Contact Officer:
Sally Aplin on or 02 6136 8145
Closing Date:
11.59pm AEST, Sunday 10 May 2026
We actively seek to reflect the diversity of the Australian community in our workforce. We encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with disability and/or who are neurodivergent, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds and members of the LGBTQIA+ community, including people of all genders and gender identities. We uphold gender equality as a core organisational value. If you’re interested in the role but feel uncertain, we still encourage you to apply if you feel your passions, transferable skills and valuable experience align with this position.
The opportunity we have available
The Airports Environment Branch is responsible for regulating environmental management at federally leased airports and delivering the government’s $130.5m Per- and Poly-fluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) Airports Investigation Program (the Program) through its PFAS Taskforce.
The Environmental Regulations Section regulates environmental management at 20 federally leased airports and members of our team are located all around Australia. Airport Environment Officers (AEOs) are authorised officers who exercise regulatory functions under the Airports Act 1996, the Airports (Environment Protection) Regulations 2026 (the Regulations), and the Airports (Environment Protection) Regulations 1997 (the 1997 Regulations), monitor the implementation of Airport Environment Strategies, and liaise with Airport Lessee Companies and their tenants on environmental issues, working closely with Airport Building Controllers. The AEOs are supported to carry out their regulatory functions by EL1 Hub Managers (Vic/Tas, WA/SA, QLD/NT and NSW/ACT) and a Network Coordination support team that provides corporate and legal policy support. In addition, the AEO Network is supported by the Environment Regulatory Support team, which provides Compliance and Governance support.
The Environmental Regulations Section is an inclusive, dedicated, forward-thinking team that has several vacancies available for AEOs at the APS6 level. AEOs work as a nationwide network of environmental scientists and engineers, supporting each other to delivery regulatory outcomes that are evidence-based, robust, defensible and consistent. Team members are energetic and autonomous with an agile mindset that values effective communications with internal and external stakeholders.
What will you do?
AEOs are the first point of contact for environmental regulation at federally leased airports on behalf of the Commonwealth, and are instrumental in ensuring the effective monitoring, reduction and prevention of pollution at airport sites. They oversee the day-to-day management of environmental issues at airports to ensure the airports’ operations and developments accord with applicable environmental laws and standards. AEOs are authorised officers and supported to make decisions regarding compliance with regulations and standards, undertake environmental investigations and reporting, and take enforcement action when there is a legislative breach.
The role is varied and dynamic, but key duties of the positions include:
* liaising with the Airport Lessee Company on environmental issues;
* assessing potential environmental impacts of airport development proposals;
* conducting site inspections and investigations;
* preparing for and actively participating in a diverse range of meetings and engagements with airport stakeholders, whether tenants, airport-lessee companies or neighbours.
* preparing briefing about environmental issues at airports that you regulate to inform departmental policy making, reporting and stakeholder engagement;
* reporting and making recommendations and decisions on environmental regulations;
* monitoring environmental compliance under the relevant legislation; and
* PPE will be provided for use while onsite however the AEO is responsible for wearing it and behaving in accordance with site-specific airport and tenant OHS plans.
Who are we looking for?
The successful candidate for this position will be able to demonstrate their capability against the APS6 Work level standards.
As an APS6 AEO, you will have a demonstrated ability to:
* under general direction, deliver high quality regulatory outcomes on environmental matters at specified federally leased airports, including undertaking investigations and analysis to provide timely and detailed written and oral advice on regulatory issues;
* interpret and apply legislation to inform quality and timely decision making on complex issues;
* contribute to strong levels of regulatory compliance enforcement and reporting while engaging consistently and appropriately with risk;
* apply critical and strategic thinking to understanding the Airports Act 1996 and relevant regulations, national environmental standards, new and existing guidelines and procedures, reports, data, and stakeholder correspondence to inform ongoing policy development and decision making;
* foster and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders across the sector and be a reliable and consistent point of contact on airport environment matters in the airport community;
* undertake regular airport site visits and inspections and be willing to undertake domestic travel monthly if required;
* monitor, analyse and distil environmentally technical operations, reports and correspondence.
* previous experience in a frontline regulatory role and an ability to develop and impart regulatory expertise and subject-matter knowledge quickly will be highly valued; and
* depending on where the applicant is located and the position available, the job may involve regular monthly domestic travel.
* ANZSOG Professional Regulator training and/or a Certificate IV course in Government Investigations, or must be willing to undertake either course.
Cultural capability requirement
The department believes every role contributes to cultural safety and that building staff cultural capability helps us deliver better policies, programs and services for First Nations people and the broader Australian community. Candidates will be required to demonstrate their willingness to develop their cultural capability as part of the assessment process. In making it a requirement across all roles in our department, we are taking a practical step in delivering our commitments under the Our Stories on Country Agreement and the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Strategy 2025–28.
As an APS6 you will be expected to:
* Consider the cultural context and implications of work area outcomes.
* Engage respectfully with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander stakeholders, building trusted relationships.
* Communicate respectfully and seek appropriate cultural input to inform decisions.
RecruitAbility minimum requirements
The Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sport and the Arts is committed to supporting the employment and career development of people with disability. Our participation in APS RecruitAbility means we will progress an applicant with disability to a further stage in the recruitment process, where they opt into RecruitAbility and meet the minimum requirements for the vacancy.
You will be asked to indicate if you wish to opt into RecruitAbility in the application form. You must tick the 'opt in' box to participate in RecruitAbility. Simply declaring that you have a disability will not automatically include you.
