Senior Associate Environmental Scientist

Senior Associate Environmental Scientist - Ecology

Senior Associate Environmental Scientist - Ecology role at SMEC. This description consolidates the key responsibilities, qualifications and opportunities within SMEC's Environment group.

Overview

We are looking for a driven and experienced Associate Ecologist to join our Queensland and Northern Territory Ecology team. This is more than a technical role – it's an opportunity to lead projects, build client relationships, and contribute to strategic business development in a respected, values-driven consultancy.

What You Will Do

• Lead multidisciplinary projects from planning to delivery, ensuring quality, budget, and timelines are met.
• Act as a client liaison, building trusted relationships with key clients, government, and private stakeholders.
• Contribute to business development, including preparing compelling proposals and identifying opportunities for growth.
• Provide expert advice on ecological management, legislation, and threatened species.
• Conduct and oversee field-based ecological assessments, including flora and fauna surveys, vegetation mapping, impact assessments, permitting, and long-term monitoring.
• Work on projects ranging from local infrastructure to major state-significant developments.
• Travel across Queensland (and occasionally interstate) for site work and client meetings.

What You Bring

• A degree in Ecology or a related discipline.
• 10+ years' experience in ecological consulting or a similar field.
• Expertise in flora and fauna survey, assessment, and monitoring.
• Strong project and stakeholder management skills, with a focus on delivering client value.
• Excellent communication skills – verbal, written, and interpersonal.
• A desire to contribute to the strategic direction of a team and help grow our business.
• A sound understanding of relevant Queensland environmental legislation.

Why Join Us

• Flexible work arrangements to support work/life balance.
• A supportive and ethical client base.
• Mentorship from industry leaders and opportunities for rapid growth.
• Professional development programs and tertiary education support.
• Career pathways that include leadership, technical specialisation, and business development.
• Opportunities to work nationally and internationally.
• Additional purchased leave options and generous parental leave.
• A strong wellbeing culture and a collaborative, purpose-driven team.

How To Apply

All applications must be submitted online. To apply, click on the "Apply Now" link below and follow the prompts. For a confidential discussion regarding this opportunity, please contact Helen Kruimel at helen.kruimel@smec.com or phone on 0460 410 225.

All recruitment activities go through our Recruitment & Talent function. This role does not require agency input. Please do not forward resumes directly to SMEC employees/managers; we do not accept unsolicited resumes and are not responsible for any associated fees.

About SMEC

SMEC is a global engineering and consulting firm with Australian origins and a network of 13,500 professionals in 40 countries providing high-quality consulting services for major infrastructure, transport, urban design and environment projects. SMEC employs passionate and innovative people who are driven to deliver exceptional outcomes and who feel valued in a diverse and inclusive workplace.

SMEC actively supports opportunities for personal development through internal and external training and client networking. With a broad client base and a supportive culture, we will inspire you to reach your potential.

Our Environment group is an enthusiastic and diverse team of environmental scientists, environmental engineers and ecologists. SMEC's wider ecology team covers eastern Australia and includes scientists with a long history in producing publications and contributing to industry groups such as the EIANZ.

If you are seeking the opportunity to work on an exciting range of projects and collaborate with a network of experienced ecologists across Australia, then this may be your next career move.

Note: This description reflects the current role and does not imply endorsement of any recruitment activity by third parties.

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