Senior Environmental Planner

Umwelt is an Australian owned and run environmental consultancy that has been operating for over 30 years across Australia. We are a team of vibrant professionals with experience across a range of sectors including renewables, infrastructure, defence, regulation and policy, resources, and the urban development sector.

In Victoria, our team of around 22 environmental, ecological, social, spatial and heritage consultants deliver expert support across major renewable energy, resources, infrastructure, government and defence projects, both statewide and nationally. Thanks to strong growth in recent years, our VIC office is now firmly positioned as a leading consultancy, particularly in the renewable energy sector.

As a member of the Victorian Environment Team, you will play a pivotal role in supporting our clients by delivering comprehensive environmental impact assessments, environmental planning advice and approvals, and environmental management projects across various sectors, with a focus on renewables, resources, and infrastructure. This role offers a blend of project management and technical delivery across planning and environmental impact assessment (EIA) projects. You will work on complex, multi-disciplinary approvals, including Environment Effects Statements (EES), Environment Reports, Ministerial Planning Permits and Planning Scheme amendments.

We have a strong client base and key client framework, which provides opportunities to work on state and nationally significant projects contributing to the national and state energy targets and transition to renewables. With access to strong technical mentorship, you will also have the opportunity to grow your skills whilst supporting and developing others within the team. Beyond technical work, Umwelt provides pathways to grow your skills in business development and operational leadership, allowing you to shape the role to your strengths and interests.

Key Responsibilities:

• Project Management: Scope, plan, manage and execute environmental planning strategy and approvals, environmental assessment and management projects, ensuring integrated outcomes and high-quality delivery. Coordination of technical specialist teams including management of scope, budgets and schedule, and leading client communication. We have opportunities to lead on large-scale renewable energy and major infrastructure projects for an experienced project manager.
• Technical Delivery: Lead the production of planning approvals (strategy and approval documents) on projects, with a focus on high-quality technical delivery to meet current and consider emerging regulatory requirements. Demonstrated experience working within the Victorian Planning Scheme and application in the renewables sector advantageous.
• Client Engagement: Build and maintain strong client and regulator relationships, developing high-quality proposals to secure new business and attending industry events to maintain and grow a professional network.

About You:

• Qualifications in planning, environmental science or related degree discipline
• 8+ years of experience in environmental planning (Victorian experience essential)
• Substantial experience in a consulting environment with project management application
• Experience managing aspects of, or working on Ministerial planning permit applications, planning scheme amendments and/or Environment Effects Statements or Environment Reports in Victoria
• Strong knowledge of environmental and planning legislation, regulations, standards, and best practices at Victorian and Federal level
• Experience managing medium to large projects through the development spectrum, including managing timelines, budgets, and resourcing
• Enjoy working as part of a committed team and contributing to the technical development of others
• Proactive approach to tasks and adaptability to undertake a range of technical work based on project requirements
• Interest and aptitude in working across multiple disciplines
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to develop and maintain positive team and client relationships

What We offer:

Our people are our number one asset, and we are committed to providing a workplace that supports our team to grow. As part of our team, you will be offered:

• A role working with experienced professionals, with in-house access to ecology, heritage and social technical experts to support your development
• Paid parental leave for both primary and secondary carers
• Flexible work arrangements to support a work/life balance
• Opportunities to work nationally across diverse and technically challenging projects
• #MeDays: an Umwelt wellbeing initiative offering staff extra paid days off
• Generous additional hours policy and working away from home benefits
• Opportunities to join Umwelt’s Employee Share Plan (ESP)
• A workplace culture of learning and personal development, with a mix of in-house and externally hosted training opportunities offered as well as mentorship
• Established and well considered wellbeing tools and initiatives and hands-on training
• A competitive salary based on skills and experience

Discover the charms of Melbourne, a city where career meets lifestyle. The Melbourne office culture is deeply aligned with our Care Deeply value, fostering a strong commitment to environmental, heritage, and social outcomes. The team also enjoys a range of social and knowledge sharing opportunities that encourage collaboration and connection.

www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/visitor-information

Diversity and Inclusion

At Umwelt, we are committed to fostering a workplace that embraces diversity and inclusion. We are all responsible in creating a diverse, inclusive, and accountable culture where employees of all backgrounds and lifestyles feel a sense of belonging, mutual respect, and kindness.

The Umwelt team are privileged to collaborate closely with Indigenous communities across the nation, and we actively pursue the goals outlined in our Reconciliation Action Plan. We believe that a diverse and inclusive environment not only enriches our workplace culture but also drives innovation and excellence in all that we do. Join us in our mission to create a supportive and equitable workplace where everyone's unique perspectives and contributions are valued.

Join the Umwelt Team

If you believe you meet the criteria for this opportunity, please apply via SEEK. Your application should include a cover letter addressing how you meet the above criteria and your resume outlining your previous experience.

If you would like additional assistance through the recruitment process, please reach out to our friendly HR team at ************@umwelt.com.au

To be eligible for this position you must have legal work rights to work in Australia.