Biodiversity Assessment Officer

Port Stephens Council · Raymond Terrace NSW 2324 · Full time
Posted 2d ago

Biodiversity Assessment Officer

KEY POINTS WE FOUND
  • Assess ecological impacts and support environmental approvals, technical advice and Part 5 projects.
  • Conduct field inspections and constraint surveys, with a focus on fauna and sensitive local ecosystems.
  • Work with council teams, government bodies and the community to balance environmental protection with development needs.

A great lifestyle in a treasured environment, this is life at PSC!

The opportunity

We are looking for an experienced Ecologist to join our Natural Systems team and play a key role in balancing local development with environmental outcomes. This is a highly varied role where you will support the council’s housing targets and sustainability goals through environmental approvals, technical advice, and Part 5 projects. Working in a supportive and passionate team, you will handle everything from onsite inspections and constraint surveys to collaborating with state bodies on State Significant Projects and educating the community at local events. If you enjoy digging into the details to find practical solutions and want to see the direct impact of your work across the LGA (managing some of New South Wales’ most sensitive environmental assets, including our koala population, extensive wetland and coastal environments and more!), this role offers a great perspective on how local government operates, with clear pathways into environmental operations and strategy.

We are looking for a solutions-focused communicator who can collaborate easily across multiple council business units and external stakeholders. Ideally, you will bring a strong background in ecology or environmental science, with practical experience in impact assessments and fauna. While BAM certification and GIS skills are highly valued, we are more than happy to support the right person in learning these on the job.

  • This is a permanent opportunity – working full-time 35 hours / week + access to a flexible working arrangement
  • Base Salary Range: $85,497 - $100,587 pa based on 35 hours / week + 12% superannuation + $20,138 motor vehicle allowance + $2,562 retention allowance
    • Total Remuneration Package Range (inclusive of Superannuation and Allowances): $121,182 - $138,083 pa
  • You will be working from PSC Administration Building, Raymond Terrace
  • The key responsibilities within this role are listed within the position description.

We’re all about putting the right people, in the right role! Here’s what we’re looking for:

  • Relevant Degree in Ecology, Natural Resource Management, Environmental Science, or demonstrated equivalent
  • have demonstrated ecological field experience, preferably fauna
  • show an excellent understanding of the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016 and the Biodiversity Assessment Methodology (preferably BAM Accredited)
  • Ability to be pragmatic, solutions focused and negotiate ‘balanced’ environmental outcomes

This is life at PSC!

  • Work/Life balance with generous leave entitlements, flexible work options and leave in lieu 
  • Long service leave when you’ve been with us for just over 5 years
  • Health & Wellbeing leave to recharge when you need it 
  • Industry leading Paid Parental Leave accessible for all employees – regardless of how you became a parent, we offer 14 weeks that can be taken within 2 years from the birth, adoption, or long-term foster care of your child.
  • Access to Defence Service Leave for Reservists continuing their defence service
  • PSCare Day available to all employees to take in addition to your regular leave entitlements
  • Confidential support (including mental health) through our employee assistance program
  • Award winning health and wellbeing program PSCare, Workers Health Initiative with access to a broad range of gyms in the area, and discounted health insurance
  • Free parking on site and a convenient local shopping centre
  • Coffee and food to keep you sustained at our on-site café
  • And lots more…

Enough about us, we want to hear about you! So tell us about…

  • Why you want this role and how it aligns with your career goals?
  • In this role, you represent both environmental protection and community growth targets. Tell us what you think this role should be when dealing with these competing pressures.

Ready to Apply? Here’s what you need to know

Applications Close: Midnight, Sunday, 29 November 2026

Contact: Ashley Bacales, Environmental Planning Team Leader on 0418 231 673

For information on our recruitment process, and what we look for in an application, please visit our Careers page on our website for ‘How to Apply’

To complete your online application, you will be asked to upload a copy of your resume and provide responses to questions which are based on the criteria listed in the Position Description and our organisation Values

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Skills

0 of 13 matched
Biodiversity assessment methodologyBiodiversity conservation act 2016Community engagementEcological assessmentEcological fieldworkEnvironmental approvalsEnvironmental impact assessmentExcellent communication skillsFauna surveysGisNegotiationProblem solvingStakeholder collaboration

Licenses & certifications

0 of 2 matched
Biodiversity assessment methodology (bam) accreditationDegree in ecology, natural resource management, environmental science, or equivalent

Perks & benefits

0 of 13 matched
14 weeks paid parental leaveDefence service leaveDiscounted health insuranceEmployee assistance programFlexible work optionsFree onsite parkingGenerous leave entitlementsHealth and wellbeing leaveHealth and wellbeing programLeave in lieuLong service leaveOnsite caféWorkers health initiative

Port Stephens Council