Principal Consultant – Spatial Ecologist

Description
Support the delivery of geospatial ecology services, including GIS, spatial data management, spatial modelling, and digital visualisation, to assist the Ecology and Environmental Approvals teams. Experience with Australian biodiversity mapping requirements is strongly favoured. The role contributes to the production of high-quality geospatial outputs for national projects across the mining, energy, transport, and water sectors, applying spatial analysis and best practice techniques to support environmental impact assessments, regulatory approvals, and planning projects.

Working closely with ecology and environmental approvals specialists, this role translates project requirements into effective spatial solutions, while maintaining data quality, consistency, and efficient workflows. The role also contributes to continuous improvement and innovation in geospatial processes, supporting the growth of geospatial ecology capability through strong technical delivery and collaboration across national teams and the broader WSP network.

Responsibilities

• Deliver geospatial ecology services, including GIS analysis, spatial data management, spatial modelling, and digital visualisation to support ecology and environmental approvals projects.

• Contribute to national projects across the mining, energy, transport, and water sectors, ensuring high-quality and consistent spatial outputs.

• Apply established spatial analysis methods and support the development of best practice approaches in environmental assessment and planning.

• Collaborate with ecology and environmental approvals teams to understand project requirements and develop effective spatial solutions.

• Prepare, manage, and maintain spatial datasets, ensuring data quality, accuracy, and compliance with project and organisational standards.

• Support client deliverables, including mapping, spatial analysis, and reporting, with a focus on clear communication of spatial information.

• Contribute to continuous improvement of geospatial workflows, tools, and processes.

• Work collaboratively with national teams and the broader WSP network to support integrated project delivery.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Geospatial Science, Environmental Science, Ecology, Geography, GIS, or a related discipline.

• Demonstrated experience (or early career experience) in GIS, spatial analysis, spatial data management, and/or environmental modelling.

• Working knowledge of geospatial tools and platforms (e.g. ArcGIS, QGIS), with a willingness to develop advanced technical skills.

• Professional membership with a relevant body (e.g. Spatial Sciences Institute (SSI), Ecological Society of Australia (ESA), or EIANZ) or willingness to work towards membership (desirable).

Experience, skills and organisational knowledge

• 12–16 years’ experience in geospatial, environmental, or related disciplines (flexible depending on level).

• Experience in a consulting or project-based environment supporting multidisciplinary work (desirable).

• Experience contributing to technical project delivery, including GIS analysis, mapping, and spatial data management.

• Developing capability in client-facing interactions and communicating spatial information clearly to technical and non-technical audiences.

• Strong working knowledge of spatial platforms and tools (e.g. ArcGIS, QGIS), with some exposure to Python/R or digital visualisation tools (desirable).

• Experience or exposure to supporting ecology and environmental approvals projects, ideally within sectors such as mining, energy, transport, or water.

• Ability to manage competing priorities and deliver high-quality outputs within agreed timeframes and budgets.

• Experience with Australian or Commonwealth environmental projects.

Personal Attributes

• Strong communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively within and across multidisciplinary teams.

• Demonstrates self-awareness and a willingness to learn, adapt, and incorporate feedback.

• Flexible and adaptable, able to respond to changing project requirements and priorities.

• Committed to delivering high-quality work, balancing technical accuracy with efficient delivery to timelines and budgets.

• Professional and reliable, with the ability to build positive working relationships with colleagues and clients.