• Brisbane
• $150,000 – $180,000 + super

As a Principal Ecologist, this role exists for one clear reason: to take ownership of Commonwealth EPBC referral work and lead the technical delivery at a level that frees up senior leadership to focus on mentoring, strategy, and team growth.

This is a high-end technical role, not a sales job. The work is already there, the clients are established, and the expectation is that you lead complex ecological reporting, manage offsets-linked approvals, and set the technical standard across major projects.

The project portfolio is strong and varied, including renewables, linear infrastructure, pipelines, Olympic-related referrals, and large residential approvals. Commonwealth matters are central to the workload, so experience navigating EPBC referrals and approvals is essential.

This role is well suited to a senior ecologist or emerging principal who is ready to step into genuine technical leadership without the pressure of business development.

The Role

• Lead EPBC referral strategy and reporting for major Commonwealth projects
• Own high-end terrestrial flora and fauna assessments
• Deliver and review complex technical reports across renewables and infrastructure
• Be actively involved in ecological offsets tied to referral work
• Provide technical guidance and mentoring to a growing ecology team
• Work closely with planning, approvals, spatial and landscape teams in-house

The Team

You’ll sit within a multidisciplinary environmental consultancy of 30+ staff, with ecology, environmental planning, landscape architecture and spatial capability all in-house. The ecology team is established and growing, supported by strong junior and senior talent across multiple offices in Queensland and NSW.

This is a technically focused environment with depth, momentum and a clear growth trajectory. Leadership values quality output, sensible workloads and giving senior people the space to do their best work.

What you’ll bring

• 12+ years’ experience in terrestrial ecology
• Proven EPBC referral and Commonwealth approvals experience
• Background across renewables, infrastructure or large-scale developments
• Strong technical writing and report leadership capability
• Experience with ecological offsets linked to approvals
• Consulting background and confidence operating at Principal level

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If you’re interested in this position, please don’t hesitate to hit Apply or contact me for further information. Your approach will be held in confidence.

Brett Clemenson
Director & Founder of ALRA – 18+ years in Environmental Recruitment
0447 946 446
brett@alra.com.au