Senior Project Officer, Ecologist

• Senior Project Officer, Ecologist (Ecological Monitoring)
• Ongoing full time opportunity
• Office location - Murwillumbah
• Salary relative to experience, and ranges from $129,464 to $142,665 + employer's contribution to superannuation

Do you want to work to make a difference for NSW?

Together, we create thriving environments, communities and economies

About the role

NPWS manage more than 7 million hectares of diverse ecosystems - from rainforest to alpine ecosystems and from the inland desert to over 40% of our coast. NPWS plays a critical role in protecting the State's biodiversity.  These roles are your chance to join one of the world's leading protected area agencies at a critical time in our 50-year history.

A Senior Project Officer is responsible for leading the design, planning, delivery, and reporting of ecological health monitoring projects across the national park estate as part of the Ecological Health Performance Scorecard program. The role manages multiple ecological projects and leads a team to establish and implement long-term monitoring projects. The role works to ensure the delivery of best-practice, innovative approaches to ecological health monitoring, helping to inform conservation priorities and improve outcomes for biodiversity across NSW.

About you

You bring a strong track record in ecological survey and monitoring, with a commitment to best-practice methodologies and innovative approaches to conservation science. To succeed in this role, you will demonstrate:

• Practical fieldwork experience, including coordinating, supervising, and participating in ecological surveys.
• Proven experience in designing, implementing, reviewing, and evaluating ecological monitoring plans, survey guidelines, and procedures.
• Analytical skills, including the ability to model complex ecological datasets and use GIS and statistical tools effectively.
• Excellent project management capabilities, with the ability to juggle multiple complex tasks and meet key milestones.
• A collaborative mindset, with a positive attitude and a genuine desire to work effectively within a team environment.

Essential requirements:

• Tertiary qualification in ecology, environmental science or in a relevant discipline.
• Current Australian driver license and willingness to obtain a 4WD operation certificate.

The role is required to undertake field work, including day and night surveys sometime in inclement weather conditions.  This will require a willingness to work in these conditions and a sound level of physical fitness.

View the Role Description here –  Senior Project Officer, Ecologist

Who we are

The Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) works to protect the state's environment and heritage. It leads the way on climate change, driving the sustainable transition to a net zero economy, powered by affordable, reliable, and clean energy.

DCCEEW conserves and protects the state's natural environment. It manages the NSW national park estate, including its rich and diverse biodiversity and Aboriginal cultural heritage for future generations.

DCCEEW also ensures sustainable management of water resources across the state, to support the environment, communities and industry.

We acknowledge the ongoing custodial responsibilities of the Aboriginal peoples of NSW to care for Country and water and are committed to establishing meaningful partnerships with Aboriginal peoples in the management of the environment.

What we can offer you

NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service is a great place to expand your career and grow your skills and knowledge.

• Accrued days off in addition to Annual Leave
• Corporate wellbeing programs, including the Fitness Passport
• Learning and development opportunities, including in-house training.

What we do

About NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service

Visit a park

To Apply

If excited by the information above, we look forward to receiving your application, including a copy of your resume and cover letter expressing your interest and suitability for the role.

Applications close Thursday 16th of October :55pm

Should you require further information about the role please contact Danielle Stokeld via or on

A recruitment pool may be created for ongoing and temporary opportunities of the same role or role type that may become available over the next 18 months.

Our goal is to build a workforce that not only represents but also understands and serves the diverse communities of New South Wales. We are committed to making our state a vibrant and inclusive place to live, work, and thrive for everyone. Our workforce represents people of all ages and genders, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with disabilities, the LGBTQI+ community, and people from diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds.

Looking for more information or assistance in applying?

• Our commitment to a diverse and inclusive workplace.
• How we encourage and support people with disability
• Information and adjustments for individual needs for the recruitment process and the workplace.

If you require an adjustment for your application process, please contact our Talent Acquisition Team by emailing or contacting (Shanay Rokotavaga) on please mention reference number

If you are an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander use our Aboriginal applicants guide to assist with applying for roles or our Aboriginal Career pathways team at for a yarn.

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