Employment

Mid-Level Aquatic Ecologist – Join Our Family-Oriented Team

Location:   Victoria/Melbourne, Office/Remote

Employment Type:   Flexible, Part Time or Full Time

Are you passionate about aquatic ecosystems and eager to contribute to innovative ecological solutions?  Do you excel in technical writing and enjoy delivering high-quality reports and proposals?  Are you ready to take on the challenge of working across diverse projects in conservation, waterway management, renewables, mining, energy, roads, and infrastructure?

If so, we’re looking for a skilled and enthusiastic mid-level aquatic ecologist to join our growing, close-knit team.

About us

Aquatica Environmental is an ecological consultancy based in Lower Plenty, specialising in freshwater, estuarine, and marine ecosystems.  We are passionate about all aspects of aquatic ecology, including fish, macroinvertebrates, aquatic mammals and reptiles, and water quality.

Our work spans a wide variety of projects and clients, focusing on:

• Aquatic biodiversity assessments and due diligence.
• Threatened species surveys and monitoring.
• Aquatic fauna salvage and clearance surveys.
• Species and habitat management planning.
• Impact and risk assessments.
• Environmental approvals under DEECA and EPBC Acts.
• Water quality monitoring and management.
• Ecotoxicological investigations.

At Aquatica Environmental, we pride ourselves on fostering genuine relationships, delivering technical excellence, and developing innovative, practical solutions for our clients.

About the role

This flexible position offers exposure to a broad range of ecology consulting tasks, with a particular emphasis on technical writing.  You’ll contribute to meaningful aquatic ecology projects for diverse clients, working from home or our office, with occasional fieldwork opportunities.

What you’ll be doing

• Preparing high-quality proposals, technical reports, and assessments (e.g., aquatic biodiversity assessments, targeted species surveys, habitat management plans, risk assessments).
• Conducting aquatic ecology fieldwork (primarily freshwater, with some estuarine and marine).
• Supporting project delivery, including planning, data analysis, and client communication.
• Collaborating within a small, dynamic, and solutions-focused team.
• Leading and supporting natural resource management projects, both in-office and field-based.
• Analysing and collating data for reports and assessments.
• Providing specialist aquatic ecology and water quality expertise to colleagues and clients.
• Confidently presenting findings at meetings.

Reviewing and quality-checking reports

About you

To thrive in this role, you will have:

• A degree or higher qualification in Ecology, Zoology, Environmental Science, or a related field.
• 3–5+ years of post-graduate experience, ideally within ecological consultancy or a Victorian regulatory environment.
• Excellent technical writing skills, particularly for proposals and reports.
• Strong knowledge of Victorian aquatic ecosystems, fauna, and flora.
• Expertise in aquatic survey methods and animal ethics (e.g., netting, electrofishing, AUSRIVAS/RBA, eDNA).
• A thorough understanding of Victorian and Federal environmental legislation.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (e.g., Word for reports with maps/images, Excel for data management).
• GIS capabilities (Esri ArcGIS or QGIS) – highly regarded.
• Exceptional organisational, self-management, and interpersonal skills.
• A practical, solutions-focused approach to problem-solving.
• The ability to manage competing priorities without compromising quality.
• A passion for aquatic ecology and teamwork in a collaborative, supportive environment.
• A valid Australian driver’s licence.

Why Join Us?

• Be part of a small, dedicated team that values your expertise and contributions.
• Enjoy flexible work arrangements tailored to your needs (remote, part-time, or full-time).
• Work on diverse and impactful aquatic ecology projects.
• Collaborate with clients who value our technical excellence and personal approach.
• Contribute ideas in a supportive environment where your input is respected.
• Access unique fieldwork opportunities across Victoria (and beyond).

How to apply

To apply for this role, please send your CV and a brief cover letter outlining your capabilities based on the job requirements described above to admin@aquaticaenvironmental.com.au.

Please note we do not accept unsolicited CVs from recruitment agencies.

Aquatic Ecologists / Scientists wanted

If you are a gun aquatic ecologist / scientist, with a degree minimum and looking casual, contract, part/full-time work, we’d love to hear from you.

Alternately, if you are currently studying and have interesting research or a project you’d like to have tested in the real world, we’re excited to hear about it and see whether we can help.

We are always looking for great people with great ideas to come onboard and be part of the Aquatica team.

Send your CV or research/project information to info@aquaticaenvironmental.com.au.