Campbelltown City Council NSW

Principal Ecologist

Principal Ecologist

• Permanent full time position, 35 hours per week
• Salary range from $132,744.04 - $143,916.75 per year depending on skills and experience + 12% super
• A leaseback vehicle available
• Generous leave provisions
• Generous professional development opportunities

About us:

We are not your usual, we are upbeat, resourceful and determined. Our staff and community are at the core of what we do, looking for ways to work together and support each other. Naturally welcoming, we share good-natured humour and positivity. We aim to inspire a sense of possibility and create opportunities for all by rolling up our sleeves. Our workplace is agile and flexible, keeping ahead of the times by being the leader of the pack. When it comes to innovation we are first in the pool. Be a part of it, let’s get something started.

This role sits within the Strategic Land Use Planning Team, who is focused on the preparation, assessment and delivery of planning outcomes within the Campbelltown LGA. You will be working within a multidisciplinary team to support planning outcomes while protecting the environment and health of the community.

Council is experiencing significant change and growth, so the successful candidate will need to be flexible, solutions focused and abreast of current legislation.

About the role: 

We are currently seeking a Principal Ecologist to join the team on a permanent full-time basis 35 hours per week. The main focus of this role is to provide specialist ecological assessment and advice in response to development applications, planning proposals and policy which involve biodiversity matters and/or impacts on endangered ecological communities. You will be responsible mainly for:

• Biodiversity assessment, conservation and offsetting
• Koala conservation and management
• Environmental risk assessment and management
• Arboriculture
• Vegetation removal permits

Duties also include providing advice in relation to:

• Acoustic assessment
• Contaminated land
• Odour and air quality
• Water quality
• Hazardous development

The successful candidate will demonstrate the following key skills and attributes:

• Degree in Ecology, Environmental Science or a related discipline.
• Post Graduate qualifications related to biodiversity or ecology.
• Accredited BAM Assessor (or capable of achieving accreditation).
• Demonstrated experience in the review and assessment of BDARs, biodiversity credits and impacts on threatened species relating to Planning Proposals and Development Applications.
• Demonstrated knowledge of relevant State and Federal legislation and policies.
• Well-developed interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to represent Council to developers, consultants, other government agencies and the general public.
• Commitment to living our values of respect, integrity, teamwork, trust and optimism. It is through respect, integrity and teamwork that we build trust and create optimism for Campbelltown’s future.

As a member of our friendly and passionate team, you’ll receive the following benefits:

• Permanent full time position, 35 hours per week
• Salary range from $132,744.23 - $143,916.75 per year depending on skills and experience + 12% super
• Award increase from July 2026
• Leaseback vehicle
• Flexible working conditions 
• Generous leave provisions
• Generous professional development opportunities
• Staff car park

Key contact: For further information on this position, please contact Robert Montgomery - Coordinator Environmental Planning on (02) 4645 4299.

Applications close: Sunday 24 May 2026

Sound like you? Apply now!

Campbelltown City Council is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and values the unique contributions of all people. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds and people with a disability are encouraged to apply.

Council also recognises the skills and attributes of veterans and welcomes applications from ex-service personnel.

We are committed to acting in the best interest of the children in our community. We believe children have the right to be safe, listened to and respected. We have zero tolerance for child abuse and will take allegations very seriously, responding quickly and consistently in line with our policies and procedures. We aim to provide a safe space for all children, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, children from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, children who identify as LGBTIQA+, and children with disability.