Senior Principal Ecologist

Lead Botanist

Perth, WA | Full-time

RPS, a Tetra Tech company, is seeking an experienced Lead Botanist to join our Environmental Planning and Assessment team in Perth.

Our Western Australian environmental team is continuing to grow, with a strong pipeline of work across renewable energy, infrastructure, land development, resources and environmental impact assessment projects

This is an opportunity to take a leading technical role within our botany service line, delivering complex flora and vegetation assessments throughout Western Australia while helping to develop our people, client relationships and technical capability.

About the role

As Lead Botanist, you will provide technical leadership across flora and vegetation projects, from initial scoping and field survey planning through to data analysis, reporting and regulatory engagement.

Working collaboratively with environmental planners, ecologists and other technical specialists, you will:

Lead and undertake flora and vegetation surveys throughout Western Australia

Provide advanced technical advice on WA terrestrial flora, vegetation communities and ecological assessment

Plan and coordinate field surveys, including logistics, staffing and specialist subconsultants

Manage complex flora and vegetation projects from proposal through to completion

Prepare high-quality technical reports, environmental assessments and regulatory documentation

Review technical reports and provide quality assurance across project deliverables

Analyse field data using appropriate statistical, spatial and botanical assessment methods

Prepare project scopes, methodologies and commercially robust fee proposals

Manage project budgets, programmes, risks, invoicing and competing priorities

Liaise with clients, regulators, project stakeholders and multidisciplinary project teams

Identify technical and project risks and develop practical solutions for clients

Mentor and provide technical guidance to botanists and early-career environmental professionals

Help grow RPS's botany capability through client engagement, thought leadership and business development activities

The position includes a combination of office and field-based work, including travel to remote locations across Western Australia.

About you

You are an experienced botanical professional with strong knowledge of Western Australian flora and vegetation and a proven ability to lead high-quality ecological assessments.

You will bring:

A relevant tertiary qualification in botany, environmental science, ecology, environmental management, natural resource management or a related discipline

Approximately 5 to 15 years or more of relevant botanical or ecological consulting experience

Advanced knowledge of Western Australian flora, vegetation communities and the use of taxonomic keys

Demonstrated experience planning and leading flora and vegetation field surveys

Strong understanding of State and Commonwealth environmental legislation, regulatory guidelines and impact assessment processes

Proven experience preparing and reviewing flora and vegetation reports for environmental assessment and approvals

Experience managing projects, budgets, programmes, subconsultants and client expectations

Strong analytical, technical writing and communication skills

Experience using GIS software and statistical analysis packages, such as PRIMER or equivalent

The ability to work independently while contributing positively to a multidisciplinary team

Strong client relationship and stakeholder management skills

A current driver's licence

The flexibility and physical capacity to undertake fieldwork in remote locations

Four-wheel-drive experience or accreditation, which would be well regarded

The role requires mature technical judgement, independence in decision-making and experience managing complex environmental investigations and client relationships.

What is on offer

Along with a competitive salary, RPS provides a welcoming and collaborative workplace where you will work with experienced environmental specialists on meaningful projects throughout Western Australia.

Our benefits include:

Flexible working arrangements within a certified Family Inclusive Workplace

Reimbursement for one professional membership each year

Paid parental and partner leave

A 250 annual Active Lifestyle Allowance

Additional annual leave purchase options

Salary packaging opportunities

Professional and technical development programmes

Study assistance and online learning

Active social clubs

Employee Assistance Program

Service recognition initiatives

You will have the opportunity to influence the direction of our botany service line, develop emerging professionals and contribute to projects that deliver positive environmental and community outcomes.

About RPS, a Tetra Tech company

RPS is a global professional services firm that defines, designs and manages projects that create shared value for clients and communities.

As part of Tetra Tech, we combine strong local knowledge with access to an international network of technical expertise. Our people work together to solve complex environmental, infrastructure and development challenges while delivering practical and sustainable outcomes.

Ready to lead the next stage of your botanical career?

Submit your application today and help shape the future of RPS's botany capability in Western Australia.