We provide reasonable adjustments such as access, equipment or other practical support at relevant stages of the recruitment process. Please advise in the application form or the contact officer if you need any adjustments made.
The minimum requirements for this role include:
* Tertiary qualifications in Environmental Science or a similar environmental discipline.
* Be fit for work on construction and industrial sites, and willing to undertake any required health checks.
* Required to obtain and hold an Australian Security Identification Card (to access secure airport sites) and a White Card (to work on industrial sites).
* An awareness of, and familiarity with, relevant environmental management practices in relation to air, water and soil pollution and excessive noise, including sound knowledge of environmental management matters, standards and guidelines, including sediment control, stockpiling, vegetation management, dust management, noise and contamination.
More information can be found at RecruitAbility scheme: A guide for applicants | Australian Public Service Commission.
What else can we offer?
A role in the Airports Environment Branch offers the opportunity to work on a diverse range of challenges facing the airports sector in a collegiate and collaborative workplace. Direct engagement with industry representatives is a core component of the role and offers excellent experience in collaborating with stakeholders outside government.
We are dedicated to fostering personal and professional development, empowering individuals to set goals, acquire new skills, and cultivate unique qualities that define who they are. We believe that this not only leads to a more fulfilling and happier life but also enhances the overall quality of our work. Some of the benefits we offer include:
* Access to our Study Assistance Program that provides paid leave and financial support for you to undertake courses of study that contribute to the improvement of your professional skills and knowledge relevant to our work and the broader Australian Public Service.
* Through our investment in learning and development opportunities, and a positive performance culture, we provide diverse career pathways for our people to enable their mobility and to adapt in a rapidly changing world.
* Improve your leadership skills through the department’s Professional Coaching Scheme and tailored leadership opportunities for staff members.
* Flexible working opportunities, where appropriate, including part‑time hours, home‑based work and job sharing.
* We offer generous leave entitlements of 20 days personal circumstances leave per year, with one month’s accrual of leave credited on commencement, and 150 hours of paid annual leave (based on a full‑time employee), plus a range of other miscellaneous leave options to support you.
Join our department and embark on a journey of growth, fulfillment, and well‑being. Experience personal and professional development, prioritise your health, and be part of a vibrant and positive culture that empowers individuals and drives exceptional performance.
Eligibility requirements
Employment with the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sport and the Arts is subject to conditions prescribed within the Public Service Act 1999 including:
* Citizenship: candidates must be an Australian citizen at the time of submitting your application.
* Health Assessment: The preferred candidate may be required to undergo an initial medical examination conducted by the department’s preferred medical provider and further periodic medical examinations as may be required.
* Security Clearance: The successful candidate must be able to obtain and/or maintain a security clearance at Baseline level. You must be willing to disclose all relevant and required information. You must have lived in Australia, or have a checkable background, for at least the preceding five years for Baseline Vetting clearances. More information on the security clearance vetting process is available on the Australian Government Security Vetting Agency (AGSVA) website.
* Aviation Security Identification Card: The successful candidate must be able to obtain and/or maintain an ASIC, to enable them to inspect secure areas of airports. The cost will be covered by the department.
* Police check: The successful candidate must satisfactorily complete an Australian Federal Police criminal history check.
* Integrity and Performance check: The successful candidate must satisfy the requirements of an Integrity and Performance check, which is completed by your most recent employer.
* Qualifications: Qualifications in Environmental Science or a similar environmental discipline.
* Candidates must hold or obtain a White Card and any other qualifications required by the state in which they operate (such as silica and asbestos training in the ACT) in order to work on industrial and construction sites. The department covers the costs of mandatory training.
* Driver’s licence required for some positions, and desirable for all positions as travel between the office and third-party workplaces may be required depending on location.
Timeline and assessment
A selection panel will be established to assess your suitability against the advertised role.
If a merit pool is established it will be valid for 18 months from date it first appeared in the APS Gazette.
Applications open: 24 April 2026
Applications close: 10 May 2026
Application shortlisting: 18 May 2026
Further assessment: 29 May 2026
Selection report finalised: 5 June 2026
Offers and announcements: 19 June 2026
The above is indicative only, please reach out to the contact person if you have any questions on the recruitment process or timeframes.
Your application will be assessed against the requirements of the job and the Work level standards. Once the entire applicant pool has been assessed, the panel will create a shortlist of applicants. If your application is shortlisted, you may be asked to undertake further assessment, this may include work sample testing, interviews, and reference checks.
How to apply
Applications for this opportunity close at 11.59pm AEST, Sunday 10 May 2026.
In applying for this position, you will need to provide a response of no more than 500 words, formatted as a PDF document, that addresses your skills and experience relevant to the ‘Who are we looking for’ section.
You should also provide a tailored CV in PDF, no more than three pages. The capabilities and behaviours required to be successful for this role are identified in the ‘Who are we looking for’ section. You should also confirm that you meet all the eligibility requirements.
Your application should be received through the department’s online recruitment system. Applications via Indeed will not be accepted.
If you experience any issues with the system please contact the recruitment team on 02 6136 8989 or via email at to discuss an alternative way to submit your application.
Please advise the contact officer if you require adjustments during the recruitment process. We recognise and value diversity as our strength and promote a culture of inclusion to enhance our work performance and the wellbeing of our employees. We are committed to systems that are accessible, inclusive and safe for all. If you need any further information about accessibility and inclusion at our department, please contact .
Work with us. Apply now!