Principal Environmental Scientist – Defence EIA

AECOM; Western Australia; Hybrid; AUD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A global infrastructure consulting firm in Australia is seeking an experienced professional to coordinate environmental impact assessments for Defence projects. The ideal candidate has a degree in environmental science and solid experience in planning approvals. You will manage client relationships and ensure compliance with environmental regulations, contributing to a collaborative team culture. Flexible work arrangements available.

Benefits

Veteran Employment Support

Flexible work arrangements

Continuous learning opportunities

Qualifications

• Solid experience in environmental impact assessments and planning approvals.
• Experience working on Defence projects in Australia.
• Understanding of the EPBC Act 1999.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate environmental impact assessments for Defence projects.
• Manage relationships with clients and stakeholders.
• Ensure environmental issues are addressed during design and construction.

Skills

Environmental impact assessments

Project management

Collaboration with multidisciplinary teams

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Degree in environmental science or related field

Job description

Company Description

“With innovation built into the AECOM culture, I’ve had opportunities to test experimental methods and solutions to solve complex problems. I’ve been afforded the ability to be creative in my approach to meet our clients’ needs.” - James Guzman, Associate Director - Environmental Geologist, Perth, WA

Come grow with us.

AECOM's environmental practice is dedicated to helping industries, clients and governments meet their environmental responsibilities while protecting the natural environment. We provide advisory and technical services to ensure compliance, manage impacts, and reduce risks, including obtaining permits and approvals, decommissioning and restoring contaminated sites, and tackling climate change challenges and resilience. We focus on preserving habitats, water quality, stakeholder engagement and cultural resources, promoting a holistic approach to environmental impact management at every project stage.

Everyone belongs at AECOM

We’re committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging - because great ideas come from diverse perspectives. AECOM is proud to be a Fortune 500 Most Admired Company, a WGEA Employer of Choice for Gender Equality, #Work180 Equitable Workplace Awards 2025 Winner and an AWEI Bronze Tier LGBTQ+ Inclusive Employer. At AECOM, we value the unique skills, experience, and perspectives that veterans bring to our teams. We are committed to supporting Defence Force veterans, reservists, and their families in their transition to civilian careers. Whether it’s through tailored onboarding, mentoring, or flexible work arrangements, we provide a workplace where your service is recognised and your future is supported.

Job Description

How you’ll make a difference:

• Working closely with industry specialists to undertake and coordinate environmental impact assessments and approvals on Defence projects


• Work alongside Management Teams, to ensure environmental matters are appropriately considered and managed at all stages of design development and project construction


• Project manage, develop bids and develop relationships with clients and stakeholders on a range of projects.


• Coordinate and provide guidance to multidisciplinary teams, helping identify risks, resolve issues, and manage change through planning, design and approval stages.


• Support the continued growth of our business and foster the development of environmental planning and approvals across the region.

Qualifications

What we’re looking for:

• A degree in environmental science (or a related field), with solid experience in environmental impact assessments and planning approvals across a range of sectors.


• Strong experience working on Defence projects in Australia – you’ll need to hold a Baseline clearance at a minimum and have a solid understanding of the Defence environment framework.


• Demonstrated experience in the assessment of impact to environment and heritage values on the Defence estate


• Understanding of the EPBC Act 1999 and how it applies to environmental impact assessment and Defence projects


• Strong coordination skills with the ability to manage budgets, timelines and deliverables, while building trusted client relationships and contributing to a positive, collaborative team culture.

Additional Information

Why you’ll love working with us

• Veteran Employment Support & Reservist Leave


• Flexible work arrangements, including alternative start/finish times, part-time, job-sharing and hybrid work options


• Purchase up to 6 weeks additional annual leave per year


• Swap public holidays – swap Easter or other holidays for ones that suit you better


• Continuous learning and growth - lunch and learns, professional development courses, financial study assistance, 5 days paid study leave, global career opportunities

Ready to push the limits of what’s possible?

We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including those with disabilities, additional health or mental health needs, and/or neurodiverse conditions. If you require any adjustments during the hiring process, please let us know.

Applications are reviewed as they come in, and the role may close earlier than expected, so if this opportunity sounds like you, we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.

Learn more about life at AECOM: LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube - explore our AECOM voices, employee stories, latest projects, and much more!

AECOM acknowledges the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the land on which we, our clients and our communities live and work in Australia. We pay our respects to their cultures and to their Elders — past, present, and emerging. We are committed to connecting to Country in our work through meaningful engagement with First Nations peoples and businesses. Find out more about our Australian Reconciliation Action Plan here.

About AECOM

AECOM is the world’s trusted infrastructure consulting firm, delivering professional services throughout the project lifecycle – from advisory, planning, design and engineering to program and construction management. On projects spanning transportation, buildings, water, new energy and the environment, our public- and private-sector clients trust us to solve their most complex challenges. Our teams are driven by a common purpose to deliver a better world through our unrivaled technical and digital expertise, a culture of equity, diversity and inclusion, and a commitment to environmental, social and governance priorities. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm and its Professional Services business had revenue of $13.1 billion in fiscal year 2022. See how we are delivering sustainable legacies for generations to come at aecom.com and @AECOM.

Freedom to Grow in a World of Opportunity

You will have the flexibility you need to do your best work with hybrid work options. Whether you’re working from an AECOM office, remote location or at a client site, you will be working in a dynamic environment where your integrity, entrepreneurial spirit and pioneering mindset are championed.

You will help us foster a culture of equity, diversity and inclusion – a safe and respectful workplace, where we invite everyone to bring their whole selves to work using their unique talents, backgrounds and expertise to create transformational outcomes for our clients.

AECOM provides a wide array of compensation and benefits programs to meet the diverse needs of our employees and their families. We also provide a robust global well-being program. We’re the world’s trusted global infrastructure firm, and we’re in this together – your growth and success are ours too.

Join us, and you’ll get all the benefits of being a part of a global, publicly traded firm – access to industry-leading technology and thinking and transformational work with big impact and work flexibility. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we believe in each person’s potential, and we’ll help you reach yours.