Are you an experienced ecologist looking to step into a senior, principal or leadership role? Do you bring strong technical expertise, commercial acumen, and a genuine interest in mentoring others and shaping team growth?

We are seeking a Senior or Principal Ecologist to join our well-established and growing Environmental team. This prospect is available in our Melbourne office, with the scope of the role tailored to your experience.

Working closely with our Directors and Principal Consultants, you will play a key role in project delivery, client relationships, and the ongoing growth and direction of the Ecology team. Whether stepping directly into leadership or progressing towards it, you will be supported to influence outcomes, develop people, and help shape the future of our environmental services offering.

Your Opportunity with Emerge

Working closely with the Managing Director, Directors, Principal Consultants, and broader leadership group, this role will focus on:

Leading and delivering complex ecological projects, including:

- Flora and vegetation surveys
- Fauna assessments and habitat investigations
- Environmental impact assessments
- Biodiversity assessments and reporting
- Vegetation mapping and condition assessments
- Threatened flora and fauna surveys
- Environmental approvals and regulatory compliance
- Rehabilitation planning and monitoring
- Biodiversity management and offset strategies
- Providing trusted technical advice to clients and project teams, both internally and externally
- Mentoring and developing team members, supporting capability uplift and career progression
- Driving collaboration across disciplines to deliver integrated project outcomes




- Contributing to business growth, including client relationship management, proposals, and strategic planning
- Helping shape the direction of the Ecology team, including service offerings, innovation, and market positioning

You will be supported by a highly capable senior team, with the autonomy and backing to influence outcomes and lead with impact.

What You Will Bring Essential:

- A degree in Ecology, Environmental Science, Biology, Natural Resource Management, or a related discipline
- Significant experience in ecological consulting, environmental impact assessment, or biodiversity management
- Demonstrated ability to lead projects and deliver high-quality technical outcomes
- Strong knowledge of relevant Commonwealth and State environmental legislation and approval processes
- Excellent problem-solving and critical thinking capability
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, including technical reporting
- A proactive leadership mindset, with a genuine interest in mentoring and developing others
- Strong collaboration and stakeholder engagement skills
- High professional and ethical standards
- Full Australian working rights
- Experience managing multidisciplinary environmental projects




- GIS proficiency and experience using ecological mapping software
- Established client relationships or a demonstrated track record in business development
- Accredited or licensed fauna handler and/or botanist (where applicable)

About Us

Emerge Associates is an established, employee-owned environmental and landscape architecture consultancy. Since our founding in 2010, we have built a reputation for delivering “Tier 1” outcomes through a nimble, client-focused approach.

With over 80 staff across Perth, Margaret River, and Melbourne, we provide integrated services across hydrology, environmental planning, contaminated sites, ecology, bushfire, sustainability, and more.

Our continued success is driven by:

Technical excellence and practical solutions

Strong client relationships across private and government sectors

What Makes Emerge Different?

Our people and culture set us apart.

We are large enough to deliver complex, high-profile work, but small enough that every individual has a voice and can make a meaningful impact. With a flat structure and accessible leadership, you will work closely with Directors who remain hands‑on in projects.

We empower our people with autonomy and trust—creating an environment where you can lead, innovate, and grow.

We recognise and reward high performance and leadership. Your remuneration package will reflect your experience, capability, and contribution.

We also offer:

Flexible working arrangements

Professional and technical development pathways

Employee reward and recognition programs

Workplace giving and volunteering opportunities

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📌 Senior / Principal Ecologist (Melbourne)
🏢 Emerge Associates
📍 Melbourne