"Working on complex environmental and planning projects to advance our energy transition has provided me with so many rewarding experiences here at AECOM – I love working with our team here in Newcastle and can really say I feel inspired to turn up to work every day" – Liam Buxton, Principal Environmental Planner, Newcastle
Work with Us. Change the World.
At AECOM, we're delivering a better world. Whether improving your commute, keeping the lights on, providing access to clean water, or transforming skylines, our work helps people and communities thrive. We are the world's trusted infrastructure consulting firm, partnering with clients to solve the world's most complex challenges and build legacies for future generations.
There has never been a better time to be at AECOM. With accelerating infrastructure investment worldwide, our services are in great demand. We invite you to bring your bold ideas and big dreams and become part of a global team of over 50,000 planners, designers, engineers, scientists, digital innovators, program and construction managers and other professionals delivering projects that create a positive and tangible impact around the world.
We're one global team driven by our common purpose to deliver a better world. Join us.
Come grow with us.
What legacy to you wan to leave? If you're driven to shape Australia's energy transition, influence region-defining infrastructure and deliver environmental solutions with real impact, we'd love to talk to you.
With our growing pipeline of transformational energy, transport and water projects, we are looking for anAssociate Directorto lead our Newcastle Impact Assessment and Planning team.
You'll join a passionate group of eight of environmental impact specialists within an organisation committed to creating meaningful change across Australia and around the world. You will lead and grow a high-performing team delivering environmental impact assessments across renewable energy, transmission, transport, water, and industrial sectors. AECOM's EIS portfolio includes the first offshore wind farm EIS, the nation's longest road tunnel EIS, and the first place-based EIS for an infrastructure project in NSW.
How you'll make an impact
As a senior leader in our Newcastle Impact Assessment and Planning team, you will have the opportunity to shape and grow the capability of the group while building your own leadership profile within AECOM. This role includes day-to-day management of a team of 8+ environmental impact professionals and having a meaningful voice in the direction of the business, while:
* Managing daily activities of team members to ensure alignment with AECOM's policies and procedures.
* Supporting staff wellbeing, retention, development and engagement.
* Collaborating closely with the Sydney and Canberra Impact Assessment and Permitting Team Leaders to shape and deliver the annual workgroup plan, including workshare arrangements, resource planning and cross‑office delivery
* Fostering an engaged, motivated and high‑performing team of well‑qualified and experienced professionals.
* Tracking and managing the team's pipeline of opportunities, ensuring visibility and strong business performance.
What you'll bring
We are seeking a senior, highly experienced environmental approvals professional to lead the delivery of timely, high-quality environmental impact assessments, constraints analyses, strategic assessments and environmental management plans. You will also play a key role in organising project resources, budgets, and timelines to ensure smooth and efficient delivery.
* Relevant tertiary qualifications in Environmental science, planning, town planning or environmental engineering or similar.
* Demonstrated ability to lead the growth, development and performance of teams and individuals.
* Proven ability to build and sustain client relationships through quality delivery, commercial acumen, and trusted advice.
* Deep technical competence in environmental assessments, planning and approvals, due diligence, and land‑use planning.
* REAP Certification, or eligibility and active progress toward certification.
The above experience and qualifications are highly desirable - but if you don't tick every box, we still encourage you to apply. We are interested in people with leadership potential, the ability to grow a team, and a passion for environmental outcomes.
Why you'll love working with us
As the world's most trusted infrastructure consulting firm, we manage our business responsibly and continuously push for better – whether that's reducing emissions, creating social value, or diversifying our senior leadership and workforce.
Our team members receive:
* Market competitive salaries
* Professional and technical development opportunities
* Career planning and coaching support
* Industry-leading project management and leadership training
* Paid membership to a recognised industry body
* Study assistance opportunities
* A supportive team culture where we have each other's backs
* Flexible working arrangements including start/finish times, WFH, part‑time and job share
* Paid parental and partner leave
* Ability to purchase additional annual leave
* Salary packaging options
* Wellbeing benefits including health/fitness rebates, vaccinations, in-office yoga, and health insurance discounts
* Corporate Employee discounts 400+ retailers
Ready to push the limits of what's possible?
We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including people with disabilities, additional health or mental health needs, and/or neurodiverse conditions. If you require any adjustments during the hiring process, please let us know.
Applications are reviewed as they come in, and the role may close earlier than expected, so if this opportunity sounds like you, we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.
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