Advisor Environment & Heritage – Ecologist
452 Flinders Street, Melbourne
Fixed Term Contract (3 years), Full Time
V/Line’s purpose is to connect Victorians through safe, reliable, and accessible transport. We believe in giving all Victorians opportunities through travel and transport – connecting them to jobs, education, family and friends, services, tourism and trade.
V/Line is experiencing significant growth and we’re delivering more services, more trains, cheaper fares, and huge projects. With more than 3700 weekly train and coach services, an expansive freight network and unprecedented rail investment, millions of Victorians depend on us to deliver. You could be one of our 3100 committed team members who are up to the challenge.
About the role
Our team is growing! We are seeking an experienced ecologist who can provide trusted technical advice across a diverse portfolio of rail infrastructure, maintenance and construction projects.
As the Advisor – Environment & Heritage (Ecologist), you will play a critical role undertaking ecological assessments and providing environmental management advice, to facilitate delivery of essential rail services and infrastructure. Working closely with project teams, operational stakeholders, specialists from other disciplines, contractors and regulators, you will provide sound guidance to support compliance, manage environmental risks and drive positive environmental outcomes across V/Line's regional network.
This is an opportunity for an established practitioner who enjoys combining field-based ecological work with strategic environmental management and stakeholder engagement.
Key accountabilities include:
Providing on‑site environmental and ecological advice to support rail works
Identifying environmental risks and implementing appropriate mitigation measures
Conducting ecological, flora and fauna assessments and preparing technical reports
Navigating environmental statutory approvals pathways, preparing and managing permits and approvals, including FFG, EPBC and planning requirements
Supporting environmental compliance through inspections, inductions and audits
Liaising with stakeholders, contractors and regulators, and working collaboratively with other specialists such as engineers and other environmental and heritage disciplines.
Contributing to environmental awareness and continuous improvement initiatives
Location & Travel Considerations
This role is primarily based in Melbourne CBD and will involve regular travel to project sites across the network as required. V/Line offers a flexible hybrid working model, along with travel benefits including a free Myki and access to fleet vehicles for work-related travel.
About you
You are a confident and experienced ecology professional with a strong track record of providing practical environmental advice within complex operational or project environments.
You are comfortable working autonomously, influencing stakeholders and making sound decisions in the field. You bring a balanced approach that considers both environmental outcomes and operational requirements, and you enjoy collaborating with diverse teams to achieve sustainable project outcomes.
To be considered for this role, applicants must meet the following key selection criteria within their application, as this forms part of our merit-based recruitment process:
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Tertiary qualifications in Ecology, Biodiversity, Environmental Science or similar
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At least 3-5 years in a similar role
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Experience working on rail or comparable linear infrastructure or construction, projects
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Vegetation Quality Assessment (VQA) Accredited Assessor or eligibility to obtain
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GIS Experience (desirable, not essential)
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Strong stakeholder engagement and communication skills
If your skills or experience don’t exactly match our listed requirements, we still encourage you to apply. We value diverse perspectives and believe in the potential for growth and development.
Why V/Line
In addition to free myki travel, we offer:
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Community impact – Make a genuine difference. Work in a role that connects Victorians, every day.
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Huge potential – We’re transforming, and you can too. Be a change maker, recognised for your contribution and creativity.
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Dynamic environment – V/Line operates in a constantly changing space. Join a fast-paced and exciting organisation.
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Collaborative team – You’ll be part of a broader supportive team. Surround yourself with talented, passionate peers.
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Flexible working – We support flexible working. Work in a way that supports you to thrive in your role.
We are committed to ensuring a comfortable and accessible recruitment experience. If you need any adjustments or have specific accessibility requirements at any stage of the process, please contact our Talent team at [email protected] or 1800 800 007 for confidential support.
As an equal opportunity employer, V/Line is committed to creating a diverse, inclusive and respectful workplace and network that reflects the communities we serve. We accept and value the contributions of all our employees regardless of gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religion, age or disability. We are also proud to be endorsed by Work 180 as a great place for women to work, second year in a row.
V/Line are proud to be a part of the Department of Transport & Planning's Yani Bangal Transport and Planning Portfolio First Peoples Careers Strategy 2023-2028. We take this opportunity to welcome and encourage applications from First Peoples.
At V/Line, safety is our priority. Successful applicants will undergo relevant pre-employment and medical checks to meet our safe working standards. V/Line is also a proud Child Safe employer.
This position offers a total remuneration package of $117,000–$140,000, inclusive of superannuation, depending on the successful candidate’s skills and experience.
The selection process may include aptitude assessments, a behavioural interview and a medical risk category 3 check.
Applications close: 17th June 2026
Please note that application questions will be used in place of a cover letter.
