Environmental Scientist

• Bunbury location
• Fixed Contract until 31st July 2028 – with possibility of extension.
• Fulltime or part time by negotiation

About SWNRM

South West NRM is a leading not-for-profit environmental organisation with over 25 years of experience delivering evidence-based collaborative action with our members and partners to benefit the globally unique South West environment and communities.

With our partners, we operate at the intersection of science, technology and land care, across natural and agricultural landscapes. We champion and deliver initiatives that drive positive outcomes for local biodiversity as well as improved  sustainability for farmers.

Why work for us?

At South West NRM you will  be empowered to  achieve great outcomes for yourself, the organisation and our South West environment and community. We’ll support you with training, development and flexibility. You will design and deliver projects that have real impact.

South West NRM encourages diverse candidates to apply including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people from multicultural backgrounds and maintains an equal opportunity policy in assessing all applications for any advertised position.

The Role

The Environmental Scientist role is a new role, responsible for providing technical scientific expertise to support the planning, implementation, monitoring and delivery of environmental projects and programs across the South West region. The role contributes specialist scientific knowledge, stakeholder engagement and project management skills to improve environmental outcomes and meet organisational objectives.

Primary Duties

• Undertake environmental assessments consisting of both desktop and field surveys on environmental values including vegetation, flora and fauna.
• Design and implement monitoring, evaluation and reporting across a range of environmental projects and programs.
• Contribute specialist scientific advice to environmental planning, biodiversity conservation, habitat restoration and natural resource management initiatives.
• Collect, analyse, interpret and manage environmental data to support project delivery, reporting obligations and evidence-based decision making.
• Develop project plans, technical reports, and management plans.
• Provide technical advice on environmental approvals, compliance requirements and permitting processes where required.
• Manage project activities to ensure delivery against milestones, budgets, timelines and contractual obligations.
• Coordinate and oversee environmental consultants, contractors and service providers as required.
• Contribute to organisational strategic planning and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Participate with SWNRM staff, volunteers and project partners to undertake field activities to support project objectives when required.
• Other duties as directed.

Communication & Relationships

• Contribute to building a positive team by establishing and maintaining effective, supportive and cooperative working relationships.
• Maintain relationships with relevant organisations and individuals to design and deliver projects, such as external partners including landholders, community groups, government, Traditional Custodians, Indigenous corporations and volunteers.
• Contribute to mobilising knowledge and communicating project and organisational impact to inform decisions and influence action.

Selection Criteria

• Tertiary qualification in Environmental Science, Natural Resource Management, Environmental Management, Ecology or related discipline.
• Demonstrated experience (minimum 5 years) in environmental science, environmental management, biodiversity conservation or natural resource management.
• Strong knowledge of environmental legislation, policy and regulatory frameworks relevant to Western Australia.
• Experience undertaking environmental monitoring, data collection, analysis and reporting.
• Demonstrated project management experience, including planning, budgeting, reporting and contractor management.
• Experience engaging with a diverse range of stakeholders including government agencies, Traditional Custodians, community groups, landholders and industry representatives.
• High-level written communication skills, including technical reporting and grant application preparation.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving and organisational skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage competing priorities.
• Experience using GIS software and spatial analysis tools.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
• Australian residency or eligibility to legally work in Australia.
• Current "C" Class driver's licence.
• Willingness to undertake regional travel, fieldwork and occasional overnight stays.

Desirable Criteria

• Postgraduate qualifications in Environmental Science, Natural Resource Management, Environmental Management, Ecology or related discipline.
• Experience with environmental approvals, permitting and compliance processes.
• Experience in biodiversity assessment, threatened species management and ecological restoration.
• Knowledge of Western Australian environmental legislation and approval pathways.
• Experience working within the mining, natural resource management, local government or not-for-profit sectors.
• First Aid Certificate.
• Four-wheel drive training and field safety experience.

Eligibility

• Australian Residency or eligibility to legally work in Australia.
• Current WA Driver’s License.
• Satisfactory police check
• Commitment to South West NRM’s values, policies, procedures and practices

Work Environment and Physical Demands

• The position is based at 1 Verschuer Place, Davenport (Bunbury, WA).
• Flexible workplace options considered.
• Driving is an essential duty of this position.
• This position will require travel, sometimes to remote locations, including overnight stays.
• A moderate level of fitness is required for field-based activities.
• Work may be undertaken in variable weather conditions and natural environments.

For more detailed information about the duties of the role and the type of person we are looking for please refer to the Position Description on the SWNRM website at https://southwestnrm.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Position-Description-Environmental-Scientist_V2.pdf

How to apply

To apply for this role, please send a cover letter and CV to [email protected]

Applications will be assessed as received and interviews scheduled accordingly.

Applications close 8th October 2026