The Domestic Aviation and Reform Division is responsible for promoting an efficient, environmentally sustainable, safe, competitive air transport system that can meet projected growth and market requirements, and support investment in safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible aviation infrastructure.

The Airport Environment Branch is responsible for providing government policy and regulatory advice on matters relating to environmental management of Commonwealth airport sites. The Branch provides regulatory oversight of environmental management of leased-federal airports through a network of Airport Environment Officers and is responsible for delivering the Government’s Per- and Poly- Fluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) Investigation Program.

The Western Sydney Airport Regulatory Policy Branch in the International Aviation, Technology and Services Division is responsible for maintaining the regulatory framework for construction of the new ‘green fields’ Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport which is scheduled to open in 2026. This includes managing the Airport Environment Officer function for the airport until it becomes operational. Other matters dealt with by the Branch include airspace design and noise amelioration relating to the operation of the airport and, biodiversity offsetting, and property matters relating to airport construction.

The opportunity we have available

We are seeking multiple ongoing APS6 Airport Environment Officers (AEO) to join the network of AEOs who provide regulatory oversight of airports around Australia. There are potential vacancies across multiple federally leased airports including Sydney, Western Sydney, Camden and Bankstown. Depending on the location and skill set of candidates, positions may be offered at these or other airports located within the network on a full or part-time basis.  Interested candidates are strongly encouraged to contact the Contact Officer before applying. 

The network of AEOs are generally based at or near to airports for which they are responsible however working from other locations may be considered. Travel will be required from time-to-time to fulfil AEO duties, in some cases.

A merit pool will be established from this process to fill current vacancies and future non-ongoing and ongoing vacancies across various locations.

What will you do?

The successful candidates will act in the role of AEO, authorised officers under the Airports Act 1996, to provide analysis and advice on the application of environmental aspects of the Airports Act 1996 and the Airports (Environment Protection) Regulations 1997, monitor the implementation of Airport Environment Strategies, apply legislation and liaise with airports and their tenants on environmental issues.

The key duties of an AEO are to oversee the day-to-day management of environmental issues at airports and to regulate ongoing operations and development at airports, ensuring the airport’s activities accord with the applicable regulatory framework. Duties can include liaison with the Airport Lessee Company on environmental issues, assessing potential environmental impacts of airport development proposals, site inspections, investigations and compliance monitoring under the relevant legislation.

The AEO plays a central role in the environment regulatory regime at federally leased airports. AEOs are the first point of contact for environmental regulation at airports on behalf of the Commonwealth, and are instrumental in ensuring the effective monitoring, reduction and prevention of pollution at airport sites. AEOs are authorised to make decisions regarding compliance with regulations and standards, undertake investigations and to take compliance action when there is a breach of the regulatory framework.

As an AEO you will:

Under general direction deliver high quality regulatory outcomes on environmental matters as specified leased federal airports, including undertaking analysis and investigation to provide significant and detailed advice on regulatory issues

Interpret and apply legislation to support quality decision making on complex issues

Contribute to strong levels of regulatory compliance enforcement and reporting while engaging consistently and appropriately with risk

Apply critical and strategic thinking to the review of the regulations, new and existing guidelines and procedures, reports, data, data and stakeholder correspondence to inform ongoing policy development and decision making

Develop and foster strong relationships with key stakeholders across the sector and be a point of contact on Airport environment matters in the airport community

Undertake regular airport site visits and inspections.