Ecologist

My client is a major Western Australian infrastructure operator looking for an experienced Ecology Specialist to lead and manage flora and fauna assessments, approvals and compliance across their operations. This is a senior technical role with two direct reports, suited to someone who has spent years in terrestrial ecology and now wants to lead the work rather than just deliver it.
 
You'll be the go-to person for ecological input across maintenance and capital works - from running surveys and interpreting data through to securing approvals and keeping the regulators onside. It's a role that blends hands-on technical leadership with the kind of stakeholder and compliance work that keeps projects moving.
 
What you'll be doing
 

• Leading and delivering flora and fauna assessments in line with EPA Technical Guidance (vegetation condition, habitat, targeted and detailed surveys)
• Overseeing high-quality ecological technical reports to support project approvals
• Interpreting ecological data to identify risks, constraints and mitigation requirements
• Maintaining ecological GIS datasets - threatened species, communities, offsets and the like
• Preparing and coordinating external approvals, including Native Vegetation Clearing Permits and Authorities to Take Flora/Fauna
• Assessing clearing exemptions under the Environmental Protection (Clearing of Native Vegetation) Regulations 2004
• Managing relationships with regulators such as DBCA - meetings, submissions and project updates
• Running QA reviews of internal and consultant deliverables, plus field assurance on permits and controls
• Supporting incident investigations and maintaining the ecological side of the Environmental Management System
• Mentoring and developing the team, and building ecological awareness across the business

 

What you'll need
 

• A tertiary qualification in Environmental Science, Ecology, Botany, Zoology or similar
• 7-10 years in terrestrial ecology, ideally within infrastructure, resources or linear assets
• A solid track record leading flora and fauna surveys to EPA Technical Guidance (WA experience preferred)
• Strong working knowledge of Commonwealth and WA environmental legislation, including the EPBC Act and the Clearing of Native Vegetation Regulations 2004
• Real experience preparing and managing approval applications, and engaging directly with regulators
• Experience managing external consultants and running QA/QC on their work
• Good GIS skills (ArcGIS preferred) and confidence with ecological data management
• Genuine leadership ability - you've managed or led a team before and can mentor others

 

What's on offer

A permanent role with a well-established operator, a team to lead, and the chance to own ecological strategy and compliance across a large WA asset base rather than bouncing between short-term consulting jobs.
 
To register your interest, please click on the 'Apply' button or forward your CV to careers@gatherrecruitment.com.au and a consultant will review and contact you. We value every application and handle your information with the utmost respect. Your details will never be shared without your prior consent, ensuring complete confidentiality throughout the application process. Gather are members of the RCSA (Recruitment and Consulting Services Association), so you can be sure of a professional and legally compliant service.