Senior Ecologist / Botanist

Summary

AMBS Ecology & Heritage is seeking an experienced ecologist to join our team. We are looking for someone with advanced skills in plant identification, plant community identification and/or vegetation mapping. It is a role that would suit someone with an interest in working on biodiversity stewardship assessments and biodiversity monitoring projects.

About AMBS

We are a small but well-established company that specialises in ecology and heritage. Our objective is to offer high-quality services to high-quality clients. We pride ourselves on our independence and objectivity, our flexibility, and our collaborative workplace. The successful applicant will be joining a team of around 25 excellent, dedicated professionals with a range of skills and expertise.

About our work

Our ecological work includes flora surveys, fauna surveys, vegetation mapping, biodiversity monitoring, habitat monitoring, threatened species monitoring, weed and feral animal surveys, flora and fauna management plans, nest box installation and monitoring, impact assessments (including BDARs) and offset assessments (including BSSARs). Our projects extend across NSW in a range of landscapes. We service a range of industries including major infrastructure developments, mining, renewable energy, State and local government agencies and environmental agencies. Much of our work involves projects undertaken in offset areas.

About the role

The primary objective of the role is to provide a high level of technical expertise on ecological projects undertaken by AMBS, with a particular focus on the botanical aspects.

You would be responsible for:

• conducting botanical surveys
• identifying plant community types (PCTs)
• assessing vegetation condition
• preparing detailed vegetation maps (with the assistance of our in-house GIS specialist, if needed)
• plant identification
• providing guidance and mentoring to less experienced staff
• reviewing the work of less experienced staff
• writing or providing written input to reports, including but not limited to offset assessments, impact assessments, management plans, vegetation monitoring reports, constraints assessments
• preparing project proposals
• providing expert advice
• maintaining the skills and qualifications required for the role and keeping up to date with relevant legislation and best practice
• communicating with professionalism, integrity and confidentiality with clients, colleagues and regulatory agencies.

For experts with an interest in (and aptitude for) taking on a leadership role within the team, there would be an opportunity to do so.

Essential qualifications and experience

• Tertiary qualifications in ecology, botany or a related field
• Ten years of experience in roles that have included a strong botanical focus such as vegetation mapping, plant community identification and/or plant identification
• BAM accreditation or suitability for obtaining accreditation within 12 months
• Current driver’s licence.

Desirable experience and qualities

• Experience dealing with large data sets and undertaking data analyses
• Experience in preparing management plans
• At least two years of experience in a commercial consulting environment
• Willingness to conduct fieldwork in regional and remote locations
• Good understanding of relevant legislation and it’s application
• Commitment to implementing safe work practices in the field and in the office
• Experience leading a team in the field
• Ability to use a range of techniques for data collection in the field (including on electronic media)
• Excellent communication and report writing skills.

What we offer

• A key role in a privately-owned SME that values quality people
• Flexible work and work-from-home arrangements
• Attractive remuneration
• Support for professional development
• Vehicles and field equipment for undertaking fieldwork
• Computer, mobile and office equipment if needed or desired
• A relaxed office environment with a great team of people.

How to apply

Email a full CV with a brief cover letter to [email protected]. For the cover letter, what we are looking for is a few paragraphs that summarise your experience, focussing on your botanical skills.

If you have any questions, please contact [email protected] or [email protected].

Applications close: 24 March 2024.