Senior Ornithologist / Specialist - [Archived Advertisement]

Senior Ornithologist / Specialist

Advertiser: Nature Advisory Pty Ltd
Location: Hawthorn East, Victoria or other locations
Ref: 2023-17

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 impact 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 is 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 bird 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 upon threatened species and undertaking targeted surveys. The renewable energy industry is a rapidly growing sector in Australia where we as environmental consultants, can have a major influence by informing key environmental decisions based on scientific data during the planning phase of a development.

Do you want to make a positive contribution in conserving and protecting environmental values whilst also helping Australia's quest to move towards a renewable energy future? With our increasing workload in bird and bat ecological services in the eastern states to the wind energy industry, we are seeking a Senior Ornithologist to support a growing team in the Eastern states.

The successful experienced candidate will support the team through guiding new and ongoing projects. The role will involve facilitating, guiding and directing bird and bat field studies to assess sites being considered for renewable energy projects. You will support the team by guiding both general bird and bat assessments and targeted assessment on key species to provide inputs into the development of layout and other measures to mitigate the impact of these developments on birds together with our specialist team.  The specific ornithological species assessments will focus on will focus on a range of interesting, diverse and important bird species that are both resident and migratory in potential wind farm locations. For this position, extensive field work may not be necessary. However, for those applicants interested in both intensive and extensive field surveys this may be also possible.

The successful candidate will be a highly knowledgeable ornithologist, having proficient experience in bird investigations and the design and implementation of field assessments and reports. Background in zoology is essential, and a useful knowledge of the requirements of ecological impact assessments an advantage. Specific knowledge of threatened birds, both State and Commonwealth listed, will be highly regarded.  There will be also opportunities to input into investigations for offshore wind investigations through our partnership agreements. 

The ideal candidate will be joining our team of over 14 full time ornithologists and have a proven track record in ecological assessments, with an emphasis on delivering professional, accurate and robust reporting. Experience in report review is an advantage.    

The role of the Senior Ornithologist will include:

• Guiding the development of ornithological surveys throughout Eastern states of Australia;
• Directing general bird utilisation studies, targeted bird studies and bat studies;
• Guiding, preparing and reviewing specialist assessments on bird species of interest to ensure impacts of wind energy facilities are minimised;
• Providing expert inputs into ornithological assessments and reporting.

Benefits include:

• Attractive salary commensurate with skills and experience;
• Five weeks annual leave each year;
• Flexible working conditions; and
• Mentoring by experienced staff and options for career progression.

In addition to:

• Tertiary qualifications in zoology;
• Ornithological experience
• Extensive bird identification skills and experience;
• Strong ecological data and interpretation experience;
• Demonstrated experience in reporting on birds with experience in assessment impact of developments on key species;
• High quality reporting skills;
• Ability to work well independently, as well as within a team.

This 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.  We complete both general and targeted surveys for key species throughout Australia. There will also be the likelihood that you will be asked to provide inputs in projects throughout Australia. The role is a permanent position within Nature Advisory. A part-time appointment may be considered.

How to apply:

Email your resume and cover letter highlighting your suitability for the role and how you meet the key position criteria above to:
info@natureadvisory.com.au Attn: Tara Cavallo - with the subject line Ref: 2023-17 Senior Ornithological Advisor . 

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. Please call Bernard O’Callaghan on 0437 711 328.

Closing date: 20 September 2023 (earlier applications are encouraged)