Senior Ecologist

at  RIO Tinto

SENIOR ADVISOR – ECOLOGY

• Be a part of a technical team that is solutions-driven and values inclusion
• Drive industry-leading research to better assess and minimise the impact of mining on the unique biodiversity values of the Pilbara
• Permanent Full Time | Perth based | Ad hoc site travel required

ABOUT THE ROLE

We are looking for a Senior Ecologist to join our Pilbara Environment and Cultural Knowledge team in Perth. This role is a critical technical role that provides ecological knowledge of the Pilbara region and information to support and underpin environmental approvals and shape future planning.

This role is a great opportunity to lead advancements in investigating and evaluating biodiversity values and promote positive conservation outcomes at a regional scale. Reporting to the Manager, you will:

• Drive industry-leading research to address critical knowledge gaps and areas of innovation relating to the assessment and conservation of biodiversity values in the Pilbara
• Coordinate regional and targeted survey programs, including leading field surveys, to enable a detailed understanding of the distribution of significant biodiversity values throughout the Pilbara
• Lead the technical framework in methodologies, data presentation and reporting to ensure best practice and appropriate environmental and business outcomes.
• Prepare and review technical documents and biological datasets, with a focus on Pilbara flora, fauna and ecohydrology.
• Provide scientifically sound advice on emerging biodiversity risks linked to current and future approvals.
• Partner with internal customers and external stakeholders to address business risks and improve environmental performance
• Promote internally and externally the technical work of the Pilbara Environment and Cultural Knowledge team.
• Contribute to an inclusive culture through collaboration and knowledge sharing with peers across the broader State Agreements and Approvals team

To be successfully considered for this role, you will have:

• Tertiary qualifications in a relevant field (Ecology or related biological sciences) with 10+ years’ relevant experience.
• Strategic, forward-thinking competencies and demonstrated ability to develop and implement research proposals to address critical knowledge gaps and areas of innovation to underpin environmental approvals.
• Extensive experience in planning, coordinating, and undertaking field surveys, ideally within the resources sector and/or the Pilbara region
• Demonstrated experience in the collection and interpretation of ecological and spatial data.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including experience in preparing and reviewing reports.
• Detailed knowledge and experience of Western Australian State and Commonwealth environmental legislation.
• Ability to develop and maintain positive relationships with a range of stakeholders including peers, research bodies, and government agencies.
• Ability to work autonomously as well as together with a multi-disciplinary team
• Demonstrated ability to interpret and problem-solve complex issues.
• Strong project management skills, including time management, scheduling, budgeting and coordinating teams