Principal Environmental Consultant – Approvals and Planning

Principal Environmental Consultant – Approvals and Planning

An experienced Environmental Planner/Scientist with a proven track record of delivering complex projects in a consulting environment in NSW? Want to be the technical lead for a small but experienced environmental approvals team and grow the team under you?

If you have the drive and desire to enhance your career with a company focused on connecting the best people to the best work, then we want to hear from you.

The Opportunity

As our success and growth continues across New South Wales, and with the recent establishment of our Sydney office, an opportunity has arisen for an experienced and suitably qualified Principal level Environmental Approvals Specialist to join our growing Sydney team.

In this role you will be undertaking a variety of environmental approvals projects, working closely with the existing environmental management, approvals and compliance (EMAC) team and also with our team of ecological, contaminated land and ecological specialists. The market sectors we work across are diverse and comprise a range of private and public sector clients.

The role will include the following key responsibilities:

• Be the technical lead for impact assessment and approvals in NSW.
• Ensure production of high-quality technical reports including impact assessments and management plans to a broad range of clients.
• Coordinate the day-to-day management of clients, project teams and specialist sub-consultants.
• Provide direction to more junior planning/approvals staff to deliver projects on time and within budget.
• Lead proposals and develop project budgets.
• Being supported by the NSW Area Manager and National Marketing Manager, participate in business development activities and lead the growth and management of new approvals clients in NSW.
• Represent Kleinfelder at an industry level by participating in external forums and have, or be working towards, membership of a professional institution.
• Work competently and safely by complying with relevant WHS requirements, including internal Kleinfelder and external client procedures.

We are seeking a professional who has demonstrated experience in the technical delivery of a variety of environmental impact assessment projects (EIS, REF, SEE) across a range of market sectors including renewable energy, infrastructure, transport, mining and aggregates, urban development, education and health. Applicants should possess an in-depth knowledge and practical application of NSW Planning and Assessment legislation and be experienced in the coordination of sub-consultants and management of projects through the approval process. Experience in environmental compliance, management plans and reporting would also be considered favourably.

The role would initially report to the NSW EMAC and Ecology Team Leader, however the planned growth of both teams may lead to a direct reporting line to the NSW Area Manager and future responsibility for the EMAC service line.

This is a full-time role, however, consideration will be given to part-time working arrangements. We offer flexible working patterns and reward schemes for our staff.

Desired Attributes/Credentials

• Recognised tertiary qualifications in environmental science, environmental management, urban planning (or equivalent).
• Minimum 15 years of experience in environmental consulting.
• Demonstrated experience in client and project management across a range of environmental projects of significant complexity and scale.
• Ability to communicate effectively and coordinate multiple project teams engaged on approvals and compliance projects to deliver to deadlines and within budget.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Registered Environmental Assessment Practitioner (REAP) accreditation, or the work history and desire to attain REAP accreditation in the near future, would be highly regarded. Support can be provided to applicants who would like to get this accreditation.
• Previous leadership positions and an interest and experience in team management would also be well regarded.
• Ability and willingness to travel and spend short periods away from home, if required.

Who is Kleinfelder?

Kleinfelder Australia is an environmental and geotechnical consulting firm providing professional and technical services for land contamination and remediation, geotechnical services, environmental planning and approvals, ecology, heritage services, land rehabilitation, bushfire planning and design.

Kleinfelder Australia, as part of the global Kleinfelder Group, an environmental, engineering and science-based consulting firm, can utilise the experience of over 3,000 employees globally. With almost 100 staff operating across Australia, we deliver our projects with local and international experience across multiple disciplinary lines.

What Kleinfelder can offer

We're a team of collaborative, supportive, and passionate environmental professionals who prioritise work-life balance with flexible working options. We promote and support this so our team members can succeed in their careers whilst also having time to achieve their personal goals and interests.

Kleinfelder offers many benefits to ensure your rewarded and respected for the part you play in the success of the business. These include but are not limited to:

• Highly competitive salary packages,
• Company Paid Parental Leave,
• Purchase an extra two weeks of annual leave per year,
• Australia day/public holiday swap,
• Reward and recognition programs including bonuses,
• Paid overtime, (as per the Kleinfelder Overtime Policy),
• Access to our health and wellness initiatives (e.g., Employee Assistance Program, reimbursed flu shots etc.),
• Professional career and technical development programs incl.: Graduate, Leadership, Project Management, and formal mentoring program. Study assistance also available.
• Opportunities to participate Corporate Social Responsibilities (volunteering, charity, community support, RAP Committee),
• Professional membership support,
• Professional, friendly, and supportive team environment and culture.

Kleinfelder prides itself with being an equal opportunity employer where we value and celebrate diversity and inclusion. We encourage individuals from all cultural backgrounds including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders to be part of our organisation and apply.

If this sounds like the opportunity you have been looking for, and require any further information, please email our HR team: HR_SupportAU@kleinfelder.com. Please apply by 13 April 2025.

Applications will be reviewed upon receipt and interviews will commence with eligible candidates. Note: Role may be filled prior to the closing date.

To be eligible for this position you must have unrestricted legal work rights to work in Australia.

Kleinfelder will be managing this process and applications from third party recruiters will not be accepted.