Principal Environmental Planner

We are seeking a Principal Environmental Planner to provide expert environmental planning advice and lead the delivery of complex projects across a diverse portfolio. This is a senior role requiring strong technical knowledge, sound professional judgement and the ability to guide projects from early feasibility through to approvals, implementation and post-approval compliance. You will work with multidisciplinary teams, clients, regulators, Traditional Owners, consultants and community stakeholders to deliver practical, sustainable and legally compliant outcomes. Your responsibilities will include leading environmental impact assessments, planning approvals, environmental investigations and strategic advice for major projects. You will prepare, review and oversee high-quality technical reports, approval documentation, management plans and environmental assessments. You will interpret and apply relevant environmental, planning and heritage legislation, policies and guidelines, identify project risks and opportunities, and develop effective mitigation and monitoring strategies. You will also manage project scope, budgets, schedules and consultant inputs, provide technical quality assurance, and mentor and support less experienced planners and environmental professionals. To succeed in this position, you will have substantial experience in environmental planning, impact assessment, approvals or a closely related discipline, together with a relevant tertiary qualification. You will demonstrate detailed knowledge of applicable planning and environmental legislation and a proven ability to lead complex projects involving multiple stakeholders and competing priorities. Excellent written and verbal communication skills are essential, as is the confidence to present technical information clearly to decision-makers and non-technical audiences. Experience in environmental approvals for infrastructure, development, resources or similarly complex projects will be highly regarded. A proactive approach, strong commercial awareness, attention to detail and commitment to ethical, sustainable outcomes are also important. Membership of a relevant professional body and experience mentoring teams would be advantageous.