Principal Environmental Scientist - Impact Assessments

About the Role

You will join a team of dedicated environmental professionals focused on achieving positive environmental outcomes. As a Principal, you will shape project strategy, mentor emerging talent and drive business growth. • Lead the development and delivery of complex environmental approvals documentation, including impact assessments and management plans, aligned with NSW and Commonwealth environmental legislation, and industry best practices. • Provide strategic technical leadership and oversight across major infrastructure, renewables, and industrial projects. • Develop and review high-quality technical reports that support project outcomes and regulatory compliance. • Cultivate and manage relationships with clients, regulators, and stakeholders to ensure project success. • Leverage existing networks and build new client relationships to expand our NSW business footprint. • Lead proposal development and contribute to business development initiatives to support strategic growth. • Ensure financial performance of projects through effective planning, budgeting, and delivery oversight. • Champion a culture of excellence, collaboration, and mentorship within the team. • Provide guidance and support to junior and mid-level scientists and engineers, fostering professional development and technical capability.

Key Responsibilities

• ▸environmental approvals
• ▸technical leadership
• ▸report development
• ▸stakeholder management
• ▸proposal development
• ▸budget management

What You Bring

We are seeking a passionate and accomplished Principal Environmental Scientist – Impact Assessment to join our dynamic Environmental Services team. You will work within the nationally connected Environment and Geosciences group, which includes Impact Assessment, Approvals, Ecology, Sustainability, Coastal, Contaminated Land and related services, delivering diverse projects across New South Wales and the Asia Pacific region. At Stantec you will have the chance to work on large‑scale projects across multiple sectors. • Tertiary qualifications in Environmental Science, Planning, Environmental Engineering or a related discipline. • Extensive experience in environmental approvals and impact assessments, with a strong understanding of NSW and Commonwealth environmental legislation. • Proven track record in leading regulatory approvals in either infrastructure, renewables, water or industrial projects. • Demonstrated ability to manage complex projects and multidisciplinary teams, delivering outcomes on time and within budget. • Exceptional technical writing and peer review capabilities. • Strategic thinker with strong business development acumen and client engagement skills. • Collaborative leadership style with a commitment to mentoring and team development. • 10+ years of relevant industry experience. • Registered Environmental Assessment Practitioner (REAP) accreditation, or the work history and desire to attain REAP accreditation in the near future, would be highly regarded. • Professional Registrations and Memberships.

Requirements

• ▸environmental degree
• ▸reap accredited
• ▸regulatory approvals
• ▸project management
• ▸technical writing
• ▸10+ years

Benefits

The role can be based in our Sydney or Wollongong office and offers flexible work arrangements such as work‑from‑home, staggered hours and additional purchased leave to suit your lifestyle. We are committed to your growth, providing structured development pathways and long‑term career opportunities within a supportive, collaborative environment. • Genuine Flexible Working Arrangements – Including work from home opportunities, provision for school term contracts, job sharing and part time employment. • A friendly team environment, with dedicated and enthusiastic staff committed to producing high quality service and deliverables. • Option to purchase up to 4 weeks additional leave. • Learning and Talent Development Programs • Including Global programmes, online learning and on-the-job learning. • Mentoring for your own development and the opportunity to mentor others. • Support to obtain Certified Environmental Practitioner (CEnvP) and Registered Environmental Assessment Practitioner (REAP) accreditation. • Salary Continuance Insurance (SCI). • Mental Health and Wellbeing Programs. • Service Recognition Awards. • Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for employees and their immediate family members.

Work Environment

Hybrid