Principal Ecological Consultant

Principal Ecological Consultant – Lead Projects with Purpose

Location: NSW – Flexible (Central Coast, Newcastle)
Job Type: Full Time
Reports to: Technical Director – Ecology | Managing Director

Lead ecological strategy, drive outcomes, and grow with us.

At Travers bushfire & ecology, we’re expanding our senior leadership team and seeking a Principal Ecological Consultant to guide and deliver ecological projects that matter. This is your opportunity to shape complex, high-value work that protects biodiversity, supports sustainable development, and strengthens our team’s capability and influence.

We’re looking for a confident, strategic thinker with a strong track record in consulting across the infrastructure, energy, planning, and environmental sectors—someone who leads with integrity, inspires technical excellence, and is committed to long-term impact.

About the Role

This senior role involves the technical leadership of major ecological projects across NSW, including assessments, strategic advice, and environmental planning. You’ll be responsible for quality assurance, client relationship management, team mentoring, and business development.

You will collaborate with bushfire consultants, arborists, archaeologists and restoration ecologists to deliver integrated and effective solutions, while supporting the development of junior and mid-level ecology staff.

Your Key Responsibilities

• Lead the delivery of complex ecological assessments (including BDAR, flora/fauna surveys, habitat assessments, impact assessments and offset strategies).
• Provide expert advice to clients, regulators and multidisciplinary project teams.
• Oversee the technical quality, compliance, and strategic direction of ecological deliverables.
• Support or lead proposal writing, tenders, scoping, and budgeting for new work.
• Engage directly with key clients across government, infrastructure, energy, and development sectors.
• Mentor and support the development of early-career and mid-level ecologists.
• Work with the Managing Director and Ecology Technical Director to grow the ecology practice strategically and sustainably.

Who We’re Looking For

You are a seasoned ecologist and natural leader who understands the pressures, possibilities, and responsibilities of ecological consulting. You are passionate about biodiversity, capable of big-picture thinking, and comfortable balancing technical and commercial outcomes.

You bring:

• A goal-oriented mindset with high levels of professionalism and personal accountability.
• A solutions-focused approach, using creativity and science to unlock value.
• Ability to mentor, lead and uplift others, both technically and culturally.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to build respectful, long-term relationships.
• A desire to grow with the business and leave a positive legacy for the environment and community.

Essential Skills & Qualifications

• Minimum 8–10 years’ experience in ecological consulting, with recent experience at senior/principal level.

• Degree in Ecology, Environmental Science, Botany, Zoology, or a related discipline.

• Strong technical knowledge of NSW flora, fauna and ecosystems, with field survey capability.

• High-level experience preparing and reviewing:

• Biodiversity Development Assessment Reports (BDAR)

• Biodiversity Stewardship Assessments and Applications

• Ecological Impact Assessments

• Environmental approvals under NSW and Commonwealth legislation (Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016, EPBC Act)

• Excellent project management skills and experience delivering multi-stage or high-risk projects.

• Proven track record in business development and client relationship management.

• Experience working with major infrastructure providers, energy companies, developers, and/or public sector clients.

• Sound understanding of offsets, BAM, and biodiversity policy.

• Current driver’s licence and willingness to travel within NSW.

What You’ll Get

• A senior leadership role in a values-led consultancy.
• Flexible/hybrid work arrangements + supportive team culture.
• Mentorship opportunities and pathways to Technical Director roles.
• Access to company vehicles, work phone, and field resources.
• Paid training and professional development programs.
• 24/7 wellbeing support via our Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Inclusion in our Sustainability Offset Program—plant native species as part of our carbon and habitat contribution.
• Work across disciplines with passionate professionals in bushfire, ecology, arboriculture, and heritage.

About Us

At Travers bushfire & ecology, we’ve been mastering complexity in ecology and bushfire science for over 15 years. With offices in Kariong and Beresfield, we serve clients across NSW and beyond. We are proud to deliver trusted, science-led solutions to government, industry, energy, and development sectors.

We are committed to excellence, trust, and leadership. We believe in mentoring, learning, and growing together—and we’re looking for someone who shares these values and is ready to take the next step in a meaningful career.

Apply Now

Click Apply, and send us your resume and a cover letter outlining your experience and what makes you a strong fit for this role.

For a confidential discussion, contact Karen Woodford on (02) 4340 5331.
Learn more at: www.traversecology.com.au