Principal Scientist - Environmental Planning and Approvals

RPS; Perth; On-site; AUD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Professional development opportunities

Flexible working arrangements

Annual professional membership reimbursement

Paid parental leave

Active lifestyle allowance of $250 per annum

Job summary

RPS in Perth is seeking an experienced Technical Director/Practice Lead for the Environmental Planning & Approvals team. The role demands strong expertise in environmental planning and management, with clear responsibilities across project management and stakeholder engagement.

Ideal candidates will have significant consulting experience and a relevant degree. The position also offers professional development opportunities, a supportive team culture, and flexible working arrangements.

Qualifications

• Significant consulting experience and established industry profile.
• Experience in delivering large and complex projects.
• Professional certifications and active industry involvement will be highly regarded.

Responsibilities

• Provide clients with environmental approvals advice and strategies.
• Lead senior technical direction across complex projects.
• Mentor and share technical expertise with colleagues.
• Coordinate multidisciplinary project delivery across teams.

Skills

Environmental planning and management

Stakeholder engagement

Project management

Technical expertise

Commercial acumen

Education

Degree qualifications in a relevant discipline

Job description

RPS, a Tetra Tech company, is a leading global professional services consultancy focused on creating solutions that support sustainable communities and environments. With 27,000 employees across 550 offices worldwide, we combine local expertise with global capability to deliver complex projects across the environment, infrastructure, energy and urban development sectors. Within our Australia Asia Pacific business, our Environmental Planning & Approvals team partners with clients to deliver practical, science‑led solutions across marine and coastal environments, environmental approvals, impact assessment, planning and sustainability.

The Opportunity

We are seeking an experienced Technical Director/Practice Lead to join our Environmental Planning & Approvals team in Perth. This senior technical specialist will provide high‑level technical direction, strengthen client relationships across the WA market, and contribute to strategic growth initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide clients with environmental approvals advice and strategies to navigate State and Federal legislative requirements.
• Lead senior technical direction across complex environmental planning and management projects.
• Deliver high‑level technical advice, troubleshooting and strategic project input.
• Coordinate multidisciplinary project delivery across teams and business units.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients and industry stakeholders.
• Support business development activities, proposals and strategic pursuits.
• Ensure quality project outcomes, risk management and commercial performance.
• Mentor and share technical expertise with colleagues across the business.
• Contribute to innovation and continuous improvement within service delivery.

Who You Are

You will be a highly experienced environmental professional with significant consulting experience and an established industry profile.

What You Will Bring

• Degree qualifications in a relevant discipline.
• Strong technical expertise across environmental planning and management.
• Demonstrated experience delivering large and complex projects.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and communication skills.
• Commercial acumen and experience managing project performance.
• A collaborative approach and ability to work across multidisciplinary teams.
• Professional certifications and active industry involvement will be highly regarded.

Benefits

• Professional development and career progression opportunities.
• A supportive team culture that celebrates collaboration and success.
• Flexible working arrangements to support work‑life balance.
• Active wellbeing and community engagement initiatives.
• Annual professional membership reimbursement.
• Paid parental and partner leave.
• Active lifestyle allowance of $250 per annum.
• Annual leave purchase scheme and salary packaging options.
• Professional and technical development programs, including study assistance, online learning and mentoring across portfolios.
• Active office social events, employee assistance program, service recognition and more.