NextWave Partners Hiring for Environmental Planning – Renewable Energy at Sydney, New South Wales, Australia Full Time

Title: Environmental Planning – Renewable Energy

Location: Sydney

About NextWave

NextWave Partners is the Recruitment Partner of choice within the Clean Energy, Sustainable Infrastructure, ESG, Impact Investment, Climate-Tech & Technology sectors. We are committed to supporting industries battling climate change towards a net-zero future and a sustainable economy.

About the Role

My client is a global leader in the development and management of solar energy projects, committed to delivering affordable and sustainable solar power worldwide. As a prominent player in the renewable energy industry, we are well-positioned to capitalize on the anticipated tenfold increase in solar energy over the next two decades. By joining our team, you have the opportunity to be part of the transformative journey towards a more sustainable future.

We are currently seeking a Principal Environmental Planner with a strong drive and enthusiasm to work within our in-house Planning Team. This role offers the opportunity to work on various aspects of project planning, from initial site selection to planning application preparation, local authority liaison, stakeholder engagement, and pre and post-construction activities. Collaboration with internal teams, including business development, design, construction, asset management, and structured finance, is a key aspect of this role.

Responsibilities & Requirements

• Take the lead on complex and challenging projects, ing progress and proposed strategies to the Head of Planning. This includes managing the development application process, project managing external consultant teams, reviewing and approving content, and collaborating with internal teams to address planning, environmental, and stakeholder challenges.
• Collaborate closely with the Community and Stakeholder Engagement manager to engage with stakeholders throughout the project pipeline. This involves attending virtual and in-person community engagement sessions, building relationships with government authorities and key stakeholders, and working with community and liaison consultants.
• Facilitate handovers to the Construction and Asset Management teams, ensuring clear documentation and understanding of planning, environmental, and social obligations during construction and operation.
• Assist the Construction and Asset Management teams in planning compliance assessments.
• Conduct due diligence assessments for potential greenfield and acquisition targets, providing planning advice to inform site selection decision-making.
• Mentor junior staff within the Australian Planning team and potentially take on line management responsibilities.
• Contribute to the Australian and New Zealand Planning team and Environmental and Social Planning Department strategy.

What we are looking for

• Comprehensive working knowledge of federal, state, and local planning systems across Australian jurisdictions, proactively providing guidance to team members and other departments.
• Experience & Education:
• Significant experience in planning, preferably with in-house or consultancy experience.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships and establish trust with a wide variety of stakeholders.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Commercial acumen and entrepreneurial mindset.
• Ability to manage complex project issues, prioritize tasks, and organize planning activities effectively.
• Experience in ground mount solar PV, wind, and/or other renewable energy/infrastructure projects, including BESS.
• Solid understanding of the project development life cycle from early stages to COD.
• Valid driver’s license and willingness to travel.
• Degree-level planning qualification or equivalent required.
• MPIA (Master of Planning or equivalent) is an advantage.
• Fluent English is essential.

Application

If you are interested in this position, please apply directly on the platform with your latest CV. We will review your application and revert back promptly.

Keep in touch

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Our commitment

Diversity is a core value at NextWave Partners, and we are proud to be partnering with equal opportunities employers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability or age.

NextWave Partners Ltd. (EA License No: 16S8303 – UEN: 201602833E)

• Web: www.next-wavepartners.com