Land Acquisition Specialist Job Description
We are seeking a skilled Land Acquisition Specialist to join our team.
About the Role
The successful candidate will be responsible for acquiring land for solar PV and/or BESS development projects. This involves assessing suitable sites using mapping tools, feasibility studies, project budgeting, and business case analysis.
A key aspect of this role is building relationships with landowners and local stakeholders. The candidate will undertake site visits, interface with third parties, and manage land acquisition consultants when required.
Strong communication and negotiation skills are essential for engaging with stakeholders at all levels and securing land exclusivity agreements, options to lease, and options to purchase.
Duties and Responsibilities
* Land Acquisition: Assess suitable sites for solar PV and/or BESS development using mapping tools, feasibility studies, project budgeting, and business case analysis.
* Build and maintain relationships with new and existing landowners.
* Manage land acquisition consultants and agents when required.
* Coordinate with other team members during the feasibility assessment of connection and planning.
* Engage and negotiate with landowners for land exclusivity agreements, options to lease, and options to purchase.
* Site visits to meet landowners and local planning representatives when required as part of the land acquisition process.
* Manage project cash flow and budget control for planning activities.
* Liaise with internal and external lawyers to make informed decisions for property law aspects related to land lease for BESS and solar projects.
Planning & Approvals
* Secure Development Approvals (DAs) for projects in any state and territory, including onboarding and managing consultants, coordinating and reviewing technical studies, meeting with relevant stakeholders, and liaising with Grid and Mergers and Acquisitions team members.
* Keep up-to-date with legislative changes across state and federal Governments pertaining to Planning and Renewable Energy Developments.
* Manage project cash flow and budget control for planning activities.
* Site visits to meet landowners, Registered Aboriginal Parties, communities, Councils, and Government delegates as required through the Planning process.
* Adhere to a high standard of Project Management, including project tracking and reporting processes, financial oversight, timing, and scheduling.
* Achieve an understanding of basic grid connection processes and the workstream that runs parallel to Planning & Approvals, including supporting the Grid Connection Manager with project information.
General Requirements
* Requirements and Experience: Bachelor's degree in Project Management, Engineering, Environmental Science, Planning, or other related field.
* Tertiary education in Environmental Engineering, Town Planning, Sustainability, or related disciplines is required.
* 2+ years of post-graduate experience in a similar role or as a planning consultant.
* Exhibited strategic planning and prioritisation abilities, with the proficiency to adhere to tight approvals deadlines and oversee budgets effectively.
* Proficient communication skills are essential for engaging with stakeholders across all levels.
* Experience in dealing with Commonwealth, State, and Local legislations/policies.
* Experience in overseeing specialist consultants, orchestrating studies and reports, and demonstrating leadership in decision-making and problem-solving.
* White Card (desired but not required).
* Excellent understanding of technical and commercial aspects of renewable and energy storage project development.
* Problem solving and negotiation.
* Organisation and document filing.
* Work autonomously and as a team.
* Aptitude to take the initiative and be proactive in the role.