Senior Ecologist

Overview:

CO2 Australia (CO2) is Australia's leading environmental services company and has been delivering projects nation-wide since 2004. We are a wholly Australian-owned environmental services and consultancy dedicated to providing solutions for our clients that maximise positive outcomes and minimise environmental impacts. We believe that the natural environment is critical for future prosperity, and that protecting it requires collaboration, innovation, and bold action. With a generous TOIL policy, and per diem allowance when working away from home, CO2 Australia offers a flexible and exciting career opportunity working across multiple established and emerging environment sectors.

We are looking for an experienced and highly motivated Senior Ecologist to lead and assist with the delivery of consulting services focusing on biodiversity offsets, while also contributing to carbon offsets and other natural capital projects throughout Queensland and across Australia. This role involves both field-based and office-based work, including mentoring junior staff, managing projects, engaging with clients, and contributing to the continued growth of the business.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design, coordinate, and lead regular field-based ecological surveys, including ground-truthing of regional ecosystem mapping, BioCondition assessments, threatened species surveys, and weed/pest monitoring.
• Oversee and deliver works programs to meet project objectives, including preparation of health and safety plans, field logistics, and technical input.
• Undertake and lead regular fieldwork across Queensland and interstate, including extended trips (occasionally 10–12 days) occupying approximately 20-25% of working business days across the year.
• Lead preparation of technical reports, data management, analysis, and other project deliverables.
• Contribute to project development, business growth, and client relationship management, including attending meetings, conferences, and presentations.
• Mentor junior staff and contribute to building team capability.
• Maintain strong working knowledge of environmental legislation, biodiversity offset policies, and ecological survey guidelines

Experience required

• A Bachelor's degree in Ecology, Zoology, Botany, Environmental Management, Environmental Science or similar (postgraduate qualifications highly regarded).
• Minimum 5 years' experience in ecological survey and assessment, including Regional Ecosystem verification and assessment, floristic survey, vegetation community mapping, flora and fauna identification and BioCondition assessments.
• Demonstrated experience working in Queensland landscapes, particularly the Brigalow Belt.
• Experience in preparing high-quality ecological and environmental reports.
• Strong knowledge of Commonwealth and State environmental legislation, biodiversity offsets policies, and the EPBC Act referral process.
• Ability to contribute to and lead ecological surveys and manage project delivery.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Willingness to travel for extended field trips in remote and rugged environments.
• Current driver's licence.

Advanced technical skills in MS Office.

Applications:

We look forward to receiving your application for this position at CO2 Australia. Please submit your CV and a cover letter outlining your suitability for this role and how you meet the key responsibilities and experience, by 5pm, 30 September 2025.