Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Principal

Company Overview

AECOM is a global infrastructure consulting business that works across planning, design, engineering, advisory, and construction management to help shape better communities and long-term outcomes. Its work spans transportation, buildings, water, new energy, and environmental projects, supported by a large international team of planners, scientists, engineers, digital specialists, and project professionals.

The organization focuses on delivering practical solutions to complex challenges while advancing equity, diversity, inclusion, and environmental, social, and governance priorities. It also emphasizes sustainable outcomes and meaningful collaboration with clients and communities.

About the Role

The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Principal will join a multidisciplinary environment team to provide strategic environmental guidance, optimize project design, and support impact assessment and approvals for major infrastructure programs in the NQ region. The position is centered on helping clients and governments meet environmental obligations while balancing development needs with environmental protection.

This role requires strong technical leadership, confident coordination of multidisciplinary specialists, and active contribution to client relationships, business development, and team mentoring. The work involves supporting approvals for important projects while helping maintain a collaborative and high-performing regional team culture.

Key Responsibilities

• Act as the environmental lead on high-profile projects and support securing State and Commonwealth approvals alongside clients and cross-functional teams.
• Oversee delivery of complex EIA and approvals work for major projects, including management of technical teams and processes such as EIS, MID, and EPBC.
• Provide clear technical leadership, identify risks, resolve issues, and guide planning, design, and approval pathways.
• Offer strategic advice on impact assessment and approvals across a broad range of environmental services and project types.
• Coordinate resources, assign work, monitor progress, and manage project budgets with support where needed.
• Contribute to business development efforts, including proposal preparation and related work-winning activities.

What You’ll Bring

• A bachelor’s degree in Regional or Urban Planning, Environmental Planning, Science, or Engineering.
• At least 12 years of relevant experience in environmental assessment and approvals within a consulting setting is preferred.
• Proven ability to lead successful applications of Commonwealth and State planning and environmental legislation on major projects.
• Strong commercial awareness and solid project management capability, including advanced control of schedules, resources, and budgets.

Working Arrangements and Extra Information

• Flexible working options are available, including alternate start and finish times, part-time arrangements, job sharing, and hybrid working.
• You may purchase up to 6 additional weeks of annual leave each year.
• Public holidays can be swapped to suit your personal preferences.
• Learning and development support includes lunch and learns, professional development courses, financial study assistance, 5 days of paid study leave, and global career opportunities.
• Applicants from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply, including people with disabilities, additional health or mental health needs, and neurodiverse conditions.
• Reasonable hiring adjustments can be arranged during the recruitment process if required.
• Applications are assessed as they are received, and the position may close earlier than expected.
• All newly hired employees must complete in-person Day 1 onboarding at an AECOM office location.
• The business line for this role is Environment, the business group is DCS, the strategic business unit is ANZ, the career area is Science, and the work location model is Hybrid.

About AECOM

AECOM is committed to delivering sustainable legacies through trusted infrastructure expertise and a culture that values integrity, innovation, collaboration, and inclusion. The company aims to create a workplace where people can bring their whole selves to work and contribute to transformative outcomes for clients and communities.

AECOM also states its commitment to safe recruitment practices and to meaningful engagement with First Nations peoples and businesses, alongside broader efforts to support a respectful, equitable workplace.