Town Planner (Environment & Planning Lead), Infrastructure Advisory Firm

Sequana is one of the fastest-growing & independent water, energy, and environment-focused infrastructure advisory firms in Australia with a growing International presence. With offices in Melbourne, Sydney, and Brisbane, we work with both the private sector and government organisations to break the mould and redefine the future of Australia’s major water, environment and energy projects. We are committed to delivering exceptional results for our clients throughout all stages of a project and beyond. 

The Strategic Environment and Planning team is newly formed and has a national focus. It works across regions supporting our established advisory businesses in North and West and South-East Australia. Its goal is to work with Sequana’s existing clients, establish new client relationships, and generate new business. 

Working with our Director, Strategic Environment and Planning and our Associate Directors, Environment and Planning, the role includes helping to build our environmental and planning capability across the business to establish a more complete project planning and delivery offering within Sequana. 

You’re a problem solver by nature and want to join a firm that values the kind of people who reimagine the possible for their clients and stakeholders. Most importantly, you act with integrity and show genuine care for the people you work with.

What you do

• Collaborate with senior management, including Director, Strategic Environment and Planning, and Associate Directors, Environment and Planning in establishing and implementing a long-term strategic plan for Sequana’s Strategic Environment and Planning team.

• Support our internal Water and Energy consultancy teams in relation to planning and environmental management matters.

• Lead and support planning and environmental projects from conception to completion, ensuring they are executed on time and within budget.

• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to ensure planning and environmental considerations are integrated into project design, execution, and monitoring processes.

• Keep abreast of local, regional, and national planning and environmental regulations, ensuring all projects and initiatives comply with relevant laws and guidelines.

• Provision of technical planning and environmental advice to internal and external stakeholders.

• Liaison with statutory authorities for planning and environmental work permits and approvals.

• Preparation, administration, and assessment of contracts in relation to planning and environmental management.

• Support work programs to ensure they are delivered to client expectations, timeframes, costs, and specifications.

• Work with a diverse and inclusive team who are responsible for the delivery, completion, and reporting of projects.

• Develop and foster trusted relationships with key clients and mentor junior staff to develop capability across the business.

Who you are

Candidates should possess:

• Tertiary qualifications or similar relevant qualifications.

• Strong experience in Environmental Impact Assessment and Statutory Planning processes.

• An experienced planning and environment practitioner (5- 8 years of industry experience), with the ability to manage a diverse portfolio of functions whilst maintaining a focus on critical issues. 

• Proven experience and knowledge of the Water, Energy, and Environment Sectors

• Strong commercial acumen including contractual management, tenders & bids, legal & procurement activities.

• Project management experience overseeing the planning, execution, and monitoring of projects. 

• Ability to work collaboratively with diverse groups and individuals, including government agencies, community representatives, and industry professionals.

• Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills coupled with strong presentation and report writing abilities.

• Budgeting skills together with the ability to perform under pressure whilst providing high-quality outcomes 

• A consultancy and/or public sector background sector experience is preferred.

• High level of business and personal ethics.

What it's like working at Sequana:

There are a ton of reasons why Sequana is an amazing company to work at, and here are some that we think you'll find most interesting!

• Our culture - We have a wonderful team of brilliant high achievers built on a culture of empathy, collaboration, integrity, openness, and professional excellence. We attract the best in the industry who share our passion for the water, environment, and energy sectors and are willing to put in extraordinary efforts to deliver exceptional outcomes. 

• Award-winning - We are an award-winning company – we have won ‘Great Place to Work’ awards across Australia.

• Exciting & meaningful projects - Sequana is on an exciting growth journey. Here at Sequana, you are seen as the expert and will have the opportunity to own projects end to end, and truly make a difference to the environment.

• Continuous learning - We celebrate continuous learning at Sequana and have a Sequana Academy, offering employees the opportunity to receive professional coaching services and training, with a focus on personal development.

• Compensation - We offer an attractive compensation package and a flexible work environment.

• Reward and recognition - We promote an environment of reward and recognition. At Sequana, you will be recognised for your efforts, and for each birthday & anniversary, we will celebrate you, and reward you for your contribution!

• Diverse and inclusive environment - With our Social Impact and Belonging Committee, we promote an inclusive and diverse environment at Sequana and have many events and activities that truly make Sequana a ‘Great Place to Work.'