Mackay Conservation Group
The Environmental Consultant is responsible for providing environmental research, analysis and evidence-based advice to support Mackay Conservation Group’s environmental programs, conservation initiatives and responses to environmental issues affecting the Mackay, Isaac and Whitsunday region.
The position assesses environmental impacts associated with development proposals, land use, biodiversity, water, climate and natural resource management matters; reviews relevant scientific, planning and regulatory information; and prepares reports, submissions and practical recommendations aimed at improving environmental and conservation outcomes.
Benefits
Salary: AU$75,000 – AU$85,000 per annum, plus superannuation.
Task & responsibilities
- Research and assess environmental issues affecting the Mackay, Isaac and Whitsunday region, including matters relating to biodiversity, ecosystems, habitat protection, land use, waterways, climate change, energy development and natural resource management.
- Review development proposals, environmental assessments, planning documents and supporting technical material to identify potential impacts on ecosystems, biodiversity, water resources and other environmental values.
- Analyse scientific studies, environmental data, government reports and other technical information to assess environmental risks and inform environmental projects, submissions and organisational decision-making.
- Prepare environmental reports, technical briefing papers, submissions, consultation responses and other professional documentation relating to proposed developments, environmental policies and conservation matters.
- Provide evidence-based environmental advice and recommendations to support the planning, implementation and evaluation of environmental programs, projects and conservation initiatives.
- Review applicable environmental legislation, government policy, planning instruments and regulatory requirements and assess their implications for environmental protection and proposed developments within the region.
- Develop practical recommendations and environmental strategies aimed at avoiding, mitigating or reducing adverse environmental impacts and improving conservation outcomes.
- Collect, interpret and maintain environmental information and data from relevant scientific, government and industry sources to support environmental assessments, reports and project activities.
- Assess environmental matters associated with key areas of the organisation’s work, including habitat and biodiversity conservation, water and catchment protection, climate impacts, renewable energy development and other projects capable of affecting regional environmental values.
- Liaise with government agencies, Traditional Owners, researchers, environmental organisations, community groups, industry representatives and other relevant stakeholders to obtain, assess and exchange environmental and technical information.
- Contribute environmental expertise to consultation processes relating to development proposals, environmental approvals, planning processes, conservation initiatives and government environmental policy.
- Monitor developments in environmental legislation, government policy, scientific research and regional planning and identify matters requiring further environmental assessment or organisational response.
- Communicate environmental assessment findings and technical information clearly to stakeholders and community audiences, translating complex scientific and regulatory information into accurate and accessible material where appropriate.
- Maintain accurate environmental project records, research material, assessment documentation, stakeholder information and supporting evidence relevant to the organisation’s environmental work.
- Provide specialist environmental input into project planning, reporting and relevant funding applications where environmental analysis, technical evidence or environmental recommendations are required.
Qualification & experience
Qualifications - Relevant qualification at Bachelor degree level or higher in Environmental Science, Environmental Management, Ecology, Natural Resource Management, Sustainability or a closely related discipline.
Experience
- Relevant professional experience in environmental assessment, environmental research, environmental management, conservation, natural resource management or a comparable environmental field.
- Experience analysing environmental impacts, scientific information, environmental policy or development proposals and preparing professional environmental reports, submissions or recommendations.
- Experience working with environmental organisations, government agencies, community organisations or within a regional environmental context would be advantageous.
Skills
- Strong knowledge of environmental management, conservation, biodiversity and sustainability principles.
- Strong environmental research, analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
- Ability to assess environmental impacts and interpret scientific and technical environmental information.
- Ability to interpret environmental legislation, planning documents, government policy and regulatory information relevant to environmental matters.
- Strong written communication skills, including the preparation of technical reports, submissions, briefing papers and evidence-based recommendations.
- Strong stakeholder consultation and professional communication skills.
- Ability to communicate complex environmental and scientific matters accurately to technical and non-technical audiences.
- Sound project organisation skills and the ability to manage competing environmental work priorities and deadlines.
- Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively within a small environmental organisation.
- Sound computer, research, data management and document management skills.
- Knowledge of environmental issues affecting regional Queensland, particularly the Mackay, Isaac and Whitsunday region, would be highly regarded.
About CompanyMackay Conservation Group works to protect our local environment. We are the lead community environmental organisation in the Mackay-Isaac-Whitsunday Region in Central Queensland. The group was formed in 1984 to defend Queensland's pristine rainforests and has a history of taking on major campaigns including ending rainforest logging in Queensland, protecting National Parks from privatisation and working for real action on climate change.
This job is posted from Workinitiatives platform.
Work Type: Full time
Salary: $75000-85000
Job Publish: 26-08-2026
Job Expire: 25-09-2026
