Title: Principal Lawyer - Planning and Environment Specialist
Join us and be part of Victoria’s Big Build, working within the award-winning VIDA Rail. We’ve already removed some of Victoria’s most dangerous level crossings and delivered improvement projects across the rail network, and we’re not stopping any time soon. There has never been a better time to get amongst the action!
About the role
The Managing Principal Lawyer - Planning and Environment Specialist will be responsible for managing and coordinating certain legal, stakeholder and risk management advice in relation to key aspects of planning and environment issues for VIDA Rail. The role will also interface with VIDA Rail’s external legal advisers and commercial advisers to ensure a consistent and agreed approach is taken on legal positions which support the all the projects being delivered by VIDA Rail.
On a day-to-day basis, you will;
- Provide support to the Director, Legal, and the Director, Planning Environment and Place on key planning and environment related matters, including navigating planning and environment legislation and providing planning and environment law advice.
- Provide similar support to the Senior Cultural Heritage and Aboriginal Engagement Advisor on all aspects of aboriginal cultural heritage including advice on engagement with Aboriginal bodies.
- Provide expert legal and risk management advice in relation to the application and interpretation of planning and environment legislative requirements for transport projects, including the Planning and Environment Act 1987, Environment Protection Act 2019, Aboriginal Heritage Act 1978, Building Act 1993, Major Transport Projects Facilitation Act 2009, Transport Integration Act 2010 and other legislation.
- Provide escalation legal support to projects within each of the Program Alliances and a centralised and consistent perspective across program in relation to planning and environment related issues, in order to facilitate desired outcomes within Project budget and timeframes.
The team is best described as collegiate, problem solving and fun. The team culture is fantastic, you’ll enjoy working alongside colleagues that are passionate about what they do.
At VIDA Rail we embrace and encourage flexibility, we work in a hybrid capacity, so you will work a mix of office and home.
This role is a twelve (12) month fixed term opportunity, paying a salary between $188,297 - $256,088 plus superannuation.
About you
You don’t shy away from a challenge, have impeccable time management skills and you’re agile and adaptable to an ever-changing landscape of works. You’ll need to be resilient and flexible in your approach whilst providing sounds legal advice to senior stakeholders in the organisation.
Let's get technical! What will we expect from you?
- Previous experience providing high quality and pragmatic legal advice on planning & environment related issues within a transport or major infrastructure project delivery environment.
- Previous leadership experience in an infrastructure project delivery environment.
- Admitted, or eligible to be admitted, to the Australian legal profession.
- A sound awareness of current and emerging best practice in major transport projects.
At VIDA Rail we embrace diversity and inclusion. We actively strive to remove barriers and encourage applications from people of any age, or disability, Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islanders, culturally and linguistically diverse or LGBTIQA+. We will make adjustments to our recruitment process to ensure that you are able to participate to the best of your ability.
About VIDA Rail
At VIDA Rail we’re not only removing level crossings, but also removing barriers and creating a long lasting legacy for our communities.
Inclusion is a priority for us, and we are committed to creating an employee community that reflects those in which we work. We value diverse representation at all levels of the organisation.
As leaders in the transport sector, we provide secure pathways into the industry for:
- Women
- People who identify as LGBTQIA+
- People living with a disability
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders
- Refugees or asylum seekers
- People facing barriers to employment.
We offer and encourage flexible work and purchased leave arrangements for all employees to support wellbeing, family or carer commitments and other personal circumstances.
We also place great importance on professional development and growth through both formal training opportunities and lessons learnt.
Health, safety, and wellbeing are at the heart of what we do. We aim to create a safe and healthy workplace for everyone, every day, everywhere.
What next?
To apply – just submit your CV. No need to submit a separate address of the key selection criteria, and no need for a cover letter.
Upon applying you will be asked to answer the following (assessed) questions:
- ‘Relationships’ is one of our core values, and crucial in this position. What does relationships mean to you, and how do you maintain positive relationships with your colleagues and stakeholders? (Max 200 words).
- Effective communication is a key requirement in this role. How do you ensure your message is communicated effectively and how do you tail your approach to various audiences? (Max 200 words).
After assessing your CV and answers to the above questions, the next steps will be a phone screen, followed by an interview that may include a short activity where you can showcase your skills and potential.
Please note: the successful candidate will be required to undergo pre-employment checks which include national police checks and misconduct screening.
Applicants must be an Australian Citizen, Permanent Resident or hold a valid work permit or visa
to be eligible to apply.
Need more information?
Click here to view the position description.
For specifics about the recruitment process entailed, or a confidential discussion around any special accommodations or adjustments to the recruitment process you may need in order to participate to the best of your ability, contact Sam Waters (A/Director, Legal) via email at sam.waters@vida.vic.gov.au.
***Please note that this ad will close at midnight on Sunday 18 January 2026***
Visit us: levelcrossings.vic.gov.au
