Do you want your work to make a difference for NSW?
Working to protect the state’s environment and heritage.
- Aboriginal targeted opportunity
- Permanent full-time (35 hours per week) opportunity
- Office location, Queanbeyan - Hybrid working supported
- Salary relative to experience and ranges from $109,102 to $120,542 + Super
The NSW Biodiversity Conservation Trust (BCT), as part of the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW), has an exciting opportunity for an Ecologist to help shape a sustainable future in supporting biodiversity conservation on private land.
This is a targeted role under GSE Rule 26 and Aboriginal people are encouraged to apply.
The NSW Biodiversity Conservation Trust (BCT) is seeking an experienced and motivated Ecologist to join our Regional Delivery team. In this role, you will work directly with landholders to assess, protect and enhance biodiversity values across diverse landscapes. Collect full floristic data in line with the Biodiversity Assessment Method as part of the BCT’s Ecological Monitoring Module.
As an Ecologist, you will conduct field‑based vegetation and biodiversity assessments, provide technical ecological advice, and contribute to monitoring and reporting that supports long‑term conservation outcomes. You will collaborate with regional colleagues, stakeholders and landholders to build ecological knowledge, guide the delivery of Private Land Conservation (PLC) agreements, and support the Trust’s conservation programs.
This role offers the opportunity to work independently across varied field locations, use spatial tools and data management systems, and contribute scientific expertise to conservation planning and land management. You’ll bring strong ecological assessment skills - particularly in native vegetation - along with the ability to communicate effectively, work collaboratively, and apply sound judgement in complex environments.
About You
We are looking for an experienced and motivated Ecologist who is passionate about biodiversity conservation and committed to supporting landholders in protecting NSW’s natural environment. You will bring strong ecological assessment skills - particularly in native vegetation - and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively across diverse landscapes.
You will thrive in field‑based work, conducting ecological and vegetation assessments, contributing to monitoring programs, and providing clear, practical technical advice to landholders engaged in Private Land Conservation (PLC) agreements. You will be confident using spatial tools, ecological databases, and scientific methodologies to ensure accurate, high‑quality ecological data and reporting.
We’re seeking someone who demonstrates sound judgement, strong communication skills, and the ability to build trusted relationships with landholders, regional teams and stakeholders. You will be adaptable, organised and proactive, capable of navigating complex operating environments and delivering consistent, high‑standard conservation outcomes.
To succeed in this role, you will have a degree in ecology or environmental science, experience suitable for accreditation under the Biodiversity Assessment Methodology, and a willingness to travel as part of field‑based responsibilities.
Essential Requirements:
To be successful in this role, you will have:
- A degree in a relevant ecological or environmental science discipline.
- Experience should be consistent with the requirements for accreditation as an assessor using the Biodiversity Assessment Methodology.
- A valid Australian Class C driver’s licence and willingness to travel.
For more information read the full Role Description: 
Ecologist BCT
Who we are
The Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) works to protect the state’s environment and heritage. It leads the way on climate change, driving the sustainable transition to a net zero economy, powered by affordable, reliable, and clean energy.
The New South Wales Biodiversity Conservation Trust (BCT) is a not-for-profit statutory body, established under Part 10 of the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016 and managed by a Board appointed by the Minister for the Environment.
The Trust’s roles are to support and encourage landholders to enter into agreements to conserve and protect biodiversity on private land, guided by the government’s Biodiversity Conservation Investment Strategy; secure biodiversity offsets when developers choose to pay into the Biodiversity Conservation Fund; and other activities that promote greater awareness of, appreciation and understanding of, biodiversity and the importance of conserving it.
We acknowledge the ongoing custodial responsibilities of the Aboriginal peoples of NSW to care for Country and are committed to establishing meaningful partnerships with Aboriginal peoples in the management of the environment.
Participation in the NSW Biodiversity Offsets Scheme (BOS) and the BCT’s private land conservation (PLC) programs
The successful applicant for this role will be required to declare any conflict of interests related to the Biodiversity Offsets Scheme, as defined in the Biodiversity Offsets Scheme Conflict of Interests Protocol. This ensures the department is made aware of potential conflicts of interest so they can be appropriately managed.
Where an applicant has a high-risk “defined interest” in the Biodiversity Offsets Scheme, they may be required to divest this interest before being employed by the department.
If you think you might have a conflict of interest related to the scheme, or you are unsure, please discuss this with the hiring manager.
The Department is committed to protecting the public interest and public trust in the exercise of its functions. These values, together with transparency and accountability, are integral to the administration of the Biodiversity Offsets Scheme. For more information, please contact the hiring manager.
The BCT also has restrictions on staff participation in its funded PLC programs. No additional funding, beyond that already agreed to by the BCT, may be sought or approved during time as a BCT employee or for a 12-month period following termination of employment.
If you (or a close family member) participate in the BOS scheme or already hold a funded agreement with the BCT and require further information before submitting your application, please contact the hiring manager.
What we can offer you
The BCT is a great place to expand your career and grow your skills and knowledge. Here are some of our benefits:
- A great, friendly culture that cares about each other and the environment we work to protect
- Accrued days off in addition to Annual Leave
- Corporate wellbeing programs, including the Fitness Passport
- A range of learning and development opportunities
- Hybrid, flexible work arrangements
To Apply
If excited by the information above, we look forward to receiving your application, including a copy of your resume and cover letter expressing your interest and suitability for the role.
Please note to be eligible to apply for this position you must be an Australian or New Zealand citizen or permanent resident or hold a valid Australian working Visa for the duration of the appointment.
Applications close Tuesday the 12th of May at 11:55PM.
Should you require further information about the role please contact Tobi Edmonds via Tobi.Edmonds@bct.nsw.gov.au or on 0448 991 675
A recruitment pool may be created for ongoing and temporary opportunities of the same role or role type that may become available over the next 18 months.
Our goal is to build a workforce that not only represents but also understands and serves the diverse communities of New South Wales. We are committed to making our state a vibrant and inclusive place to live, work, and thrive for everyone. Our workforce represents people of all ages and genders, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with disabilities, the LGBTQI+ community, and people from diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds.
Looking for more information or assistance in applying?
If you require an adjustment for your application process, please contact our Talent Acquisition team by emailing dcceew.ta@dpie.nsw.gov.au or contacting Dante Stuerzl on 02 9995 5092. (please mention reference number 549023).
If you are an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander use our Aboriginal applicants guide to assist with applying for roles or our Aboriginal Career pathways team at AEX@dcceew.nsw.gov.au for a yarn.
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Role Description
