Casual Research Assistants

Ecology Australia is seeking environmental science graduates and current post-graduate students with a passion for botany, zoology and/or aquatic ecology and enthusiasm for fieldwork to join our experienced team in casual field-based roles.

Ecology Australia is the longest-running ecological consultancy in Victoria and is among the most experienced and highly regarded ecological consultancies in Australia. We work on a diverse range of interesting projects across multiple sectors, particularly for government and public sector clients.

About the Role

These positions provide an excellent opportunity to gain practical experience in ecological consulting and field research while working alongside experienced ecologists. Work will primarily involve field surveys, with limited office-based tasks as required. These roles are casual in nature and the amount of work available is highly variable within and between seasons.

Applicants must be:

• Physically fit and capable of undertaking demanding fieldwork
• Available for significant work during the spring and summer survey season
• Willing to travel and stay away from home for periods of up to 10 days
• Comfortable working in remote locations and varying weather conditions
• Hold a current Victorian Driver’s Licence (manual preferred but not essential)
• Located within 45 minutes of Thomastown.

Applicants for zoology and aquatic ecology roles must be willing to undertake night surveys when required. For zoology applicants, spotlighting experience and 4WD accreditation is ideal but not essential.

Key Selection Criteria

Please address the following criteria (maximum 1 page total):

1. Relevant environmental science, ecology or related tertiary qualification (completed or in progress).
2. Detail your primary area of interest (botany, zoology and/or aquatic ecology) and any experience (for botanists please include your experience with Victorian plant identification) or relevant additional qualifications (such as VQA).
3. Ability to work effectively within a team and communicate professionally.
4. Capacity and willingness to undertake physically demanding fieldwork.
5. Clearly outline your availability during the spring and summer field season, including overnight stays and, where relevant, night surveys.

Conditions of Employment

Successful applicants will be required to:

• Provide a medical certificate confirming fitness for fieldwork prior to commencement.
• Undertake fieldwork across Victoria and south-eastern Australia.
• Work flexible hours, including early mornings, weekends and night work where required.

Future short-term contract or permanent opportunities may be available, subject to workload and performance.