Do you want to work on challenging, thought-provoking and truly interesting projects? An exciting opportunity now exists for a Senior Aquatic Ecologist / Environmental Scientist to join our Ecology and Biodiversity Management Team, located within our Brisbane office.
Hydrobiology believes in building inclusive, diverse, creative teams of people. Taking on this role is a great opportunity for you to ‘dive in’, consolidate and expand your career as one of our awesome Senior Aquatic Ecologist / Environmental Scientist specialists working within our professional, multi-award-winning Environmental Consultancy business.
Position Overview:
As our Senior Scientist, you will report directly to the Team Lead – Ecology & Biodiversity Management. You will play a pivotal role in leading projects, providing technical direction, and contributing to the strategic growth of Hydrobiology.
The position involves:
• Leading complex environmental assessments and aquatic ecology projects across Queensland, PNG, SE Asia and beyond.
• Offering strategic advice to clients on aquatic ecosystems, approvals, and regulatory compliance.
• Mentoring and developing junior and mid-level scientists.
• Driving innovative solutions that balance environmental sustainability with project objectives.
• Supporting the growth of Hydrobiology through business development and client relationship management.
The role requires both field and office-based work, with some travel to local, regional, and international project locations.
Main Tasks & Responsibilities:
• Technical Leadership – Provide advanced expertise in aquatic science, ecosystem assessments, water quality analysis, and habitat restoration.
• Project Management – Oversee large-scale or multidisciplinary projects, ensuring technical, financial, and regulatory requirements are met.
• Client and Stakeholder Advisory – Act as a trusted advisor to clients, regulators, and community groups.
• Team Mentorship – Lead and mentor staff, building technical capacity and supporting career development.
• Regulatory Guidance – Navigate State and Federal regulatory frameworks to deliver successful project outcomes.
• Business Development – Prepare proposals, secure new projects, and strengthen Hydrobiology’s market presence.
• Strategic Contribution – Input into organisational strategy, service development, and market positioning.
(Please Note: The list of duties and responsibilities outlined above is representative and not a complete list of tasks).
Minimum Qualifications & Experience:
• Degree in Life Sciences, Freshwater Ecology (Honours or postgraduate desirable).
• Minimum 5 years’ technical experience, with at least 3 years in environmental consulting.
• Expert knowledge of aquatic ecosystems, hydrology, water quality, and ecological processes.
• Strong project management, budget control, and risk management capability.
• Proven leadership, mentoring, and stakeholder engagement skills.
Essential Skills Required:
• Ability to identify interdisciplinary opportunities and avenues for company growth.
• An understanding of the Consulting Business Model and the drivers of successful project delivery.
• Solid grounding in experimental design and ecological statistics.
• Ability to produce high quality technical reports or publications that are clear and concise, yet pitched at a non-expert audience.
• A desire to lead projects and support other technical staff across the company.
• Be willing to travel for field work, often in remote areas; locally, interstate and overseas.
• GIS experience (including Arc platforms).
• Driver’s License.
What We Can offer You:
• Full-time position.
• Flexible hours /work-life balance offerings.
• Attractive salary and benefits package; based on skills, experiences and abilities.
• Fieldwork / Travel opportunities (Local, Interstate & International).
• Spacious and modern office located in Milton, within Brisbane’s CBD with great views of Suncorp Stadium,
onsite parking and close to Public Transport.
• Hydrobiology values diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunity, with a commitment to creating a workplace that reflects the community and clients we pride in providing our services to serve.
• An engaging company culture with team-building activities and wellbeing initiatives; that values work-life balance, diversity, and inclusion
• Opportunities to work alongside experienced professionals who support your professional growth and development.
• Professional Development offerings, with prospective career path progression opportunities.
• Annual Company Team Building Activities- ‘Hydrobiology Day’ for the inclusion of all Staff.
• Health & Wellbeing Offerings / Employee Green Fund Initiatives / Employee Assistance Program; all promoting a healthy lifestyle, within a safe and supportive working environment.
About Us; Our Company & Culture:
Hydrobiology is a multi-award-winning Environmental Consulting company, with offices located in Brisbane, Perth, Singapore and Brazil offering integrated services in the physical, biological and chemical processes of environmental systems, with a particular emphasis on the aquatic environment.
We have key technical strengths in environmental consulting, in the areas of risk assessment, ecology and impact assessment, hydrology, ecotoxicology, freshwater and marine ecology, coasts and ports, river mechanics, water quality, land and water, environmental geochemistry and contaminated sediment management.
Hydrobiology’s focus is technical excellence and high-level scientific expertise delivered within a commercial framework. We are able to provide our clients with the best possible understanding of environmental risk for their environmental and impact management needs.
Environmental sustainability is core to our business strategy and integrated into everything we do. We put health and safety first, we are environmentally aware and responsible, we respect human rights and the UN Sustainable Development Goals, and we engage with our communities. It is our ongoing responsibility to continue to conserve nature and our resources, while protecting our global ecosystems to support environmental health and wellbeing, now and into the future, for generations to come!
Hydrobiology is a progressive company which is passionate about its people! We place a high importance on staff engagement, role ownership, training/career development, opportunities for research, and culture. As such, our company has very low turnover and a loyal, fun, inclusive team committed to the growth and success of the business!
To apply, please forward the following documents to: amanda.sillman@hydrobiology.com
1. Your Resume.
2. A covering letter addressing the listed essential and demonstrated skill set.
3. A list of the projects you have worked on/completed in the past 2 years.
4. Three (3) recent Referees.
** Please Note: We respectfully ask that only those who have the right to live and work in Australia apply) **
Should you have any questions about the position, please contact Justin Cutajar via email: justin.cutajar@hydrobiology.com
Applications Close: Friday 10th October 2025.
