Environmental Scientist - Weed Ecology, Restoration

About Astron

Astron forms part of Ecocene, a specialist biodiversity company operating across a unique suite of industries. Our goal is to be a global leader in the transition to a nature positive future. Ecocene encompasses Ecoda (Data), Astron Environmental Services Pty Ltd (Advice), EcoEngine (Funding) and Novel.Eco (Mindset). 

Astron is one of Australia’s longest established environmental consultancies with over 30 years’ continuous experience in Western Australia. We provide a comprehensive range of environmental services to clients in the mining, energy, infrastructure, government and utilities sectors. We employ more than 75 professional environmental staff based out of offices in Perth and Margaret River.

With key service areas in Biodiversity, Geospatial, Rehabilitation and Weed Management, we pride ourselves on being a well-rounded and knowledgeable team with significant on-ground, technical experience.

The Team

Our Natural Capital and Ecosystem Restoration (NCER) team is high performing, innovative, supportive and quality focused. We have a team of ecologists and technicians who are complemented by our fantastic Project Coordinators. With an emphasis on quality delivery, we also maintain high expectations for the health, safety and wellbeing of our staff. Our strong safety culture is one built from years of experience working in the mining and resources sector promoting strong communication, support and respect for our work mates.

Astron holds regular social events providing staff time to relax and engage with their workmates outside of work encouraging a collaborative and inclusive culture. 

The Role

We are seeking a Graduate or early career Environmental Scientist in the field of Weed Ecology or Restoration Services to join our professional team. In this role you, will work both in the field and the office. You will have the opportunity to grow your knowledge across weed management, ecological and rehabilitation monitoring, and continue your career progression. Ideally, candidates will have previously undertaken field work in WA. Experience is desirable in implementing projects on behalf of mining, energy, utility companies, universities, state or local government. You will frequently go on field trips to remote parts of WA, where you will collect and record data. In the office, you will collate and analyse the data you have collected in collaboration with data scientists, statisticians, remote sensing analysts and other Environmental Scientists and will be responsible for report preparation. Applicants must have a strong focus on health and safety issues, and the ability to work effectively in a team environment.

Reporting to the NCER Manager, your required tasks will include:

• Undertake weed surveillance scopes to identify new incursions and control priority targets
• Undertake monitoring scopes for compliance reporting
• Plan and develop technical and scientific documents and reports (survey reports, management plans, risk assessments, monitoring reports, HSE documents etc)
• Provide technical briefings and input throughout the project cycle.
• Assist senior staff members with pre-mobilisation/demobilisation requirements for field programs
• Assist with improvement and development of team processes, procedures and products
• Participate as a field team leader (dependent on experience), (supervise field personnel, manage field logistics, HSE and administrative requirements)
• Work with management and clients to identify and manage project risks and issues

The successful candidate will play a key role within our NCER team. 

Why Join Astron?

We are a carbon neutral company and believe in actively trying to make a difference. Astron strives to help businesses and communities facilitate change as we accelerate towards a nature positive future. We embrace new and innovative ways of helping to manage our environment and we like our people contributing ideas to achieve our goals. 

We offer a competitive salary and provide flexible working arrangements and work closely with our team members to find a work from home/work from office balance that best suits their needs. Employees may also have access to our Company Time Off Benefit which provides employees with time off to rest, recharge and play outside of work.

We understand that our staff are our greatest asset. To help our team members realise and maximise their potential, Astron provides strong support (technical and wellbeing), professional development opportunities (annual PD allowance) and structured and constant in-house training to ensure continued professional growth. Astron offers access to an employee assistance program for its staff and their families. 

Astron has an inclusive culture and celebrates its diversity on multiple fronts. We invite applications from people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds as well as people from diverse ages, abilities, gender and sexuality.

Skills, Experience, Qualifications and Licences/Certificates

The following skills/criteria are required to be suitable for this role:

• Experience in preparation and participation in field scopes
• A strong focus on health and safety and understanding of standard HSE systems
• Excellent communication skills
• Excellent multi-tasking and organisational skills, combined with strong attention to detail
• Ability to work well independently and as part of a team
• Strong scientific writing and critical thinking skills
• Collect and collate data and perform basic analysis 
• Strong interpersonal skills 
• A degree in Environmental Science or equivalent 
• An Australian C-class manual driver's licence
• White Card
• Provide First Aid certificate

The following is desirable:

• Post-graduate qualifications
• 1 - 2 years experience in the environmental sector
• Familiarity with GIS software (such as QGIS)

How to Apply

Your cover letter must address the skills and experience criteria and salary expectations.

To apply for this position, please click the “Quick apply” button.  Applications close 18 April 2024.  We reserve the right to withdraw this advertisement at any time.   

For further information, please contact HR on (08) 9421 9600. 

Please note that:

• Applicants must have the right to work in Australia
• Due to the volume of candidates applying for Astron vacancies only shortlisted applicants will be contacted
• Astron handles recruitment internally and this vacancy is not open to Recruitment Agencies