Principal Environmental Planner (Fixed-Term contract)

Description

The role is a 15‑month contract Principal Environmental Planner within the in‑house Planning Team in Sydney, reporting to the Head of Planning for Australia and New Zealand. The planner will lead planning aspects across a project’s life cycle—from site selection and application preparation through stakeholder engagement, local authority liaison, and pre‑ and post‑construction work—while collaborating closely with business development, design, construction, asset management and finance teams.

• Provide expert guidance on federal, state and local planning systems across Australian jurisdictions.
• Lead planning activities for ground‑mount solar PV, wind and other renewable infrastructure projects, including battery energy storage systems.
• Manage complex project logistics, set priorities, and ensure timely delivery of planning outputs from early development through commercial operation.
• Build and maintain relationships with stakeholders, local authorities, and multidisciplinary internal teams.
• Apply strong commercial acumen and entrepreneurial mindset to support project business cases.

Requirements

• Minimum 7 years of planning experience, preferably in‑house or consultancy, with a degree‑level planning qualification (MPIA advantageous).
• Demonstrate excellent verbal and written communication, technical, and project‑management skills.
• Possess exceptional interpersonal abilities, a proactive hands‑on approach, and flexibility to adapt rapidly.
• Hold a valid driver’s licence and be able to travel as required; fluent English required.

Benefits

The position offers exposure to the global environmental planning community at Lightsource bp and the opportunity to contribute to company‑wide initiatives, promoting professional growth in a supportive, inclusive environment.

Lightsource bp offers a competitive salary, annual bonus, retention bank, health insurance, pension and other local benefits. Employees are encouraged to be themselves, develop personally through charitable projects and volunteer committees, and work in a culture that values safety, responsibility and recognition.

Training + Development

Interview process

Visa Sponsorship

Security clearance