Principal - Assessments & Approvals

JBS&G, A Geosyntec Company, is a leading innovative environmental consultancy founded in 1996 and now expanding rapidly across Australia. We are knowledgeable and trusted specialists that value innovation which results in exceptional outcomes for our clients.

We’ve played integral roles in diverse projects across Australia, and our services include contamination assessment and remediation, auditing and compliance; environmental assessment and approvals; hygiene and hazardous materials; environmental due diligence and liability; fire management; ecological services and stakeholder and risk management. With a team of over 300 experts, offices across Australia, and a strong reputation for innovation and quality, our standing in the industry is a testament to our commitment to excellence in every project we undertake.

We are now seeking a highly experienced Principal Assessments & Approvals Practitioner to play a pivotal role in delivering high-quality, trusted advice to clients across the mining, industrial, oil & gas, land development and renewable energy sectors. The successful candidate for this position could be based near one of our Melbourne or Brisbane offices. 

• Lead and oversee the delivery of complex environmental impact assessment, planning, permitting, and approvals projects across infrastructure, resources, energy, government, and development sectors.
• Provide strategic advice to clients on environmental approvals pathways, regulatory requirements, project risks, and stakeholder issues to support successful project development and delivery.
• Manage multidisciplinary project teams and coordinate specialist technical studies including ecology, groundwater, contaminated land, heritage, air quality, noise, social impact, and other environmental disciplines.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with clients, regulators, government agencies, industry bodies, and key stakeholders.
• Act as a trusted advisor to clients throughout project lifecycles, from early-stage feasibility through to approvals, implementation, and compliance.
• Lead the preparation and review of environmental impact assessments, environmental approvals applications, environmental management plans, technical reports, and supporting documentation.
• Provide technical leadership and quality assurance for approvals and impact assessment projects, ensuring deliverables meet regulatory and industry best-practice standards.
• Identify, pursue, and secure new business opportunities within existing and emerging client markets.
• Lead proposal preparation, pricing, project scoping, and client presentations to support business growth objectives.
• Mentor, coach, and develop junior and mid-level practitioners, fostering technical excellence and career development within the team.
• Support strategic planning and contribute to the growth and development of the Assessments & Approvals practice across multiple offices and regions.
• Oversee project financial performance, including budgets, forecasting, utilisation, profitability, risk management, and resource planning.
• Represent the company at industry conferences, professional associations, client forums, and regulatory engagement meetings

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, geology, environmental science, or a relevant field of study (required)
• Advanced degree in a related field of study (desirable but not essential).

• At least 10 years of relevant consulting experience
• Extensive experience of assessments/EIAs and approvals/permitting for the industrial, mining or infrastructure sectors.
• Excellent and accurate reporting writing skills.
• Proven leadership and business development accumen
• Strong verbal communication skills.