Planning and Assessment Specialist

WaterNSW is a NSW Government-owned statutory corporation which supplies two-thirds of water used in NSW to regional towns, irrigators, Sydney Water and local water utilities and maintain and operate the assets that supply water to our customers and communities. But we are more than a water system operator. We are catchment protectors and water quality experts, and custodians of one of the biggest landholdings in the state.

Why we are recruiting

As part of the newly-formed Environmental Planning, Assessment and Approvals team, WaterNSW is looking for an experienced Planning and Assessment Specialist to lead a team working on a broad range of internal and external projects, developments and activities – spanning maintenance to mega projects. You will lead the team in the provision of expert planning advice, preparation and delivery of environmental assessments including oversight of catchment protection works, assessment and critique of infrastructure approvals, management of technical resources and input to strategic project planning initiatives.

Our perks and benefits

At WaterNSW we believe that our employees should be as well taken care of as our critical natural and man-made assets, which is why we offer a load of benefits including:  

• Salary range starting from $144,550 + 11% Super 
• Flexible working and choice of location (subject to availability)
• 9-day fortnight at full pay
• Up to 16 weeks paid parental leave  
• Discounted access to gyms and pools across NSW
• Discounts on Apple, Microsoft and Lenovo products
• Salary sacrifice and packaging
• Professional development and educational assistance  

What’s in it for you?

This is a unique opportunity to:

• Lead and coordinate the preparation and delivery of environmental assessments and approvals.
• Provide strategic, tactical and technical environmental planning advice and guidance to internal and external stakeholders to ensure WaterNSW’s interests are appropriately addressed and environmental impacts are minimised.
• Use your superior interpersonal and negotiation skills to ensure effective and meaningful collaboration and interaction across the business and with government, community and other stakeholders in relation to environmental approvals.
• Develop and maintain WaterNSW’s environmental assessment tools and procedures and ensure currency and consistent application.
• Provide mentoring and support capability development for the team.

What we are looking for:  

• A minimum 7 years relevant experience and tertiary qualifications in Environmental Planning/ Science/ Assessment/ Engineering/ Natural Resource Management/ Planning or other relevant discipline.
• In-depth knowledge of State and Federal environmental laws, regulations, and approval processes as they relate to the assessment of development applications, infrastructure projects and activities.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to interpret and apply complex regulations.
• Relevant demonstrated experience in statutory and environmental planning and impact assessment.
• High level of technical skills and experience in project management and report writing.
• Demonstrated experience in working collaboratively, building and managing constructive professional relationships with a diverse range of internal and external stakeholders.