Senior Environmental Planner

About the Role
The role is accountable to the Principal Adviser Development Assessment and coordinates and undertakes the primary assessment of development applications and other planning related matters referred to the EPA by relevant planning authorities using (where relevant) technical information provided by specialist EPA staff. In addition, the Senior Environmental Planner provides advice to applicants and relevant planning authorities on the EPA’s involvement in the planning system and assists with EPA planning projects.

To be successful in this role, you will have:

• Proven ability and experience with synthesising technical information into clear, cogent, and concise written documents that are well expressed, achieve the intended purpose, and are suitable for the intended audience.
• Proven interpersonal skills that facilitate interaction, cooperation, and trust with internal and external stakeholders.
• Proven ability to acquire subject matter knowledge and experience in interpreting and applying relevant legislation.
• Proven time and personal management skills to effectively manage competing priorities and deliver products within tight timeframes.
• Well-developed critical thinking skills, including the ability to recognise. and (where necessary) appropriately deal with or escalate commercially, politically, or organisationally sensitive issues.

About Us

As South Australia’s independent environmental regulator, the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) plays a key role in protecting people and the environment from harm and supporting sustainable development for the benefit of current and future generations.

We work closely with industry, the community, and government to protect our unique natural environment while supporting economic growth and improving wellbeing. We aim to be a trusted regulator by adopting best practice regulatory principles in administering South Australia’s environmental laws. This means being proportionate, accountable, consistent, transparent, and targeted (the PACTT principles) in providing our regulatory services.

What the EPA Offers

The EPA recognises the importance of balance and wellbeing and offers a range of different flexible working arrangements. These include flexitime (flexible start and finish times), working from home, part-time, job share, compressed weeks, and purchased leave.

Essential Qualifications, Knowledge, or Experience

• Recognised degree in a relevant field such as planning, science, law, environmental management, engineering, natural resource management, or equivalent.

Desirable Qualifications, Knowledge, or Experience

• Experience working in a regulatory or other public sector agency environment involving the assessment of regulated activities, licences, permits, or development applications, and/or working with planning policy and/or strategic planning documents (or similar).
• Good working knowledge of the South Australian Environment Protection Act 1993 and associated Environment Protection Policies.
• Broad knowledge of pollution and waste management issues and environmental protection measures, practices, and procedures.
• Knowledge of and experience working with planning legislation (South Australian or other Australian jurisdiction).

Remuneration

PO2 ($91,565 - $106,074 per annum) + 12% super added to your choice of super fund.

Contract

Term contract (until 1 August 2027) and full time (37.5 hours per week).

Special Conditions

• This role has been designated as a Position of Trust pursuant to the standards required in the Australian Government Protective Security Policy Framework. A current National Police Clearance is essential.
• The incumbent will occasionally be required to travel to sites in country areas and interstate.
• The incumbent may be required to work out of hours and as the need arises.
• A current driver’s licence is essential.

Enquiries

Hayley Riggs
Principal Adviser Development Assessment
Phone Enquiries: (08) 8204 2***
Email Enquiries: ************@sa.gov.au

Application Instructions

All applications must be submitted online. Please submit a covering letter of no more than two (2) pages describing your suitability for the role by addressing the selection criteria in the Role Description. Please also include a current curriculum vitae with three (3) referees and a copy of your qualification(s) as required in the Role Description.

Diversity and Inclusion

At the EPA, we prioritise diversity, equity, and inclusion, ensuring a safe and respectful work environment for everyone. With support from our employees, we focus on access, equality, inclusion, and well-being in all we do. As a WE'RE EQUAL organisation, we commit to a vision for South Australia as an open, inclusive society that embraces and supports difference and diversity. Our initiatives, including the White Ribbon program and Reconciliation Action Plan, aim to create a meaningful impact in our workforce and community.

We welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds, including all ages, gender identities, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, those with disabilities, culturally and linguistically diverse communities, and LGBTQIA+ individuals.

All applications are to be submitted by 11/03/2026 at 11:45 PM.

Attachments

Please click here for the Role Description.

Flexibility Statement

The South Australian public sector promotes diversity and flexible ways of working, including part-time. Applicants are encouraged to discuss the flexible working arrangements for this role.