Full-time | Environmental & Ecological Consulting IMMEDIATE START! ABOUT HABITAT MANAGEMENT SERVICES: Habitat Management Services (HMS) is an established environmental and arboricultural consultancy delivering ecological and environmental planning services across Victoria. Since 2004, HMS has supported government agencies, infrastructure providers, councils and developers with practical environmental solutions that balance development needs with ecological protection. Our team provides a broad range of services including: Flora and fauna surveys and monitoring Habitat hectare assessments (VQA) Environmental planning and approvals Fauna salvage and relocation Environmental supervision and compliance for construction projects Arboricultural assessments and supervision Vegetation management and habitat creation GIS Mapping Seed Collection and nursery production We work across multiple sectors including major infrastructure, transport, energy, utilities, property development and land management projects throughout Victoria. As our project portfolio continues to grow, we are seeking a Senior Ecologist / Botanist (VQA Accredited) to join our team and help deliver ecological and environmental planning services on complex projects across the state. We have recently been awarded a number of large scale and diverse projects that require the expertise and support of a Senior Ecologist/Botanist. ABOUT THE ROLE: This is a senior technical and project delivery role responsible for ecological assessments, vegetation quality assessments and biodiversity planning for infrastructure and development projects. The role will involve botanical surveys, habitat hectare assessments, project management, client liaison and ecological advice during project planning and construction phases. Key Responsibilities Undertake Vegetation Quality Assessments (VQA) and Habitat Hectare assessments Conduct botanical surveys and flora and fauna assessments across Victoria Identify Ecological Vegetation Classes (EVCs), threatened flora species and habitat values Prepare ecological reports, biodiversity impact assessments and Native Vegetation Removal Reports Provide ecological advice to support environmental planning approvals and project delivery Support ecological management during construction and infrastructure projects Manage ecological projects, including planning field surveys and coordinating resources Liaise with clients, regulators, contractors and project teams Assist with environmental management plans, offsets and compliance reporting Contribute to project proposals and technical scoping Mentor junior ecologists and field staff SKILLS & EXPERIENCE: VQA Accreditation (Vegetation Quality Assessor - DEECA approved) Degree in Ecology, Botany, Environmental Science or Natural Resource Management 5 years experience in ecological consulting or applied ecology Strong botanical identification skills within Victorian vegetation communities Demonstrated experience undertaking VQA/Habitat Hectare assessments Experience working within environmental consulting, infrastructure or construction environments Knowledge of local, state and federal environmental planning frameworks Understanding of Victorian biodiversity legislation including: Native Vegetation Removal Regulations Biodiversity Assessment Guidelines Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 EPBC ACT 1999 Strong report writing, project management and stakeholder engagement skills Strong computer skills including using various programs such as Microsoft word, excel, PowerPoint etc DESIRABLE: Experience working on major infrastructure, transport or renewable energy projects Experience with GIS (QGIS or ArcGIS) Knowledge of biodiversity offset requirements and environmental approvals Experience supervising ecological works during construction WHAT WE OFFER? Join an experienced team of ecologists, arborists and environmental specialists Opportunity to contribute to biodiversity protection and sustainable land management Competitive salary Supportive team culture with opportunities for professional development including training, attending conferences, workshops etc Flexible working arrangements Great social and team building days Use of pool cars If you are a VQA accredited ecologist or botanist looking to work on meaningful environmental projects, we would love to hear from you. nrmjobs.com.au/job/20028419