What you’ll contribute to:

An exciting opportunity has become available for a motivated and innovative Environment Manager – Planning and Approvals to join the QAL Health Safety and Environment Team. This is a permanent full-time position that would suit an internal candidate.

The purpose of the position is to lead and deliver QAL’s environmental outcomes for capital projects, strategic planning and long-term land stewardship across all Queensland Airports. This role owns the environmental pathway for all development, from pre-approval studies and impact assessments through to construction assurance, and is responsible for offset management, nature positive commitments, biodiversity programs and community and Indigenous stakeholder engagement related to projects and land use.

Peter joined Queensland Airports Pty Ltd (QAL) has now been a part of the team for 7+ Years, Pete shares his unique experience working at QAL below:

I joined Townsville Airport for a 3-month maternity relief position and 7 years later I am still enjoying the positive work environment. QAL provides great support for its staff including diverse career opportunities, internal transfers, flexible working arrangements and importantly an accepting culture that encourages a “can do” approach which is productive and satisfying.

How will you make an impact?

You’re a seasoned environmental professional who is equally comfortable navigating a complex regulatory approval as you are walking an offset area or presenting to a community group. You bring:

• A tertiary qualification in Environmental Science or equivalent
• Minimum 8 - 10 years’ experience in a similar role, ideally with exposure to large infrastructure, aviation or land development projects
• Strong working knowledge of environmental legislation, particularly EPBC/NES, and experience managing approvals through to construction
• Experience with offset management, biodiversity programs, or environmental land stewardship
• A track record of effective stakeholder and community engagement, including with Indigenous groups
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, you write clear reports and present with confidence
• Strong leadership and people management skills
• Experience with Environmental Management Systems
• Aircraft noise and planning knowledge is desirable, but not essential

Key deliverables/responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Capital Projects & Approvals
• Leading environmental approvals for capital projects, including EPBC/NES referrals, EIS and impact assessments
• Developing and managing Construction Environmental Management Plans (CEMPs) and providing on-site environmental assurance during works
• Engaging regulators on project-specific matters and managing all environmental deliverables within project plans
• Assessing and managing PFAS risk for capital works and overseeing the operational handover of completed projects to the EMS
• Strategic Studies & Land Stewardship
• Leading long-term environmental studies including hydrology, erosion, cultural heritage and land condition monitoring
• Owning and delivering our offset area management program
• Driving environmental planning inputs for the QAL Master Plan
• Managing PFAS strategy and future land use risk, ensuring findings inform capital planning
• Stakeholder Engagement
• Leading engagement with regulators, local communities and Indigenous stakeholders on project and land-related environmental matters
• Representing QAL in industry forums and maintaining strong relationships across all stakeholder groups
• Leadership & Reporting
• Leading and developing a small team, including the Senior Environment Advisor – Projects and Vegetation Maintenance Officer
• Preparing monthly reports and strategic KPI reporting for the GM HSE and project leads
• Managing the budget and driving continuous improvement across the planning and approvals function

How we support you

At Queensland Airports Limited (QAL), we believe work should support life, not compete with it. Through our Living Well approach, we offer flexible working options for all roles, wellbeing initiatives and a supportive culture so our people can thrive both professionally and personally.

As we continue to grow and transform, we encourage flexible ways of working and open conversations about how work fits alongside life. We also invest in our people through learning, mentoring and career pathways across our four airports.

What we’ve built together

At QAL, our people connect communities. We own and operate Gold Coast, Townsville, Mount Isa and Longreach airports, linking regional Queensland and northern New South Wales with the rest of Australia and the world.

More than 8 million passengers travel through our airports each year, supported by teams working together to create safe, welcoming and efficient experiences. Our vision is to be the first-choice gateway for our regions, creating valuable connections and inspiring a sustainable future.

We’re committed to an inclusive and psychologically safe workplace where people feel valued, supported and encouraged to be themselves. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and encourage you to apply even if you don’t meet every requirement.

QAL is a WORK180 Endorsed Employer, independently recognised for supporting long‑term careers, flexibility, wellbeing and equal opportunity. Learn more about working at QAL here.

The successful candidate will be required to adhere to QAL’s Drug and Alcohol Management Plan (DAMP), which includes pre-employment Drug and Alcohol Testing and have the ability to obtain an Aviation Security Identification Card (ASIC), which requires the completion of a Police Check.

Please obtain the Position Description by clicking HERE, or if you are on Seek, by copying the following location into your browser to access the Position Description through our careers site: https://qal.elmotalent.com.au/careers/QALcareers/jobs