Nature Advisory Pty Ltd is an employee-owned specialist consulting ecological company, providing expert advice, field services, and reporting to organisations, governments, and private clients on a range of ecosystem monitoring and management projects. We specialise in renewable energy development ecological assessments and seek to ensure environmental impacts from these projects are minimised. This allows us to make a positive contribution to conserving environmental values while supporting the growth of the renewable energy sector. As an environmental firm, it's also important to us that the impact of our own operations are considered and we are carbon neutral.
We are the leading provider of bird and bat ecological services to the wind energy industry and primarily work throughout Australia's eastern states. We specialise in pre-construction ecological impact assessments, identifying relevant issues, implementing appropriate monitoring, and creating workable alternatives to avoid, minimise and mitigate impacts on birds and bats. We design and deliver field services, prepare technical reports and assist clients through the regulatory process. We also have expertise in post-construction monitoring, implementing routine surveys, responding to impacts on threatened species and undertaking targeted surveys. We are also deploying some of the innovative approaches that are available to mitigate impacts to birds and bats from operational wind farms.
We are seeking a qualified and experienced candidate to lead our team of ten zoologists (including project managers) in Queensland in providing exceptional bird and bat ecological services to the Queensland wind energy industry. This will contribute to our team of technical specialists working throughout Australia.
The successful candidate will have a proven track record in team management and ecological assessments, with an emphasis on delivering professional and accurate reporting. This will involve facilitating, guiding, and directing bird and bat field studies to assess sites being considered for wind energy projects. You will lead the team by guiding general bird and bat assessments and targeted assessments on key species to provide inputs into the development of layout and other measures to mitigate the impact of wind energy projects on birds and bats (together with our specialist team).
As Queensland Team Lead, you will be strategically guiding our developing team, including: - Leadership of our QLD team:
- Enabling a positive team culture;
- Team member recruitment, onboarding, training, managing, and mentoring;
- Generating and implementing annual development plans;
- Supporting zoologists and project managers in their delivery of project work.
Oversight of QLD project portfolio and workflow:- Generating and reviewing fee proposals;
- Senior advisor to QLD project managers;
- Bird and bat survey design and review;
- Ensuring high quality field data collation and analysis;
- Ensuring high quality outputs for bird and bat assessment, habitat mapping, and risk assessment reporting and review;
- Providing high quality technical advice to wind energy developers and regulators;
- Providing input into senior leadership team initiatives;
- Field work as suits role.
Key position criteria: - University qualification/s in zoology or ecology;
- Minimum 3-4 years' experience in an ecological consulting role;
- Previous team and line management experience;
- Proven ability to work well leading and within a team, as well as working independently;
- Empathic approach to people management;
- Positive, professional and friendly approach to communication;
- Previous experience undertaking and leading bird and bat surveys in remote areas;
- Excellent bird detection and identification skills, particularly throughout central and northern QLD;
- Strong ecological data and interpretation experience;
- High quality reporting skills;
- Detailed understanding of EPBC Act and Planning Act approval process.
Benefits include: - Attractive salary commensurate with skills and experience;
- Five weeks annual leave each year;
- Flexible working conditions;
- Mentoring by directors and options for career progression.
Our wind farm team has over 40 zoologists, and we work throughout Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania and South Australia. Our national team comes together each June to review best practice and new technologies in wind farm assessments and minimising the impacts of wind energy projects. The position provides an excellent opportunity to join a diverse and friendly team of zoologists and ecologists committed to a high standard of technical work and client service. There will be opportunities to work inter-state.
How to apply: If you think you have the skills and interest to fill this position or would like to discuss the position we would be very happy to speak with you. Call Dr Leah Kemp on or email .
To apply: email your resume and cover letter highlighting your suitability for the role and addressing how you meet the key position criteria above to:
Closing date: 29 January 2025 (noting that earlier applications are highly encouraged and will be assessed on an ongoing basis).
