Job Description
Job no: 495596
Work type: Contract, Temporary Full Time
Location: Penrith
Categories: Environmental Health
Salary: Commencing Salary $107,058 + 12% superannuation
Senior Biodiversity Officer - Ecologist
At Penrith City Council, it’s not about having to choose.
Life with us is the best of both worlds. https://youtu.be/tlJFbUk4yG4
What we offer you
Temporary Full-Time (35 hour week, upto 6 months with a possibility of extension)
Salary: 107,058 – $123,924 + Super
Flexible Working Arrangements available, including hybrid work options
The best of both worlds – click here to learn more
Here’s what you’ll be up to…
As a Senior Biodiversity Officer, you will play a key role in delivering Council’s strategic biodiversity objectives while supporting sustainable growth across the City.
Working within Council’s Natural Systems team, this role provides specialist, senior-level technical advice on biodiversity and natural resource management and contributes to high-quality environmental outcomes across development assessment, strategic projects and on-ground initiatives.
In this role, you will:
Assess development applications and environmental referrals, providing specialist advice on biodiversity, threatened species, ecological communities and offsets
Lead and contribute to biodiversity management projects, programs and initiatives, ensuring delivery within agreed timeframes and budgets
Provide expert guidance and technical advice to internal teams, consultants and external stakeholders
Support compliance investigations and practical biodiversity outcomes relating to vegetation and ecological matters
Build and maintain effective partnerships with government agencies, consultants and the community
Represent Council in meetings, forums and engagement activities as required
Who we are (And why you’ll love us)
The Natural Systems team works to protect, manage and enhance Penrith’s diverse natural environments while ensuring the City’s growth remains sustainable and responsible.
We provide specialist environmental input across biodiversity, tree management and waterways, including water sensitive urban design (WSUD). Our work spans development assessment, strategic planning, compliance support and on-ground environmental outcomes.
We value collaboration, professional trust and clear communication, and we support flexible working arrangements to help our people do their best work.
Check out our Position Description to learn more about this role.
What are we looking for?
Experience or a strong interest in biodiversity conservation, ecology or environmental assessment
Sound judgement and a practical, solutions‑focused approach to complex environmental issues
Strong communication skills and the ability to work constructively with a wide range of stakeholders
An interest in applying legislation, policy and best‑practice environmental management
A genuine passion for protecting and enhancing the natural environment
Relevant tertiary qualifications in ecology, environmental science, natural resource management or a related discipline.
Sound working knowledge of relevant NSW environmental and planning legislation
Please refer to the position descriptions for each position for any additional essential or desirable criteria.
The must-know bits
You will be required to undertake employment checks, which may include a Criminal History Check, Qualification Check, Working with Children Check, Medical Declaration and/or a Functional Test, as relevant to the position for which you have applied.
Where a Criminal History Check is required and has returned a result that indicates disclosable court outcomes, you will be required to provide a copy of the report to Penrith City Council, for review, to progress through the recruitment process.
Ready to make work feel less like… work?
If you’re nodding along and already picturing your first day, submit your application by hitting ‘Apply Now’.
In addition to a cover letter and resume, applicants are required to submit comprehensive responses to the selection criteria (outlined in the position description) as a part of their application. Applicants who do not meet the essential criteria will not be considered.
We’ve got an opportunity, you’ve got talent… Let’s talk.
For more information, contact Natural Systems Team Leader – Mark Chidel on (02) 4732 7523.
Applicants must have the right to live and work in Australia to apply for this position.
Council is a Child Safe Organisation. For more information about this, please see our website.
At Penrith City Council, we believe the best of both worlds means embracing the unique perspectives, backgrounds and experiences that make our City and our organisation vibrant. We are committed to building a workplace where everyone feels valued, respected and supported and welcome applicants from people of all backgrounds, abilities and identities.
Position description
Advertised: 02 Apr 2026 AUS Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close: 27 Apr 2026 AUS Eastern Standard Time
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💡 Quick Summary
Seeking a career-building opportunity? The Senior Biodiversity Officer - Ecologist position is now open for candidates interested in the Government Job Alert sector. This role in Penrith offers a professional environment and growth potential.
Requirement Snapshot: Candidates should possess basic communication skills, a proactive attitude, and the ability to work in a team. Experience in Government Job Alert is a plus.
