Head of Department / Senior Ecological Manager

Landlinks Environmental Services – Dandenong VIC

About Us:
At Landlinks, we restore, protect and improve natural and urban environments across Melbourne and Victoria. Our teams work across specialist departments including Ecological Restoration, Open Space Maintenance, Urban Forestry, Fire Mitigation and Vegetation Management, and Landscape Construction. Our Ecological Restoration department brings degraded ecosystems and native bushland back to health through environmental expertise, practical field delivery and long-term land management. We work across remnant bushland, conservation reserves, biodiversity corridors, riparian zones and sensitive environmental sites, combining qualified teams, systematic planning and practical on-ground works to deliver measurable ecological improvement over time. Our depot is based in Dandenong South, with projects delivered across metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria.

Role Overview:
Due to company growth, we are seeking an experienced Head of Department / Senior Ecological Manager to lead, manage and grow our Ecological Restoration department. This is a senior leadership role suited to a practical environmental qualified with strong industry experience, proven team management capability and the ability to oversee restoration planning from assessment through to delivery, reporting and finalisation. You will manage supervisors, field staff and restoration teams, coordinate works across multiple sites, support client relationships, prepare and review reports and land management plans, and ensure works are delivered safely, efficiently and to a high ecological standard.

Your main responsibilities will include:

Leading the Ecological Restoration department and managing supervisors, crew leaders and field staff across multiple projects and work programs

Overseeing ecological restoration, bushland regeneration, revegetation, targeted weed control, habitat protection and ongoing site management works





Preparing, reviewing and implementing land management plans, restoration plans and site-specific work programs from initial assessment through to completion

Managing the practical execution of approved plans, including resourcing, scheduling, staff allocation, quality control, safety compliance and finalisation of works

Completing and reviewing technical reports, site updates, progress summaries, client documentation and compliance-related reporting

Assessing plant communities, weed species, soil conditions, hydrology, native vegetation health and restoration priorities to guide practical and measurable ecological outcomes

Supporting client communication, tender input, project scoping, budgeting and continuous improvement across the department

Mentoring and developing staff, building team capability and maintaining a positive, safe and accountable team culture

About You:
You will be an experienced environmental industry professional who combines strong ecological knowledge with practical field delivery and confident people leadership. You will have a hands‑on understanding of restoration works, conservation land management and native vegetation outcomes, along with the ability to manage competing priorities across sites, clients and teams. You will be comfortable leading staff, writing clear reports, preparing and executing land management plans, and ensuring projects are followed through from planning to completion.

7-10 years' practical experience in ecological restoration, conservation land management or a related environmental field

Proven experience managing teams,



supervisors and field staff across multiple sites

Strong report writing skills, including site, progress, client and land management reports

Experience preparing, implementing and finalising land management or restoration plans

Practical knowledge of weed control, revegetation, native ecosystem restoration and habitat protection

Ability to coordinate staff, resources, schedules, budgets, safety and quality outcomes

Relevant tertiary qualification in Environmental Science, Conservation and Land Management, Ecology or similar

Experience working with councils, government agencies, consultants or infrastructure partners

Knowledge of Victorian native vegetation, indigenous species, biodiversity corridors and sensitive sites

Experience with tenders, project scoping, budgets, client meetings or program development

You must have:

Driver's Licence

Construction Induction Card / White Card

Working with Children Check

ACUP - Agricultural Chemical Users Permit

What we offer:
At Landlinks Environmental Services, we provide above award rates and a supportive, rewarding work setting with ongoing training and development opportunities. This role offers the opportunity to lead a specialist department, shape practical restoration outcomes, mentor a capable team and contribute to meaningful environmental work across Melbourne and Victoria. You will be part of an experienced business with strong systems, diverse project streams and a transparent commitment to restoring and managing landscapes for long-term ecological value.

If you’re an experienced ecological restoration leader who can combine environmental expertise, practical delivery and strong team management, this is a great opportunity to lead and grow with Landlinks.

Landlinks is an equal prospect employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

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📌 Head of Department / Senior Ecological Manager (City of Greater Dandenong)
🏢 Landlinks Environmental Services
📍 City of Greater Dandenong