Principal Ecologist

Beca

Principal Ecologist providing specialist advice on infrastructure, renewable energy, water and environmental projects. Leading technical ecology delivery and integrated solutions across New Zealand, Australia and the Pacific.

Posted 8/5/2026full-timeRemote • 🇳🇿 New ZealandLeadWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in ecological consulting with a focus on terrestrial and freshwater ecology, ensuring compliance with New Zealand environmental legislation and delivering high-quality ecological assessments. Proven ability to lead projects, mentor emerging ecologists, and build strong client relationships to drive growth in ecology services.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Degree-Qualified Ecology ProfessionalTechnical Leadership in Ecological ProjectsDeep Knowledge of New Zealand Environmental LegislationCEnvP Ecology Specialist AccreditationExperience in Freshwater Ecology and Ornithology

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Ecological AssessmentsBiodiversity PolicyEnvironmental SolutionsProject DeliveryQuality AssuranceAnalytical ThinkingTechnical JudgementProblem-SolvingMentoringClient Relationship Management

Soft Skills

Trusted AdviserCollaborationCommunicationNetworkingLeadership

Certifications & Qualifications

CEnvP Ecology Specialist AccreditationCurrent Driver's Licence

Industry Keywords

EcologyInfrastructure ProjectsRenewable EnergyWater SectorEnvironmental ProjectsRegulatory FrameworksSustainable OutcomesTechnical ExcellencePeer ReviewEnvironment Court Experience

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Provide specialist ecological advice across major infrastructure, renewable energy, water sector and environmental projects
Provide technical leadership across a diverse portfolio of ecological projects
Guide assessment approaches and review technical outputs
Ensure high standards of quality across ecological work
Act as a trusted adviser to clients, project teams and stakeholders
Deliver robust ecological advice and help shape sustainable outcomes
Lead and contribute to strategic pursuits, proposals and tenders
Build relationships with clients, regulators, iwi, contractors and multidisciplinary project teams
Partner with Beca specialists to develop integrated scientific, engineering and environmental solutions
Strengthen collaboration with the Australian Ecology team
Champion technical excellence in biodiversity policy, legislation and industry best practice
Contribute to the growth and reputation of Beca's ecology practice
Mentor others and help develop the next generation of ecologists

Requirements

What you’ll need

Degree-qualified ecology professional
Significant consulting experience
Recognised technical expertise in terrestrial and/or freshwater ecology
Successful delivery of complex projects and ecological assessments
Deep knowledge of New Zealand environmental legislation, policy and regulatory frameworks
Strong analytical thinking, sound technical judgement and pragmatic problem-solving skills
Experience providing technical leadership, peer review and quality assurance
Ability to mentor others, build capability and champion technical excellence
Established professional network
Ability to build trusted client relationships, win work and contribute to ecology services growth
NZ working rights
Current driver's licence
CEnvP Ecology Specialist accreditation or progress towards it preferred
Hearing, Board of Inquiry or Environment Court experience advantageous
Specialist expertise in freshwater ecology, ornithology and/or botany highly regarded

Benefits

Comp & perks

Employee-ownership model with share ownership available for eligible employees
Range of employee benefits designed to reward and recognise employees
Opportunity to work on nationally significant and technically challenging projects
Collaboration with specialists across environmental engineering, planning, hydrogeology, digital and other disciplines
Opportunity to influence the future direction of the ecology practice
Opportunity to contribute to expanding ecology services across Australia and the Pacific
Supportive team environment
Career ownership and development opportunities