Senior Zoologist

6 days ago

Bunbury, Western Australia Ecology Matters Australia Full time $80,000 - $140,000 per year

We have selected 'full-time' in this listing, but we are open to part-time or flexible options. We are a southwest company but welcome applicants from Perth.

About Us

Ecology Matters Australia is a boutique fauna consultancy based in Western Australia, specialising in terrestrial vertebrate fauna and driven by wildlife conservation. We are a fully remote team with no central office – when we're not in the bush, we work from home.

Founded by zoologists Natalia Huang and Jamie Wadey, we are a growing team that values high performance, self-discipline, innovation, curiosity, and kindness. We focus on high-quality, science-led results and we believe in flexibility, initiative and a driven mindset. The work we do is serious and important, but we like to keep things grounded and good-humoured.

About the Roles

We're expanding and currently recruiting across three fauna-related roles, ranging from early career to senior leadership.

1. Fauna Technicians (Field-based)

Perfect for those with practical field skills and a strong interest in native fauna. You'll assist with terrestrial fauna surveys across WA.

Key responsibilities:

  • Fieldwork involving fauna and habitat surveys.

  • Interpret the environment with respect to ecology and fauna.

  • Identify fauna to species level, aurally and visually.

  • Regular remote fieldwork (usually from 3 to 10 days per trip).

  • Use GPS, trapping gear and standard field equipment.

  • Collect and manage data using mobile technology.

To be successful, you'll have:

  • Excellent understanding of WA fauna and ecology, including identification of vertebrate fauna to species level (frogs, reptiles, birds and mammals).

  • Good understanding of GPS, trapping gear and standard field equipment.

  • Strong fieldwork skills, good physical fitness and the ability to work long days outdoors.

  • Willingness to travel.

  • Reliability, good communication, and team spirit.

  • Ability to pick things up quickly.

  • Strong self-management and personal accountability when working from home.

2. Senior Zoologists (> 5 years' experience)

Senior Zoologists are expected to have strong field capabilities, encompassing all the responsibilities listed in the Fauna Technician role. This position blends fieldwork with data analysis and reporting, and suits someone confident leading surveys and contributing to scientific outputs.

Key responsibilities (in addition to above):

  • Lead and participate in regular fauna surveys.

  • Prepare scientific reports.

  • Interpret, analyse and manage data.

  • Liaise with clients when needed.

To be successful, you'll have (in addition to above):

  • A degree in Zoology, Ecology or similar.

  • At least 5 years of experience in terrestrial fauna work.

  • Ideally experience in the consulting or mining industry.

  • Excellent field and fauna ID skills.

  • Strong writing and data management abilities.

  • A proactive mindset and solid time management.

  • Strong self-management and personal accountability when working from home.

3. Principal Zoologists (> 10 years' experience)

Principal Zoologists are expected to have a solid grounding in fieldwork and an understanding of all the capabilities outlined in the Fauna Technician and Senior Zoologist roles. While you may spend less time in the field, a strong connection to on-ground work remains essential. This role also includes project management, client engagement, and shaping our team and systems.

Key responsibilities (in addition to above):

  • Lead and review report-writing and data analyses.

  • Oversee multiple projects and timelines.

  • Mentor junior team members.

  • Support business development and strategy.

  • Liaise directly with clients and regulators.

To be successful, you'll have:

  • 10 years of relevant experience, ideally including consulting.

  • A track record in managing fauna projects.

  • Leadership capability and systems thinking.

  • Ability to work both independently and collaboratively.

  • Strong self-management and personal accountability when working from home.

Why Join Us?

At Ecology Matters Australia, we offer:

  • Regular fieldwork in the bush.

  • The flexibility to work from home and manage your own time when not in the field.

  • Family-friendly work hours (when not in the field).

  • Contributions to high-quality, science-led work.

  • Opportunities to work on diverse projects across Western Australia.

  • A supportive team environment where your ideas and quirks are valued.

  • The chance to be part of a young, growing company making a meaningful impact.

  • Opportunities to grow into project management, client engagement or leadership.

  • Competitive salary ranging from $80,000 – $140,000 super (depending on experience and position).

A note on experience:
These roles are best suited to people with solid field experience. We're currently looking for either experienced fieldworkers without a degree (for Fauna Technician roles), or degree-qualified zoologists with at least five or ten years of experience (for Senior and Principal roles).

If you're a recent graduate or just starting out, we're not quite ready for you yet — but we hope to offer opportunities for early-career ecologists in the future. Stay tuned

How to Apply

Please include:

1. A cover letter telling us who you are and which role(s) you're interested in.

2. Your resume.

Please note that applications without a personalised cover letter will not be considered. We care about thoughtful communication and want to get to know you.

Please apply via SEEK.