đ± Why the Environment, Planning and Sustainable Development Directorate (EPSDD) Is a Great Place to Work
Welcome to your rapid overview of the Environment, Planning and Sustainable Development Directorate (EPSDD)! If youâre looking for an exciting government role that tackles urban planning, conservation, and climate change head-on, youâve come to the right place. Letâs dive in!
AT-A-GLANCE
Name of Department / Council: Environment, Planning and Sustainable Development Directorate (EPSDD)
Location: Australian Capital Territory (ACT), Australia
CEO: Ben Ponton (Director-General)
Total Revenue: Approximately $197 million (2023â24) ăsource: EPSDD Annual Report 2023â24ă
Total Number of Employees: Approximately 990 full-time equivalents (FTE) ăsource: EPSDD Annual Report 2023â24ă
DID YOU KNOW?
The EPSDD oversees 9,000+ hectares of national parks and reserves đïž within the ACT, ensuring Canberraâs unique bushland areas are protected, while also delivering innovative urban planning solutions that make the capital a vibrant, sustainable place to live.
THE QUALIFICATIONS, CERTIFICATIONS, TRADES, PROFESSIONS, WORK EXPERIENCES & SKILLS MOST SUITED TO EPSDD
Top 5 Academic Qualifications Most Suited
Certificate / Diploma Level: Environmental Science or Sustainability. Helpful for roles in assisting with on-ground conservation projects and fieldwork.
Bachelor / Master Level: Urban Planning, Architecture, Public Policy, Civil Engineering, or Environmental Management. Crucial for policy, project design, and leadership in urban and community planning.
PhDs: Specialized fields such as Climate Change Research, Advanced Urban Design, or Ecological Conservation. Ideal for leading research-based initiatives, informing high-level strategy, and shaping policy.
Top 5 Certifications Most Suited
Project Management Professional (PMP) â ensures efficiency in delivering major urban or environmental projects.
Certified Environmental Practitioner (CEnvP) â underpins in-depth environmental assessment skills.
Sustainability Accreditation (e.g. Green Star) â valuable for green building and sustainable infrastructure projects.
GIS Certification â used extensively in data-driven planning and environmental mapping.
Building Regulation & Compliance Certificates â ensures safe and robust urban developments.
Top 5 Trades / Professions Most Suited
Urban Planners â to design compact, efficient, and future-ready cities.
Environmental Consultants â to assess ecological impacts and develop sustainable frameworks.
Landscape Architects â crucial for urban green space design and revitalizing public areas.
Civil Engineers â particularly for infrastructure related to roads, pathways, and large-scale developments.
Project Managers â to oversee and deliver on-time, on-budget environmental or urban planning initiatives.
Top 5 Skills Most Suited
Soft Skills: Collaboration, communication, community engagement, adaptability, problem-solving.
Technical Skills: Data analysis (especially GIS), understanding of building codes, climate resilience frameworks, environmental policy expertise.
General Skills: Strong time management, stakeholder management, and digital proficiency (for eDevelopment platforms).
Top 5 Work Experiences Most Suited
Policy Experience in government or NGOs â knowing the ropes of public sector processes.
Project Delivery in large-scale urban or environmental initiatives â from concept to completion.
Consultation & Engagement â working with communities to ensure developments meet local needs.
Conservation & Land Management â hands-on roles that involve protecting flora and fauna.
Sustainability Program Implementation â championing energy efficiency, greenhouse gas reduction, and renewable energy adoption.
THE KEY FACTS
Name of Department: Environment, Planning and Sustainable Development Directorate (EPSDD)
Name of CEO: Ben Ponton (Director-General)
Location: Australia-wide interest but primarily based in the ACT
Year Founded: Functions have evolved over decades; its current form within the ACT Government structure was consolidated in recent years.
Main Mission and Purpose:
Real-World Example: Improving urban spaces (like revitalizing Watsonâs new neighborhood park with cultural significance) while safeguarding natural habitats, ensuring sustainable growth, and preserving Canberraâs unique bush character.
Main Duties of the Organisation:
Implementing effective statutory planning
Managing parks, reserves, and heritage sites
Delivering climate change strategies, renewable energy programs, and water management
Real-World Example: Overseeing the Indicative Land Release Program to balance housing demand with environmental protection.
Key Projects, Key Strategic Priorities, Future Plans, and Initiatives:
Achieving net zero emissions by 2045
Continuing development of renewable electricity contracts
Building regulation reforms for safer and more sustainable housing
Collaborative work with Traditional Custodians to protect and honor Country
THE EMPLOYEES & REVENUE
Total Number of Employees: ~990 FTE
Total Number of Employees at Each Pay Level: Spanning entry-level and graduate roles to executive and technical specialist positions.
Salary Bands: Competitive APS pay grades, from entry-level (~$55kâ$65k) through to senior executive roles (>$180k).
Average Salary in the Directorate: Mid-range APS salaries typically $80kâ$120k, depending on role and experience.
Total Revenue: ~$197 million (2023â24)
Average Revenue per Employee: Around $199k (Total Revenue Ă· Total Number of Employees).
GETTING A JOB AT EPSDD
Interested in a role at EPSDD? Hereâs what you need to know:
Which Academic Subjects Are Likely to Be Most Sought After?
Certificate / Diploma Level:
Conservation and ecosystem management, building trades with sustainability insights, project administration.
Bachelor / Master Level:
Urban and regional planning, civil engineering, environmental science, public policy, heritage conservation.
PhDs:
Climate adaptation research, urban infrastructure resilience, advanced ecologyâessential for specialized research and policy leadership.
Which Trades and Professions Are Likely to Be Most Sought After?
Trades: Electrical and plumbing backgrounds for sustainable housing retrofits; carpenters with knowledge of eco-friendly building methods.
Professions: Urban planners, environmental engineers, architectsâespecially those well-versed in green building standards and renewable energy systems.
Which Work Experiences Are Likely to Be Most Sought After?
Roles that show success in large-scale projects, such as managing building approvals, implementing water quality programs, or overseeing environmental impact assessments.
Which Skills Are Likely to Be Most Sought After?
Soft Skills: Excellent communication, stakeholder engagement, cross-team collaboration.
Technical Skills: Project management software, GIS mapping, data analytics, thorough knowledge of ACT planning legislation.
General Skills: Problem-solving, innovation, adaptabilityâcrucial for evolving sustainability mandates.
Which Hobbies and Interests Align With the Work of EPSDD?
Passion for community volunteering in land management or urban greening.
Enthusiasm for bushwalking, biodiversity, and renewable energy technology also aligns well with EPSDDâs mission and culture.
Want more information on this organisation?
Contact the organisation:
Phone: +61 2 6207 1923 (Access Canberra Switchboard)
Email: epsddperformance@act.gov.au
Address: Environment, Planning and Sustainable Development Directorate, 480 Northbourne Avenue, Dickson ACT 2602
Official URL for Job Vacancies: https://www.jobs.act.gov.au
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DISCLAIMER
The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and is based on publicly available information, including annual reports. While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability, or availability with respect to the information on this article. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk. In no event will we be liable for any loss or damage including without limitation, indirect or consequential loss or damage, or any loss or damage whatsoever arising from loss of data or profits arising out of, or in connection with, the use of this article.