Principal Ecologist

About the role

Are you an experienced terrestrial ecology consultant ready to take the next step in your career? Boffa Miskell is looking for a Principal level Ecologist to join our Christchurch team to help deliver outstanding ecological outcomes for our clients across Aotearoa. With a strong pipeline of exciting projects ahead, this is your opportunity work alongside passionate professionals in a collaborative, multi-disciplinary environment.

As a Senior Ecologist at Boffa Miskell, you'll lead and contribute to a diverse range of projects. You'll work closely with clients, stakeholders, and project teams to provide high quality ecological advice and assessments, and ensure that ecological values are understood and integrated into projects. This role offers a mix of office-based work and fieldwork; time away from the local office will be required at times.

About you

You're a confident and experienced ecologist, with a passion for terrestrial ecology. You'll bring:

• 8+ years' experience in a consultancy environment, with a strong focus on terrestrial ecology, ideally in botany.
• A MSc or PhD in Ecology, or a closely related qualification.
• A range of project experience that demonstrates your technical expertise in terrestrial ecology across fieldwork, data management and analysis, and ecological reporting.
• A solid understanding of resource management processes and demonstrated experience preparing technical reports including Ecological Impact Assessments.
• Skilled in producing clear, thorough technical reports and providing sound advice to internal and external stakeholders.
• Experience working in remote and challenging field conditions.
• Excellent communication skills – you're comfortable engaging with clients, external consultants, contractors, landowners and colleagues.
• The ability to effectively prioritise, allocate and manage time and resources, working as part of a team, as well as independently when required.
• Strong project management and mentoring skills, with a track record of supporting early-career team members.
• A proactive approach to identifying and securing new project opportunities.
• Evidence of appropriate certification/competence in the training required for terrestrial ecology, e.g. have or be eligible to obtain Certified Environmental Practitioner status, 4WD training and first aid certification.
• A current and full New Zealand drivers' licence.

What Boffa Miskell can offer you

• Competitive remuneration.
• Subsidised health insurance plan.
• Employer KiwiSaver contribution on top of base salary.
• Shareholding opportunities at senior levels.
• Our work-from-home initiative, which provides you with technology and working flexibility.
• An enhanced Parental Leave policy.
• Access to tailored wellbeing resources and programmes.
• Low Carbon Commuters Club to help make a low-carbon commute financially accessible to our people.

About Boffa Miskell Te Tāhuhu | Our Purpose - Together | Shaping Better Places

Boffa Miskell is a leading New Zealand professional services consultancy, focused on better outcomes for our environment. We are 100% employee-owned, with an increasingly diverse portfolio of clients and projects. We offer a supportive and collaborative environment, and are committed to providing a balance between work, family, and personal life. We value having an inclusive and diverse workplace and offer ongoing opportunities for professional and personal development to ensure our people can excel and grow.

Check out some of the projects and activities we're involved in by visiting our website or LinkedIn page. 

If this sounds like your next career move, we look forward to hearing from you.

How to apply:

Click Apply and complete our online application form. You will be required to upload a Cover letter and CV.

Applications will be reviewed as they are received and will close on: Tuesday, 11 November 2025.

Please note, we are unable to consider applications from any candidates who do not currently have the right to work in New Zealand.