Principal Aquatic Ecologist

About the Role

Our Environmental Services Business at Stantec provides strategic and practical solutions to clients with environmental management challenges. We are currently seeking a Lead Aquatic Ecologist with marine or freshwater experience to take a key role in growing our Aquatic Ecology practice in Queensland. You will benefit from being part of a National Ecology and Environmental Services practice that has industry experts across Marine, Aquatic, and Terrestrial Ecology and are currently delivering a range of exciting projects across Australia and the Asia Pacific Region.

This is a key area of growth for our Ecology team, and we are looking for experienced candidates to bring their extensive industry knowledge to build the Aquatic practice in Queensland. This role can be delivered out of one of our offices in Queensland, and you will be able to grow and build your reputation as an industry leader through initiatives such as conference presentations, professional memberships, and mentoring up-and-coming Ecologists.

Key Responsibilities

• Displaying expertise in the fields of marine and freshwater ecology, including experimental design and statistical analyses.
• Creating business growth using your extensive client network, market understanding, and technical knowledge.
• Planning, leading, and implementing estuarine, marine, and/or freshwater field studies.
• Delivery of technical reports for clients and participating in proposal and tender production.
• Managing the delivery of projects throughout the project life cycle, taking accountability for overall time, cost, and quality of delivery.
• Demonstrating a solid understanding of environmental legislation and maintaining up-to-date knowledge of current industry standards, practices, environmental legislation, and approvals processes.
• Establishing and driving a culture of efficient and effective delivery of all projects within Aquatic Ecology.
• Acting as a professional mentor to junior staff and assisting with their professional development.

Requirements

• Tertiary qualifications in Marine or Freshwater Ecology / Biology, Marine Science or equivalent.
• Minimum of 10 years' post-graduate Ecology experience ideally within a consulting, construction, or regulatory environment.
• Qualifications and experience in scientific diving (or equivalent) and Coxswains certification desirable.
• Intimate knowledge of key market drivers and services that will help propel the growth of these services in Stantec.
• Thorough knowledge of QLD and Federal planning and environment legislation essential.
• Well-developed fieldwork skills including leading field teams with specific knowledge in intertidal, subtidal, and offshore survey methods.
• Knowledge of freshwater survey methods such as electrofishing, AUSRIVAS protocols, and macroinvertebrate identification desirable.
• GIS and habitat mapping skills using ArcGIS or similar highly desirable.
• Strong interpersonal and leadership skills, broad communication, and negotiation skills.
• Ability to lead and manage projects and teams to ensure work output is delivered on time and to budget.
• Commitment to self-improvement and continuing professional development.
• Strong commercial acumen and ability to seek out new business development and growth opportunities.
• Flexibility to travel occasionally.

Physical Requirements

• Position includes both office and field work and the applicant must be physically able to stand, swim, and work in the field including in remote areas for extended periods of time.

About Stantec

Stantec is a global leader in the design and delivery of infrastructure projects. Our team of experts provides strategic and practical solutions to clients with environmental management challenges. We are committed to delivering high-quality services that meet the needs of our clients and the communities we serve.

What We Offer

Along with a competitive salary, we offer many other benefits to ensure your professional development and wellbeing is ongoing. These include:

• Genuine Flexible Working Arrangements – Including work from home opportunities, provision for school term contracts, job sharing, and part-time employment.
• Option to purchase up to 4 weeks additional leave.
• Learning and Talent Development Programs - Including Global programmes, online learning, and on-the-job learning.
• Mentoring for your own development and the opportunity to mentor others.
• Professional Registrations and Memberships.
• Salary Continuance Insurance (SCI).
• Mental Health and Wellbeing Programs.
• Service Recognition Awards.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for employees and their immediate family members.
• A friendly team environment, with dedicated and enthusiastic staff committed to producing high-quality service and deliverables.