Sydney Water is seeking a committed and experienced Legal Counsel – Environment & Planning to join our Legal and Compliance team on a 12-month fixed-term contract. This role supports the Head of Legal and Compliance in providing expert legal advice, with a particular focus on environment and planning law.
About the Role
In this position, you will deliver timely and high-quality legal support on all matters relevant to Sydney Water, specialising in environmental and planning issues. You will advise on environmental legislation, work with government authorities, represent Sydney Water in EPA prosecutions, and support the business on a diverse range of legal, commercial, and operational challenges.
Key Responsibilities
* Provide timely and high-quality legal advice across all areas of law relevant to Sydney Water, with a strong focus on environment and planning law.
* Advise on legislative compliance, particularly under the Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997, Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979, and the Sydney Water Act 1994.
* Draft, review, negotiate, and advise on a broad range of environment and planning law matters including EPA litigation, environment protection licences, and planning approvals.
* Support the Head of Legal and Compliance and operational teams with day-to-day commercial, contract, and environment and planning law related matters.
* Manage and oversee litigation matters in collaboration with external legal advisers.
* Build and maintain strong working relationships with internal stakeholders and external partners to ensure effective legal service delivery.
* Contribute to knowledge management by capturing and sharing legal insights and corporate knowledge across the Legal and Compliance team.
Skills and Experience
* 4+ years' post-admission experience, primarily in environment and planning law, ideally gained in both private practice and in-house, with training at a mid or top-tier law firm.
* Strong capability in contract drafting, negotiations, and providing high-quality legal advice particularly in relation to environment and planning law matters.
* Demonstrated expertise dealing with the EPA and government authorities.
* Proven ability to identify and assess commercial and legal risks effectively.
* Strong research, analytical, and problem-solving skills, with sound commercial judgment in complex legal matters.
* Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement abilities.
* Experience in regulated environments and commercial or contract law highly regarded.
Essential Requirements
* Tertiary qualification in law with an unrestricted practising certificate (or eligibility to hold one).
Please note, as part of the application process, you will be asked to undergo background checks, including a criminal history check and medical assessment.
You must be an Australian Citizen or Permanent Resident at the time of submitting your application to be considered for this role.
Benefits
* Competitive Remuneration: We ensure your skills and contributions are valued and rewarded appropriately.
* Hybrid Work Environment: We offer a flexible work model balancing remote and office work.
* Continuous Professional Growth: Investment in your career development through leadership programs.
* 24/7 Wellbeing Support: Access to free mental health and health support services.
* Discounted Private Health Insurance: Affordable health coverage options.
* Family First: Up to 18 weeks of paid parental leave and childcare allowance.
* Fitness Passport: Access to gyms and pools across NSW.
* Novated Leasing: Financial lease options for employees.
Closing Date: Thursday 7th August 2025
Please advise if you require any adjustments to participate actively in the recruitment process.
For further information, contact hayley.williams@sydneywater.com.au
Working at Sydney Water
At Sydney Water, we are passionate about making a difference to our customers and communities. We are committed to diversity and inclusion, welcoming applications from all backgrounds including First Nations people, LGBTQIA+, people with disabilities, and more.
We collect your personal information to assess your suitability for the role and to establish a talent profile in our Talent Community, in accordance with our privacy policies.
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