make a real difference.
* Flexible work arrangements, including fully remote / WFH, with team days at shared workspaces approximately every 2-3 weeks, or more often as needed
* FT / PT flexibility
* Public holiday leave flexibility
* Time in lieu for hours worked above standard hours
* Professional development and training opportunities
* A caring and understanding, small team environment of like-minded people with a passion for conservation and sustainable development
Skills and qualifications (desirable)
* > 5 years of experience conducting fauna surveys and related fieldwork in south-east Australia using traditional survey methods (e.g. observation, trapping, spotlighting, call playback) and new technological methods (e.g., audio recorders, surveillance cameras)
* Good zoological identification skills, including experience using identification keys and an ability to identify common fauna by sight and sound
* Basic knowledge of aquatic and marine fauna, and non-threatened terrestrial invertebrates
* Basic knowledge of vegetation communities (e.g. EVCs) and associated assessments (e.g. habitat hectare)
* Solid understanding of national and state environmental legislation and policy (e.g. EPBC Act, FFG Act, Wildlife Act)
* Availability to undertake extended overnight field trips periodically (regularly up to 5 days, and potentially up to 10 days on occasions)
* Willingness to work flexibly and independently, particularly when undertaking fauna surveys and traveling to remote locations
* Proven ability to maintain, develop and build client relationships
* Willingness to work within a small team and support/train junior team members as the business grows
* Well-developed written and verbal communication skills
* Team player, who builds rapport with internal and external partners
* Demonstrated initiative, enthusiasm and passion for the environment, with a strong desire to learn and grow
* Excellent time management skills and ability to meet deadlines
* Bachelor's Degree in Science with a Zoology, Ecology or Environmental Science major. Honours or postgraduate qualifications viewed favourably.
Location
You will be primarily based at your home office – ideally in greater Melbourne or nearby areas of rural Victoria – and will undertake field work as directed. Work within a shared office space will be required approximately fortnightly in Melbourne.
Remuneration
A generous salary package will be negotiated with the successful applicant based on skills and experience. Salary is reviewed annually at the end of each financial year.
nrmjobs.com.au/job/20027120
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