Department for Environment and Water
Job reference: 846419
Location: 5000 - ADELAIDE
Job status: Ongoing
Eligibility: Open to Everyone

About the Role:

The South Australian Department for Environment and Water have a renewed focus on sustainable and responsive coastal management. As we expand and evolve, we're introducing new roles to enhance our dynamic, forward-thinking team of dedicated, multi-disciplinary professionals in the Coasts Unit.

This is a unique opportunity to help shape the future of our coastline and be part of something meaningful and impactful for South Australia.

We're seeking a strategic and forward-thinking planning expert to lead a specialist team delivering planning advice and development assessment in accordance with the Coast Protection Act 1972, River Murray Act 2003 and Planning, Development and Infrastructure Act 2016.

In this pivotal leadership role, you'll provide high-level expert advice and lead the assessment of complex coastal planning matters, including major and state-significant projects, while contributing to Coast Protection Board policy, planning system improvements and code amendments, and other initiatives that strengthen planning and development outcomes in coastal areas across the State.

The role operates with a high level of professional independence and exercises significant judgment managing a specialist team of planners.

Key role outcomes will include:

• Lead and embed effective statutory planning policies, processes and systems to support consistent application of South Australia's planning framework.
• Provide expert advice to the Coast Protection Board, department colleagues and proponents on coastal planning and development matters, including pre-lodgement advice, statutory referrals, and major or state-significant projects such as Impact Assessed Development.
• Drive continuous improvement of the planning system and its application through monitoring, evaluation, and analysis of development outcomes, compliance issues, and emerging risks.
• Influence and contribute to strategic coastal planning policy and best-practice approaches through collaboration with internal and external stakeholders within and across government and industry.
• Lead and manage a high-performing team, including workload allocation, performance development, and capability building.

Apply now to lead impactful coastal planning work that shapes the future of South Australia’s coastline.

What can we offer you!

• Working in an organisation that is contributing to significant environmental outcomes in the great state of South Australia!
• Be part of a fun, collaborative and supportive team.
• Hybrid working model with flexible working options including work from home available to promote work life balance.
• Free entry into DEW managed Parks in South Australia.
• Salary Sacrifice Benefits.
• Access to our Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Access to our Fitness Passport Program.
• Meaningful and rewarding career.

Contract: 
Contract for Ongoing 

Essential Criteria (including qualifications):

• A recognised degree or post-graduate qualification in Planning (Urban Regional Planning, Strategic Planning, Environmental Planning) or related disciplines (e.g. geography or environmental management) that satisfies the prescribed qualifications requirements under Section 101 of the Planning, Development and Infrastructure Act 2016.

Special Conditions:

• May be required to participate in responses to state emergencies or associated duties.
• You must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or provide evidence that you hold a valid working visa that allows you to work in Australia without restrictions.
• Prior to being employed, the successful candidate will be required to provide a valid Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check (NCCHC), which is required to be renewed every three years. DEW will cover the cost of renewal.
• Inter and intrastate and remote area travel is required, including travel in light aircraft.
• May be required to undertake intra or interstate travel, occasional overnight absences, and work outside of the normal hours of work.
• A current class “C” driver’s licence and willingness and ability to safely operate a 4wd is desirable.
• A current First Aid Certificate or willingness to obtain is essential.

A successful applicant who is not currently employed by the Department for Environment and Water will be required to have an original photo identification document sighted and provide a valid Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check (NCCHC) issued within the last 12 months.

Remuneration: 
PO4 $118,601 min - $129,116 max p.a.

Enquiries to:
Nicole Pelton, A/Manager Coasts
Nicole.Pelton@sa.gov.au
Mobile: 0408 158 647

Application Instructions:
Applications are to be submitted online through I WORK FOR SA.

Applicants are to submit a pre-employment declaration, current CV and letter of application (max. 3 pages) addressing the Essential Criteria (including qualifications) as outlined in the Role Description.

Relocation allowance may be negotiated for the preferred candidate, where applicable.

The Department for Environment and Water is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. We encourage applications from people with diverse backgrounds including all ages and gender identities, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, people with disability, culturally and linguistically diverse and LGBTIQA+.

Applications close: 14/06/2026 11:00 PM

Attachments:
- Pre-Employment-Declaration_240522.pdf
- RD PO4 Team Leader Coastal Planning - May 2026.pdf

Flexibility Statement
The South Australian public sector promotes diversity and flexible ways of working including part-time. Applicants are encouraged to discuss the flexible working arrangements for this role.