Principal Ecologist / Team Leader

Do you believe you can make the world a better place? SLR’s purpose is Making Sustainability Happen, which we achieve by having a team of expert advisors and technicians, who partner with our clients to tackle some of the world’s most complex sustainability challenges. SLR is an international environmental consultancy with a globally recognised reputation for providing high quality tailored services.

With over 1000 staff in Asia Pacific alone and nearly 200 spanning the length of New Zealand, we provide consultancy advice and support on a wide range of strategic and site‑specific issues to a diverse and growing base of business, regulatory and government clients. We celebrate a ‘One Team Culture’, where bringing together diversity of thought and expression is key to building the best team to deliver excellent results.

A great opportunity has come up for a Principal/Team Lead Ecologist to join our Ecology team in Wellington. This role will provide inspirational and empowering leadership to our people in both our Wellington and Nelson offices, focusing on the development and coaching of senior employees, building a high‑performing team, business development to ensure our business and team continue to grow and thrive, and technical excellence to deliver technically excellent work to our clients.

• Use an established network and proven ability to win work (advantageous).
• Deliver clear, precise, high quality reports.
• Undertake fieldwork activities and mobilise appropriate teams on projects.
• Develop, facilitate and enhance effective relationships with clients and internal SLR team members.
• Work within multidisciplinary teams to deliver projects across a range of sectors.

• Degree in Ecology, Marine Science or a related field.
• 12–15+ years consulting experience in Ecology or Marine Science, ideally as an expert with exceptional technical ability in terrestrial/freshwater ecology.
• Experience winning, leading and managing projects.
• Experience preparing impact assessments and environmental risk assessments.
• Working knowledge of NewZealand environmental legislation, policies, standards and guidelines.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• NewZealand citizenship or right to work in NewZealand.
• Excellent driving history and a current driver’s licence.

We offer a supportive culture where work can be performed from the office, from home or a hybrid arrangement. Our benefits aim to cater for all employees, supporting their well‑being and professional growth.

To apply, please email your resume and cover letter to jaden.pine-[email protected]. State any required adjustments and the pronouns you use. Unsolicited resumes from recruitment consultants will not be accepted.