Principal - Ecologist

Are you an experienced ecology leader who is passionate about growing people, shaping practice and delivering positive environmental outcomes? At Beca, we're seeking a Discipline Lead – Ecology to provide strategic leadership for our ecology team and help deliver impactful projects across New Zealand, Australia, and the Pacific.

Te whiwhinga mahi | The opportunity

As Discipline Lead – Ecology , you'll guide an established team of talented ecologists, providing strategic direction and technical oversight while fostering a collaborative and high-performing culture. You'll work closely with clients and multidisciplinary teams to address complex environmental challenges, support project delivery and help shape the future of our ecology services.

Working alongside planners, engineers, environmental scientists, and digital specialists, you'll bring an integrated approach to solving environmental challenges and creating sustainable outcomes for communities and the environment.

This is an opportunity to influence the direction of our ecology discipline, strengthen key relationships, and contribute to the continued success and growth of our services across Aotearoa and beyond.

Ngā kawenga matua | What you'll be doing

Grow and develop Beca's ecology capability by mentoring ecologists, building team capability and fostering a collaborative, high-performing culture.

Lead the delivery of complex ecological projects, from proposals and tenders through to successful completion.

Provide strategic technical direction, quality assurance and peer review across a range of projects.

Prepare and review ecological impact assessments, technical reports and management plans.

Build strong relationships with clients, mana whenua, regulators and key stakeholders.

Work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams across NZ , Australia and the Pacific to deliver integrated solutions.

Ko wai koe | About you

You'll be an established ecological consultant with a strong technical reputation, commercial acumen, and a passion for delivering high-quality environmental outcomes.

You'll bring:

A degree in Ecology or other related discipline.

Experience leading complex projects, with a track record of developing people, growing capability and providing technical leadership in terrestrial or freshwater ecology.

Experience preparing ecological assessments, technical reports and management plans, supported by strong knowledge of N Z environmental legislation, policy and regulatory frameworks.

An established professional network with a proven ability to win work and contribute to the growth of our Ecology services.

Excellent communication, mentoring and stakeholder engagement skills.

Certified Environmental Practitioner ( CEnvP) – Ecology Specialist (or working towards it)

Council hearing , Environment Court or Board of Enquiry experience would be advantageous.

N Z working rights and a current driver's licence are essential.

Why Beca?

At Beca, you'll be part of a stable, collaborative and highly respected Ecology team with a strong pipeline of work and trusted client relationships. You'll have the opportunity to:

Work on nationally significant and technically challenging projects.

Collaborate with specialists across environmental engineering, planning, hydrogeology, digital and other disciplines.

Influence the future direction of our ecology practice.

Contribute to expanding ecology services across Australia and the Pacific.

Develop innovative, integrated solutions that balance environmental, social and engineering outcomes.

Join a supportive team that genuinely enjoys working together and helping each other succeed.