Principal Environmental Assessment Officer

Be the voice for the environment in Queensland's biggest projects.

Ever wondered who makes sure big projects protect the environment? That could be you, leading a skilled team, guiding major developments, and making a real difference to Queensland's future. As a Principal Environmental Assessment Officer in the Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation's Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) team, you'll lead a small group of like-minded professionals assessing major resource and industrial proposals under state and Commonwealth laws. From negotiating with project proponents to advising government and communities, you'll work at the intersection of policy, science and real-world impact. This is a dynamic role where your leadership, expertise and judgment will help balance development and environmental protection on projects that matter to the state's future.

Your Role

Shape Queensland's biggest projects and protect its environment by leading environmental assessments on high-profile developments, guiding them from proposal to approval. Your expertise will balance growth with safeguarding the natural values that make Queensland unique.

As a Principal Environmental Assessment Officer (AO7) with the Department of the Environment, Science and Innovation (DETSI), you'll be at the forefront of evaluating the state's most significant resource, industrial, tourism, and infrastructure projects.

This is your opportunity to guide complex Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) processes from start to finish ensuring major developments balance economic growth with environmental protection.

What you'll do

In this pivotal role, you'll drive the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) process for some of Queensland's biggest projects—leading assessments, steering project teams and delivering reports that shape decisions.

You'll inspire and guide a small team of assessment officers, ensuring their work meets the highest standards.

Your expertise will be key in evaluating impacts on matters of state and national environmental significance, setting robust approval conditions (including offsets) and providing sharp, strategic advice to government, industry and communities.

You'll be at the table with project proponents, consultants, and other government agencies, negotiating solutions to complex issues while applying Queensland's and Australia's most critical environmental laws.

From Ministerial briefings to policy development, your work will set the benchmark for best practice environmental management—all while fostering a workplace culture that champions and advances the interests of First Nations people.

What we're looking for

We're looking for a confident leader and skilled communicator who thrives under pressure and brings out the best in others. You know how to inspire teams to deliver results and can navigate complex environmental challenges with clarity and authority.

Your deep understanding of environmental legislation is matched by your ability to interpret and apply it to real-world projects. You combine sharp analytical thinking with practical problem-solving skills, keeping projects on track and meeting deadlines without compromising quality. You're equally at ease negotiating with stakeholders, presenting to decision-makers, or engaging with community groups, always tailoring your approach to the audience.

Alongside managing budgets, you actively contribute to a workplace culture built on innovation, respect, equity and inclusion.

Why join us

This role offers variety, challenge and the chance to directly influence high-profile projects that shape Queensland's environmental and economic future. You'll work alongside passionate experts, engage with diverse stakeholders and see the real world impact of your work. No two days will be the same. Your leadership will help balance development with protecting the natural values that make Queensland unique.

Additional Requirements

• Occasional travel, including overnight stays, may be required.
• Relevant qualifications in environmental science, natural resource management or a related field are highly regarded.
  
  

Applications to remain current for 12 months.

Job Ad Reference: QLD/655217/25

Closing Date: Monday, 01 September 2025

Occupational group Sciences
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