Technical Director – Environmental Approvals

Technical Director – Environmental Approvals
Oceans and Environment

Environmental Approvals and Management

Shape the Future of Environmental Approvals in Australia

At RPS we are entering an exciting period of growth and transformation and are looking for influential leaders to help shape what's next. As part of the global Tetra Tech network our Environmental Assessment and Management team is trusted to deliver outcomes that stand up to scrutiny and earn long-term trust.

We are strategic partners to clients who are driving some of the most iconic and complex infrastructure, energy, marine and coastal developments across the country. Our role is to bring clarity to complexity, guiding projects through a dynamic regulatory landscape with rigour, care and creativity.

This is your opportunity to lead, influence and make an enduring impact.

Your Opportunity
As Technical Director – Environmental Approvals you will step into a nationally recognised leadership role with influence across sectors and geographies. You will drive the success of high-value high-impact projects in Australia's most sensitive and strategically important environments.

You will provide trusted advice to clients, regulators and communities and mentor a growing national team of consultants, scientists and planners who are passionate about unlocking sustainable future-focused outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic project leadership – Lead complex multidisciplinary assessments and approvals across renewables, ports, defence, transport and infrastructure including Commonwealth and State-level pathways
• Technical authority – Provide expert technical direction across major infrastructure and marine developments championing best practice and innovation across the team and the profession
• Client partnership and influence – Expand market presence through leadership and advise clients on regulatory engagement, impact strategies and approvals confidence. Build enduring relationships that position RPS as the trusted strategic partner
• Team and talent development – Inspire, mentor and develop a high-performing national team shaping a culture that values collaboration, learning and leadership
• Commercial and strategic growth – Identify opportunities to grow our service offering, secure flagship projects and influence how we evolve as a business technically, commercially and culturally

What You Will Bring

• 15+ years of experience in environmental planning, impact assessment and regulatory approvals
• A degree in environmental planning, science, engineering or related discipline and relevant professional certification
• Deep knowledge of Commonwealth and state regulatory frameworks (EPBC Act, NSW planning and environment legislation)
• A track record of success delivering complex approvals and navigating sensitive regulatory contexts
• Confidence engaging with regulators, clients and stakeholders
• National or regional recognition as a technical leader (i.e. Registered Environmental Assessment Practitioner) and an active voice in your industry
• A collaborative, pragmatic approach and a genuine passion for mentoring, capability-building and shaping teams

Why RPS?
At RPS you will join a high-performing, values-led team committed to making a real difference for our clients, our communities and each other.

You will have the opportunity to work on some of Australia's most complex and iconic projects, supported by a collaborative culture that values technical excellence and fosters career growth. We have a flexible, inclusive and globally connected Tetra Tech network, giving you access to world-class expertise, innovation and opportunity from wherever you work.

Our Oceans and Environment operating unit brings together planners, designers, scientists and technical specialists who shape places, oceans and environments through science, data and design. We partner with clients to turn complexity into clarity and drive confident decisions, from urban transformation to marine and environmental intelligence.

United by purpose and driven by impact, our Environmental Approvals and Management team who sit in the Oceans and Environment operating unit, leads the way in securing strategic approvals for responsible growth. Known for precision, integrity and long-term trust, we deliver outcomes that matter for clients, regulators, communities and the environment.

Apply Your Experience Where It Matters
If you're ready to lead with purpose, influence what comes next and help shape a more sustainable future we would love to hear from you.

Apply now via our Careers page or contact us for a confidential conversation.

Our Approach
Our people live our purpose, deliver our promise, and demonstrate our behaviours every day. Our behaviours define who we are. Developed by our people, they underpin everything that we do. They create the memorable experiences we are known for and make RPS a great place to do great work.

Stronger together is one of our five core behaviours and it is key to building a collaborative workplace. We encourage everyone to bring their best and to support others to do the same. By sharing knowledge, challenging each other to think differently, and fostering an environment of trust and respect, our people can learn, grow and thrive – and share in our success.

Recruitment Agencies
We have a Preferred Supplier List of trusted partners to assist us when required and do not acknowledge any speculative CVs or unsolicited candidate introductions from agencies not on this list. Please refer to the careers page on our website if you require any further information.