Principal Ecologist
On-siteAuckland, Auckland, New Zealand or Christchurch, Canterbury, New Zealand
Job Summary
Provide technical leadership across a diverse portfolio of ecological projects, guiding assessment approaches and reviewing technical outputs to ensure the highest standards of quality. Act as a trusted adviser to clients, project teams, and stakeholders, delivering robust ecological advice that helps shape sustainable outcomes for complex infrastructure, renewable energy, and water sector initiatives. Lead and contribute to strategic pursuits, proposals, and tenders to secure high-value work across New Zealand, Australia, and the Pacific while building strong relationships with regulators, iwi, and multidisciplinary project teams. Partner with specialists to develop integrated scientific and environmental solutions, championing technical excellence by staying at the forefront of biodiversity policy and industry best practice.
Required Qualifications
- Degree-qualified ecology professional
- significant consulting experience
- recognised technical expertise in terrestrial and/or freshwater ecology
- successful delivery of complex projects and ecological assessments
- Deep knowledge of New Zealand environmental legislation, policy and regulatory frameworks
- strong analytical thinking
- sound technical judgement
- pragmatic problem-solving skills
- Experience providing technical leadership, peer review and quality assurance
- ability to mentor others, build capability and champion technical excellence across a collaborative, multidisciplinary team
- An established professional network and the ability to build trusted client relationships, win work and contribute to the growth of ecology services
- NZ working rights
- a current driver's licence
Desired Qualifications
- CEnvP Ecology Specialist accreditation (or progress towards it)
- hearing, Board of Inquiry or Environment Court experience
- Specialist expertise in freshwater ecology or ornithology and/or botany
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