At RPS, a Tetra Tech company, we define, design and manage projects that create shared value for our communities.
We solve complex environmental challenges through technical excellence, collaboration and innovation.
As our Marine Science and Approvals team continues to grow, we are seeking an accomplished Principal Marine Scientist to join our Perth team.
This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced marine consultant to take a leading role in the continued growth of our Marine Science capability.
Working alongside nationally recognised specialists, you will lead the delivery of complex marine environmental projects while developing client relationships, mentoring technical staff and helping shape the future direction of our team.
Our Perth Marine Science and Approvals team delivers projects across ports and coastal infrastructure, government and the energy sector, with a particular focus on water quality, sediment quality and benthic ecology.
The opportunity
As a Principal Marine Scientist, you will provide both technical and commercial leadership across a diverse portfolio of marine and coastal projects.
Your responsibilities will include:
Leading the delivery of complex marine environmental and coastal projects from proposal through to completion
Providing technical leadership across multidisciplinary project teams
Developing and maintaining solid relationships with government and private sector clients
Identifying opportunities for business development and preparing successful proposals and tenders
Leading water quality, sediment quality and benthic ecology investigations, analysis and reporting
Implementing quality assurance processes against industry and regulatory guidelines and standards




Providing strategic technical advice to clients on marine environmental management and approvals
Planning and overseeing marine field programmes, including vessel-based environmental surveys both in Western Australia and interstate
Preparing and reviewing high-quality technical reports, environmental assessments and management plans
Managing project commercial performance, including budgets, scheduling and risk management
Mentoring senior, graduate and early-career marine scientists to support technical excellence across the team
Collaborating nationally with specialists across hydrodynamic modelling, metocean studies, marine ecology, coastal engineering, environmental approvals and other technical disciplines
About you
You are an experienced marine consultant with a strong technical reputation, commercial acumen and a passion for developing people and building long-term client relationships.
You will ideally bring:
A degree in Marine Science, Marine Biology, Environmental Science, Oceanography or a related discipline
A postgraduate qualification or PhD would be highly regarded
Extensive experience delivering marine environmental monitoring projects
Demonstrated expertise in water quality, sediment quality and marine environmental assessments
Strong understanding of coastal infrastructure, ports, or offshore energy projects




Proven experience managing multidisciplinary projects and complex client programmes
Demonstrated success in business development, proposal preparation and client relationship management
Experience leading and mentoring technical teams
Excellent communication, stakeholder engagement and report writing skills
Highly regarded experience includes:
Ports and coastal infrastructure projects
Offshore baseline environmental surveys
Environmental approvals and regulatory processes
Benthic ecology and marine environmental monitoring
Experience using GIS, Python, MATLAB or environmental modelling software
Coxswain certification
Australian baseline security clearance
Why join RPS?
Joining RPS means becoming part of a nationally recognised team delivering some of Australia's most significant marine and coastal projects.
You will have the opportunity to influence the direction of our Marine Science capability, develop emerging technical talent and build lasting relationships with clients across government and industry.
We offer:
Professional development and career progression opportunities
A supportive team culture that celebrates collaboration and success
Flexible working arrangements to support work-life balance
Active wellbeing and community engagement initiatives
Annual professional membership reimbursement
Paid parental and partner leave
$250 active lifestyle allowance per annum
Additional annual leave purchase scheme and salary packaging options
Professional and technical development programmes, including study assistance, online learning and mentoring across portfolios
Active office social events, employee assistance programme, service recognition and more

📌 Principal Marine Scientist (Perth)
🏢 Rps Group
📍 Perth