Senior Lawyer - Property, Planning & Environment

Squadron Energy is seeking a Senior Lawyer specializing in Property, Planning & Environment in Newcastle, NSW. The role involves providing legal advice for renewable energy projects, focusing on property and planning law. Candidates should have at least 8 years of experience and strong negotiation skills. The position requires collaboration with a legal team and travel to other east coast offices as needed. Squadron Energy aims to lead Australia's transition to renewable energy.
About Us

Squadron Energy is Australia’s leading renewable energy company that develops, operates and owns renewable energy assets in Australia. With proven experience and expertise across the project lifecycle, we work with local communities and our customers to lead the transition to Australia’s clean energy future.

We are 100% Australian owned and have 1.1 gigawatts (GW) of renewable energy in operation and an Australian development pipeline of 20GW.

To learn more about what we are doing for our community, click here.

To learn more about Squadron Energy projects, click here.

Join us as a Senior Lawyer – Property, Planning & Environment to help us making a meaningful difference in our world.

The Role

Reporting to the General Manager, Legal, Property, Planning & Environment, the primary responsibility of the Senior Lawyer – Property, Planning and Environment is to provide specialist and practical legal advice to assist Squadron Energy in successfully delivering wind, solar and battery projects with a focus on property and planning.

Supported by a legal team of ten, this role will work closely with the GM Legal PPE, General Manager Development and the rest of the Development team.

The role will be based in one of Squadron Energy’s east coast offices in Newcastle, Sydney or Brisbane, with travel to the other Squadron Energy east coast offices as required.

We are seeking a talented and highly motivated candidate to:
• Lead lawyer supporting specific projects for the Squadron group
• Provide practical and specialist legal advice and support to the Development team primarily in the areas of property and planning law based on a sound understanding of the business’ goals and commercial drivers
• Lead the drafting and negotiation of the full suite of land agreements required to deliver Squadron Energy projects including driving negotiations with landowners and their legal counsel in conjunction with project managers.
• Advise in relation to planning approvals required for projects and associated facilities (transmission line and substation) and any secondary approvals including compliance with existing planning approvals and the conduct of any audits
• Coordinate the property and planning due diligence undertaken by external legal advisers for the purposes of financial close of projects.
• Maximise the value of legal services delivered by external law firms in relation to property and planning, ensuring work is delivered on time, within budget and to a high standard

About you

In addition to the responsibilities mentioned above, you will have:
• Minimum of 8 years’ post-qualification experience
• Tertiary qualifications in law
• Experience in property including advising, preparing, and negotiating licences, options, leases, and easements and registration of associated plans.
• High level negotiation and influencing skills, with excellent stakeholder management skills.
• High-level organisation skills including well-developed priority-setting skills and the ability to meet deadlines.
• A current Australian driver’s licence

Why work with us?

Our goal is to improve the environment for current and future generations by leading Australia’s transition to renewable energy. Our people are driven by their passion to make a meaningful difference in the world, to their families and friends, and to themselves.

Though we are united by this common goal, we view the tremendous diversity in our team’s cultural, personal, and professional backgrounds as one of our greatest assets. This sense of camaraderie and cross-disciplinary expertise spurs drive and commitment to the growth of our business.

To apply

At Squadron Energy, we believe that diversity and inclusion are key to fostering innovation and driving success. We are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to bring their whole selves to work.

We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with disabilities, and individuals from diverse cultural and social backgrounds.

Our goal is to build a team that reflects the rich diversity of the communities we serve and to provide an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive.

To apply, please submit the following documents with your application.
• Updated resume including relevant experience and qualifications specific to the role.
• Cover letter addressing your motivations for applying and suitability to the role.

Applications close on 6/05/2024.

To learn more about this role, please email matt.hopping@squadronenergy.com

Appointment to this position will be subject to reference checks, current Australian working rights, a National Police Check and other applicable background screening if required.

Squadron is directly sourcing this position. We will not accept unsolicited CVs from recruitment agencies. No fees will be paid for any unsolicited CV sent to Squadron Energy.