Principal Ecologist

Employment Hero

AI Job Summary

Degree in Ecology, Environmental Science, or related discipline.
Strong experience leading complex ecological consulting projects.
Experience leading and mentoring teams to strengthen capability and performance.

Role Type

Permanent
Full-time
Mid-level Senior

Principal Ecologist – Queensland

Lead and grow a high-performing ecology team
Influence strategy, clients and project outcomes
Build your long-term legacy in a growing reputable industry leader

About the role

We’re looking for a Principal Ecologist to join Ausecology, part of Niche Environment & Heritage, to lead the delivery of high-quality ecological outcomes across a diverse portfolio of projects in Queensland. This is a senior role combining technical leadership, team development, and client engagement. You will act as a trusted adviser on complex projects, mentor and grow capability within the team, and contribute to business growth through strong client relationships. The role offers flexibility to shape your focus across technical excellence, people leadership, and project delivery, depending on your strengths and career direction.

What you’ll do

Lead and support a high-performing team to deliver quality ecological and project outcomes
Manage and deliver complex and large-scale ecological projects
Act as Project Manager or Project Director on key projects
Provide specialist technical advice and oversee technical quality
Review reports, proposals, and tenders to ensure high standards
Manage project budgets, timelines, and resourcing
Build and maintain strong client relationships
Identify and support business development opportunities
Mentor and develop team members, strengthening capability and performance

About you

You are an experienced ecological consultant who combines technical credibility with leadership capability. You will bring:

Degree in Ecology, Environmental Science, or a related discipline
Strong experience leading complex ecological consulting projects
Deep technical expertise and recognition as a specialist in your field
Proven project management capability across budgets, schedules, and resourcing
Experience leading and mentoring teams
Strong report writing and client communication skills
Experience working across multidisciplinary project teams

About Ausecology (part of Niche)

Ausecology is a specialist ecology, rehabilitation and environmental consultancy delivering practical, high-quality outcomes across development, infrastructure, government, not-for-profit, resources and renewable energy sectors. We provide end-to-end ecological and biodiversity offsetting services—from feasibility and approvals through to on-ground management and monitoring—helping clients achieve compliance while delivering meaningful conservation outcomes. Together with Niche, we are a team of over 200 people across the east coast of Australia, working collaboratively to deliver better environmental outcomes and support a sustainable future.

Why join us

At Niche and Ausecology, you’ll be part of a connected and supportive team where you can do meaningful work and continue to grow your career. We offer:

Flexible work arrangements
Strong focus on professional development, including mentoring and development support
Access to a professional development allowance
Opportunities to work on diverse, impactful projects
A collaborative, supportive team environment
Competitive salary based on experience
Thrive Allowance to support wellbeing
Birthday leave
Employee Assistance Program
Regular social events and team activities

How to apply

If this role aligns with your experience and career goals, please submit your application, including your resume and a cover letter addressing the key requirements.

We do not accept agency applications.

Applicants must have the right to work in Australia

We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds. If you require adjustments through the recruitment process, please let us know.