Manager – Environment & Planning (Sydney High Speed Rail)

About the role

Bluefin Resources is recruiting, through its partner the High Speed Rail Authority, a Manager – Environment & Planning to support the Development Phase of the Sydney–Newcastle High Speed Rail project. The role contributes to environmental assessment and statutory approvals needed to move a major national transport infrastructure programme toward construction readiness. It reports to the Senior Manager, Environment & Planning and suits an environmental planning or approvals professional with experience on major rail, road, tunnel or other linear infrastructure projects.

Key responsibilities

• Manage and coordinate environmental planning, impact assessment and statutory approvals for major infrastructure project packages.
• Support the preparation, review and delivery of Environmental Impact Statements (EIS) and associated approvals documentation.
• Manage external environmental consultants, specialist advisers and technical work packages to meet project milestones.
• Review technical studies on biodiversity, ecology, contamination, noise and vibration, air quality and other disciplines.
• Integrate environmental findings into assessments, project planning, risk registers and decisions.
• Apply knowledge of NSW planning and Commonwealth environmental legislation, including the EPBC Act.
• Identify environmental risks and coordinate mitigation strategies.
• Engage with government agencies, regulators, technical advisers and project partners, and prepare briefings, reports and responses to information requests.
• Monitor assessment schedules, consultant deliverables and approval milestones, and embed environmental requirements into design, procurement and construction.

Required profile

• Demonstrated experience in environmental impact assessment, EIS preparation and statutory approvals.
• Experience delivering environmental approvals for major linear infrastructure, ideally rail, metro, road or tunnelling projects.
• Proven project management of external consultants, technical scopes, schedules and deliverables.
• Experience reviewing and coordinating multidisciplinary environmental studies.
• Ability to manage assessment packages independently and identify project risks.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Relevant qualification in Environmental Science, Environmental Planning, Engineering or a related discipline, or equivalent professional experience.
• Australian citizenship required; a National Police Check is required before commencement.

Required skills

• Environmental impact assessment and EIS preparation
• Statutory approvals under NSW planning frameworks and the EPBC Act
• Management of external consultants and technical deliverables

What we offer

• Hybrid working, about three days per week in the office for full-time contractors, subject to agreement.
• Competitive hourly rate, negotiable based on experience and approved budget.
• Commencement in December 2026 preferred; flexibility for suitable candidates with notice periods.
• Engagement is contract/labour hire, with arrangements to be confirmed.