APS4 - $72,002 - $78,386 per annum plus superannuation
- Environment Approvals Divisions
- Canberra (ACT), Sydney (NSW), Melbourne (VIC), Brisbane (QLD), Adelaide (SA), Darwin (NT), Hobart (TAS) and Perth (WA)
**Who we are**
The Environment Approvals Division is looking for people passionate about the environment
It is an exciting time to join the Environment Approvals Division within the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water. The government has announced that it will establish a national Environment Protection Agency (EPA) as a strong independent environmental regulator with a mission to improve trust and transparency in the operation of national environmental laws. It is expected that the work of the division will transition to the independent EPA in the period ahead.
We are a modern regulator that works to a high professional standard to deliver better practice regulation. We use the best scientific evidence and sound judgement, and work with a wide range of stakeholders, to solve complex environmental challenges on a daily basis. Our work is engaging and meaningful and contributes to maintaining a resilient and healthy environment for all Australians.
Our primary role is regulation under Australian environmental laws. We manage environmental impact assessments to deliver ecologically sustainable development, and associated policy, data, governance, assurance and stakeholder engagement support functions.
Our work spans Australia's terrestrial and marine environments, including Antarctica, to protect and manage Australia's unique plants, animals, habitats and places. And we work with a range of sectors including renewable energy (e.g., onshore and offshore wind farms), major infrastructure, airports, agriculture, residential housing, and mining and gas.
We engage with First Nations people and communities as part of the environmental impact assessment process. We also engage with a broad range of stakeholders including mining, business and industry peak bodies, farmers, environmental consultants, environmental non-government organisations, local communities, and state, territory and local governments.
The various teams in the Environment Approvals Division are generally responsible for:
- undertaking environmental impact assessments, providing robust and informed regulatory advice and ensuring all key decisions are completed effectively and within statutory timeframes
- supporting our stakeholders to comply with their conditions of approval
- supporting regulatory functions through the provision of high-quality governance, policy advice, training materials and business systems and reforms, including in response to internal and external audits.
The Environment Approvals Division is looking to fill a number of roles responsible for regulation and policy development. As an Assessment Officer or Policy Officer, you will work as part of a team to:
- work with some of Australia's largest companies and a range of other stakeholders within a regulatory context
- contribute to continuous improvement of efficient and effective regulation
- contribute to solving environmental problems and promoting ecologically sustainable development.
**The Job**
We are looking for passionate APS 4 officers with a strong work ethic and interest in contributing to better practice environmental impact assessment. The duties may include, but are not limited to:
- reviewing development proposals and researching their environmental impacts in accordance with legislative obligations, associated policies, and established procedures
- developing a sound understanding of the context and operation of relevant Commonwealth and State legislation and policy frameworks
- undertaking analysis, evaluation and supporting the preparation of accurate briefing material to inform supervisors and decision-makers on the environmental impacts of development proposals
- participating in stakeholder engagement through written, online and face-to-face activities
- undertaking miscellaneous activities, including data entry and analysis, preparing correspondence, and performing administrative tasks
- contributing to policy development, project management, stakeholder engagement and communication, conducting quality assurance and implementing business process improvement activities
- contributing to quality assurance and the implementation of business process improvement activities.
**Skills and capabilities**
- the ability to work as part of a team and have good interpersonal skills to develop and maintain productive working relationships with a range of internal and external stakeholders
- sound written and oral communication skills, including an ability to adapt communications to target audiences
- investigation, research, and analytical skills
- the ability to work with some autonomy and use initiative under broad direction
- sound organisational skills, including the ability to follow direction and have accounta