Ecologist

Job Description

Ecologist – Newcastle, NSW

Are you an Ecologist with a passion for both flora and fauna? Do you want to be part of an experienced ecology team and be mentored by our BAM accredited ecologists to progress your career? Are you motivated to progress your skills while working on a wide range of projects in different habitats throughout NSW and potentially beyond?

If you have the drive and desire to work for a growing global organisation focused on connecting the best people to the best work, then we want to hear from you!

The Company

Kleinfelder Australia is an environmental consulting firm providing professional and technical services for ecology, environmental planning and approvals, land rehabilitation, contaminated land management and geotechnical engineering.

Kleinfelder Australia, as part of the global Kleinfelder Group, an environmental, engineering and science-based consulting firm, can utilise the experience of over 3,000 employees globally. With almost 100 staff operating across Australia, we deliver our projects with local and international experience across multiple disciplinary lines.

As our success and growth continues across Australia, an opportunity has arisen for an experienced Ecologist to join our growing team in Newcastle. The successful applicant will have the opportunity to work on a portfolio of diverse ecology projects for a growing client base in both the public and private sectors.

The Opportunity

Reporting to the Ecology Team Leader, you will participate in a variety of interesting ecological projects, working within a multi-disciplinary team of scientists and engineers. The role would include:

• Plan and conduct flora and fauna surveys in accordance with applicable regulatory standards and guidelines, including capture of digital data and field samples, to a high degree of competency.
• Undertake fieldwork competently and safely by complying with relevant H&S requirements, including internal Kleinfelder and external client procedures.
• Preparation of reports and assessments to a proficient standard and assist Senior Ecologists in the preparation of more complex deliverables such as Biodiversity Stewardship Site Assessment Reports (BSSARs) and Biodiversity Development Assessment Reports (BDARs).
• Assist Project Managers in the tracking of project budgets and schedules.
• Participate in training and development opportunities with senior staff to broaden your skills and technical ability.

About You

We are seeking a talented and ambitious ecologist who desires to advance their career with a global environmental consultancy. Applicants will be highly regarded if they have an in-depth knowledge and practical application of National and State Regulations and Guidelines and their application to ecological assessments. Awareness and practical application of the NSW Biodiversity Offset Scheme (BOS) and the Biodiversity Assessment Method (BAM 2020) through fieldwork and reporting is preferred, with a strong desire to be working towards BAM accreditation, mentored by our existing team of BAM accredited ecologists. This is your pathway to become an accredited BAM assessor.

Desired Education, Experience, and Skills:

• A relevant degree in environmental science (ecology) natural resource management or a related discipline. A higher degree will be considered favourably. However, suitably experienced applicants who are working towards a relevant degree will also be considered.
• Minimum 3 years’ of experience in the environmental consulting industry.
• Well-developed Flora and Fauna identification skills, preferably in NSW.
• Experience undertaking BAM vegetation integrity plots including the ability to use identifications keys and knowledge of local flora species.
• Experience of performing targeted threatened species surveys. Fauna experience highly regarded
• Demonstrated experience in the delivery of a variety of ecology projects across a range of market sectors for both public and private clients.
• Industry recognition through certification, accreditation and/or active participation in related industry associations.

What Kleinfelder can offer

As well as an excellent career development pathway, Kleinfelder offers many benefits to ensure your professional development & well-being; these include but are not limited to:

• Formal mentoring program to connect with our BAM accredited ecologists,
• Highly competitive salaries and benefits*, such as;

• Paid Parental Leave,

• Purchase extra annual leave per year,

• Australia day public holiday swap,

• Friendly and supportive team environment, 
• Flexible work arrangements available (e.g., hybrid working), 
• Paid overtime, (as per the Kleinfelder Overtime Policy),
• Access to our health and wellness initiatives (e.g., Employee Assistance Program), 
• Professional career and technical development programs incl, study assistance with external and internal learning, 
• Opportunities to participate in Corporate Social Responsibilities (volunteering, charity community support), 
• Service recognition and reward programs including bonuses, 
• Professional membership support. 

Kleinfelder prides itself with being an equal opportunity employer where we value and celebrate diversity and inclusion. We encourage individuals from all cultural backgrounds including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders to be part of our organisation and apply.

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

Kleinfelder will be managing this process and applications from third party recruiters will not be accepted.