Principal Ecologist / Team Leader

Umwelt Australia Pty Limited is seeking a Principal Ecologist / Team Leader in Sydney, NSW. The role involves leading ecological initiatives, managing projects, and mentoring staff. Candidates should have over 10 years of ecological experience and relevant qualifications. Responsibilities include field surveys, client relationship management, and contributing to business growth. The position requires strong communication and leadership skills, with opportunities for national travel.
About Umwelt

With over three decades of experience and nine locations nationwide, Umwelt is an organisation of vibrant professionals with expertise in a variety of sectors, including resources, infrastructure, renewable energy, defence, regulation and policy, and urban development. Our national team of ecologists have a reputation for their extensive scientific expertise and thorough evaluations of biodiversity. Our services are in high demand due to new projects in the resource, infrastructure, and renewable energy sectors. We aim to use our experience to deliver specialised advice that balances development with impact avoidance and offsetting, for the best possible environmental outcomes.

About the Opportunity:

As a Principal Ecologist / Team Leader, you will spearhead our ecological initiatives, providing leadership and technical expertise to guide projects from inception to completion. With a focus on innovation and excellence, you will lead by example, using your technical skill sets to manage and mentor staff and foster a culture of continuous learning and professional development. Your role will involve a variety of field and office-based activities, with the opportunity to travel across the nation as a member of a truly national team. You will be responsible for the delivery of field survey programs, often on logistically complex and remote sites, and the preparation of high-quality deliverables. Your role will also involve cultivating client relationships, identifying new business opportunities, and contributing to the growth and success of our consultancy firm. You will be willing to play a key role in the development and implementation of the growth strategy for the ecology workstream in NSW.

Key Requirements and Responsibilities:
• 10+ years of relevant ecological experience
• Degree qualified in ecology, environmental science, zoology, botany or a related discipline
• Accreditation under the NSW Biodiversity Offset Scheme is highly desirable
• Demonstrated experience in managing medium and large-scale ecological assessment and management projects
• Provide guidance and mentorship to colleagues, leveraging emotional intelligence and pragmatic attitudes.
• Lead and support your team to lead proposal preparation within your relevant work area
• Experienced in developing and maintaining positive relationships with a range of stakeholders including clients, government agencies and fellow team members
• Proven track record of leading ecological assessments, habitat surveys, and impact analyses
• Strong understanding of relevant legislation, regulations, and environmental policies
• Strong verbal and written communication skills including experience in preparing and reviewing reports. Willingness to take responsibility for delivery of reports to final quality
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to convey technical information to diverse audiences, which include clients, government agencies and internal staff
• Demonstrate leadership abilities, including project management and team coordination

What We Offer

Our people are our number one asset, and we are committed to providing a workplace that supports our team to grow. As part of our team, you will be offered:
• A role collaborating with experienced professionals to support your growth and development
• Paid parental leave for both primary and secondary carers
• #Me Days – an Umwelt wellbeing initiative that offers staff an additional day of paid leave per month (up to 12 days per year for FTE) to support mental health and wellbeing
• Flexible work arrangements to support a work/life balance
• Generous additional hours policy and working away from home benefits
• Opportunities to join the company’s Employee Share Plan (ESP)
• A workplace culture of learning and personal development, with a mix of in-house and externally hosted training opportunities offered as well as mentorship
• Established and well considered wellbeing tools and initiatives and hands-on training
• A competitive salary based on skills and experience

Diversity and Inclusion

At Umwelt, we are committed to fostering a workplace that embraces diversity and inclusion. We’re all responsible in creating a diverse, inclusive, and accountable culture where employees of all backgrounds and lifestyles feel a sense of belonging, mutual respect, and kindness.

The Umwelt team are privileged to collaborate closely with Indigenous communities across the nation, and we actively pursue the goals outlined in our Reconciliation Action Plan. We believe that a diverse and inclusive environment not only enriches our workplace culture but also drives innovation and excellence in all that we do. Join us in our mission to create a supportive and equitable workplace where everyone’s unique perspectives and contributions are valued.

Join the Umwelt Team

If you believe you meet the criteria for this opportunity, please apply via SEEK. Your application should include a cover letter addressing how you meet the above criteria and your resume outlining your previous experience.

If you would like additional assistance through the recruitment process, please reach out to our friendly HR team at HRManagement@umwelt.com.au.

To be eligible for this position you must have legal work rights to work in Australia.

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