Be the voice for the environment in Queensland’s biggest projects.
Ever wondered who makes sure big projects protect the environment? That could be you, as part of a skilled team, guiding major developments, and making a real difference to Queensland’s future. As a Principal Environmental Assessment Officer in the Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation’s Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) team, you’ll be a part of a small group of like-minded professionals assessing major resource and industrial proposals under state and Commonwealth laws. From negotiating with project proponents to advising government and communities,you’ll work at the intersection of policy, science and real-world impact. This is a dynamic role where your skills, expertise and judgment will help balance development and environmental protection on projects that matter to the state’s future.

Job details

Your Role
Shape Queensland's biggest projects and protect its environment by leading environmental assessments on high-profile developments, guiding them from proposal to approval. Your expertise will balance growth with safeguarding the natural values that make Queensland unique.

As a Principal Environmental Assessment Officer (PO4) with the Department of the Environment, Science and Innovation (DETSI), you will lead and coordinate multidisciplinary project teams of specialists from across DETSI in the assessment of EIS documentation. You'll be at the forefront of evaluating the state's most significant resource, industrial, tourism, and infrastructure projects. This is your opportunity to guide complex Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) processes from start to finish ensuring major developments balance economic growth with environmental protection.

What you'll do
In this pivotal role, you'll drive the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) process for some of Queensland's biggest projects—leading assessments, steering project teams and delivering reports that shape decisions.

Your expertise will be key in evaluating impacts on matters of state and national environmental significance, setting robust approval conditions (including offsets) and providing sharp, strategic advice to government, industry and communities.

You'll be at the table with project proponents, consultants, and other government agencies, negotiating solutions to complex issues while applying Queensland's and Australia's most critical environmental laws.

From Ministerial briefings to policy development, your work will set the benchmark for best practice environmental management—all while fostering a workplace culture that champions and advances the interests of First Nations people.

What we're looking for
We're looking for a skilled operator who thrives under pressure. You know how to apply to you knowledge to deliver results and can navigate complex environmental challenges with clarity and authority.

Your understanding of environmental legislation is matched by your ability to interpret and apply it to real-world projects. You combine sharp analytical thinking with practical problem-solving skills, keeping projects on track and meeting deadlines without compromising quality. You're equally at ease negotiating with stakeholders, presenting to decision-makers, or engaging with community groups, always tailoring
your approach to the audience.

Alongside your ability to undertake research and analysis on complex projects, you actively contribute to a workplace culture built on innovation, respect, equity and inclusion.

Why join us
This role offers variety, challenge and the chance to directly influence high-profile projects that shape Queensland's environmental and economic future. You'll work alongside passionate experts, engage with diverse stakeholders and see the realworld impact of your work. No two days will be the same. Your advanced skills will help balance development with protecting the natural values that make Queensland
unique.

Additional requirements
• Occasional travel, including overnight stays, may be required.
• Relevant qualifications in environmental science, natural resource management or a related field.

Applications will remain current for 12 months.

Further information

We are committed to building inclusive cultures in the Queensland public sector that respect and promote human rights and diversity.

Please ensure you download all attachments and follow the instructions on how to apply.

Documents

Before applying for this vacancy please ensure you read the documents below.

• 677835 26 Role Description (Word, 610KB)
  Role Description