Associate Ecologist

Global engineering consultancy with genuine career growth opportunities
- Opportunity to work on a broad range of interesting and challenging projects
- Flexible work environment with a great team culture
- Open to location, Brisbane, Sunshine Coast or Gold Coast

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.

The role

We are looking for a driven and experienced Associate Ecologist to join our thriving 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.

With 10+ years of industry experience, you will bring ecological expertise and a passion for environmental planning, along with a strong interest in project management and client-facing work. You will work alongside leading specialists and play a key role in expanding our impact across Queensland’s diverse ecosystems - from grasslands to forest and woodland communities.

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 recruitment activities go through our Recruitment & Talent function and currently, this role doesn’t 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.

At Surbana Jurong, we put talent, hard work, teamwork and a fun workplace together to approach problems and solve them creatively and collaboratively. Join us in making a positive impact on the world