Senior Environmental Planner

Lightsource bp

. Lead all planning aspects of renewable energy project life cycles, from initial site selection through planning application preparation, local authority liaison, stakeholder engagement, and pre- and post-construction work .

Posted 11/9/2026full-timeAustraliaSeniorWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in renewable energy project planning, including site selection, stakeholder engagement, and compliance assessments. Possesses strong project management skills and a comprehensive understanding of planning systems across Australian and New Zealand jurisdictions.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Renewable Energy Project PlanningStakeholder EngagementProject ManagementPlanning Systems KnowledgeGround Mount Solar PV Experience

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Planning Application PreparationDevelopment Application ProcessesEnvironmental Compliance AssessmentsProject Development Life CycleDue Diligence for Acquisition TargetsCommunity Engagement SessionsBudget MonitoringMulti-Disciplinary Team CollaborationCommercial AcumenComplex Project Issue Management

Soft Skills

Exceptional Interpersonal SkillsExcellent Verbal CommunicationExcellent Written CommunicationRelationship BuildingProactive Approach

Certifications & Qualifications

Degree Level Planning QualificationMPIA

Industry Keywords

Australian Planning SystemsNew Zealand Planning SystemsRenewable Energy InfrastructureStakeholder RelationshipsCommunity Engagement

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead all planning aspects of renewable energy project life cycles, from initial site selection through planning application preparation, local authority liaison, stakeholder engagement, and pre- and post-construction work
Provide planning advice to inform site-selection decisions, development-consent applications and stakeholder engagement approaches
Manage development application processes, including project-managing external consultant teams, monitoring planning and environmental budgets and spend, reviewing and signing off content, and collaborating on project design and detail
Work with the Community and Stakeholder Engagement Manager on community engagement sessions, government-authority relationships, key stakeholder relationships, and community and liaison consultants
Conduct virtual and in-person community engagement sessions
Undertake handovers to Construction and Asset Management so planning, environmental and social obligations are understood for construction and operation
Assist with construction and operation planning compliance assessments
Undertake due diligence for potential acquisition targets
Provide input into team and department strategy
Develop strong internal relationships and maintain key external stakeholder relationships
Collaborate with business development, design, construction, asset management and structured finance teams
Participate in the wider global environmental planning community and company-level initiatives

Requirements

What you’ll need

Comprehensive working knowledge of the federal, state and local planning systems across Australian and New Zealand jurisdictions
5+ years of experience in planning, ideally with client or consultancy experience
Exceptional interpersonal skills and ability to build relationships and trust with a wide variety of stakeholders
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Commercial acumen and entrepreneurial values
Ability to manage complex project issues, manage time, set priorities and organise complex planning logistics and outputs
Experience in ground mount solar PV, wind and/or other renewable energy/infrastructure projects
Understanding of the project development life cycle from early stage to COD
Valid driver’s license and ability to travel
Degree level planning qualification (or equivalent) required
MPIA an advantage
Fluent English essential
Excellent technical, project management and communication skills with experience working with multi-disciplinary project teams
Driven, hands-on, proactive approach to business, and ability to be flexible and adapt rapidly

Benefits

Comp & perks

Competitive salary
Annual bonus
Retention bank
Health insurance
Pension
Other local benefits
Personal development initiatives
Charitable causes initiatives
Solar honey project initiatives
Sustainability initiatives
Inclusive community where every individual is valued and treated with respect