Principal Ecologist - EPBC / Commonwealth Projects

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

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

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