Statutory & Environmental Planning Advisor

HireFirst Pty; Parramatta; Hybrid; AUD 143,000 - 157,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working

9-day fortnight

Parental leave 16 weeks

Fertility leave

Job summary

WaterNSW is seeking an experienced environmental planner to influence planning decisions that protect water quality and catchment health across NSW. You will work on strategic planning proposals, rezonings, and development applications while collaborating with councils and government agencies to balance development with environmental protection.

The role emphasizes cross-disciplinary planning, heritage considerations, and delivering on major infrastructure projects.

Qualifications

• Relevant tertiary qualifications in Land Use or Environmental Planning, Environmental Science, Natural Resource Management or related discipline.
• A NSW Driver Licence is required.
• Experience in statutory, environmental or strategic planning within NSW Government or Local Government is highly regarded.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert planning advice on strategic planning proposals, rezonings, development applications and policy changes that may impact the Sydney Drinking Water Catchment.
• Review and assess planning instruments, growth strategies and development proposals to ensure environmental and water quality risks are appropriately considered and managed.
• Administer the interface with Sydney Water Corporation relating to environmental assessments, access protocols and heritage considerations.
• Support major infrastructure and capital projects, providing environmental planning advice and guidance on planning approvals, environmental assessments and compliance requirements.
• Represent WaterNSW in discussions with councils, state government agencies, developers and consultants, building strong relationships and advocating for sustainable planning outcomes.
• Identify emerging environmental and planning risks, developing innovative solutions that balance development, environmental protection and long-term water security.

Education

Tertiary qualifications in Land Use or Environmental Planning, Environmental Science, Natural Resource Management or related discipline

Job description

Ready to make a splash in your career?

Join WaterNSW and play a critical role at the intersection of strategic planning, environmental assessments and major infrastructure. Working across planning proposals, legislative reforms and complex development applications, you'll help influence decisions that protect water quality, catchment health and critical water supply infrastructure for communities across NSW.

If you're an experienced environmental planner looking for purpose-driven work where your expertise truly matters, we'd love to hear from you.

Our Perks and Benefits:

AtWaterNSW, we believe that our employees should be as well taken care of as our rivers, dams, and pipelines, that’s why we offer a load of benefits.

• Flexible working
• Work a 9-day fortnight at Full pay on the Enterprise Agreement
• Up to 16 weeks paid parental leave
• Fertility leave
• Attractive Salary $142,610 - $156,884 + 12% Superannuation and Performance Pay
• And so much more!

Whatyou’ll do:

• Provide expert planning advice on strategic planning proposals, rezonings, development applications and policy changes that may impact the Sydney Drinking Water Catchment.
• Review and assess planning instruments, growth strategies and development proposals to ensure environmental and water quality risks are appropriately considered and managed.
• Administer the interface with Sydney Water Corporation relating to environmental assessments, access protocols and heritage considerations.
• Support major infrastructure and capital projects, providing environmental planning advice and guidance on planning approvals, environmental assessments and compliance requirements.
• Represent WaterNSW in discussions with councils, state government agencies, developers and consultants, building strong relationships and advocating for sustainable planning outcomes.
• Identify emerging environmental and planning risks, developing innovative solutions that balance development, environmental protection and long-term water security.

What we are looking for:

• Relevant tertiary qualifications in Land Use or Environmental Planning, Environmental Science, Natural Resource Management or a related discipline, supported by practical industry experience and a current NSW Driver Licence.
• A highly experienced planning professional with a background in statutory, environmental or strategic planning, a passion for balancing sustainable development with environmental protection, and ideally experience working within NSW Government or Local Government. A sound understanding of the NSW planning and heritage framework, including relevant legislation and assessment processes, will be highly regarded.
• Strong expertise in the NSW planning framework, including the ability to confidently interpret and apply the NSW Environmental Planning & Assessment Act 1979, environmental planning instruments, development controls and approval pathways.
• Exceptional written communication skills, with the ability to prepare clear, defensible and well-reasoned reports, submissions and recommendations for a diverse range of stakeholders.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and relationship-building skills, with the confidence to work collaboratively across government agencies, local councils, consultants, developers and multidisciplinary technical teams.
• Excellent project management and organisational capability, allowing you to work independently while managing multiple planning referrals, assessments and priorities simultaneously.

Who we are:

WaterNSW operates the state’s dams, capturing and storing water, and then supplying it ready for distribution – for the environment, agriculture, industry and the community. With 41 major dams and hundreds of waterways across the state, we play a vital role at the source of the state’s water, delivering two thirds of all water used in NSW.

We’re the people taking care of the state’s water at the source – capturing, storing, delivering.

How we will support you:

At WaterNSW, we balance flexibility – and the way we work – with the needs of the business, our teams, and us as individuals. When it comes to working in an office, we work in a hybrid way. If you’re required to be in the field or on site, the benefits of flexibility can be achieved in other ways, such as through a condensed work week.

We are proud to be a WORK180 Endorsed Employer and are committed to providing equal opportunities for women.Visit our WORK180 page to access our benefits and career development opportunities.

Our commitment & culture:

No matter how or where you work, safety is the number one priority. This means the physical and mental safety of you, your colleagues, and the public.

WaterNSW is committed to building a workforce that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve. We strongly encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, Veterans, and people from all backgrounds to apply. We celebrate the unique perspectives, knowledge and lived experience you bring and are committed to ensuring an inclusive, supportive and respectful workplace for everyone. Find out more at waternsw.com.au

For more information, please reach out to: [e-mail]

Please note applications for this position will close on Friday 30th October at 11.59 pm.

You must have full work rights in Australia to qualify for all positions at WaterNSW.

We are a 2026 Circle Back Initiative Employer – we commit to respond to every applicant.

Privacy and collection of your personal information

If you apply for a position via our website or [e-mail], WaterNSW may collect your personal information. Please visit WaterNSW’s Privacy Page to view the Careers Collection Notice for more information about how WaterNSW collects, uses, and discloses your personal information.