Job Information
WSP USA Principal SIA Specialist in Sydney, Australia
What if you could do the kind of work the world needs?
At WSP, you can access our global scale, contribute to landmark projects and connect with the brightest minds in your field to do the best work of your life. You can embrace your curiosity in a culture that celebrates new ideas and diverse perspectives. You can experience a world of opportunity and the chance to shape a career as unique as you.
Our Communities and Social Performance team is nationally renowned for it’s expertise in delivering programs that are inclusive and accessible, as well gathering community and stakeholder inputs to better support decision making. We have a current need for a Principal SIA Specialist to join our NSW team as we continue to grow our project portfolios across mining, energy, transportation and infrastructure.
As an Principal SIA Specialist you’ll:
Lead the development and delivery of Social Impact Assessments, Social Baseline Studies, Social Risk Assessments, and Social Management Plans across complex, multidisciplinary projects.
Provide high‑level technical advice on social sustainability, community wellbeing, equity impacts, and culturally appropriate engagement approaches.
Ensure deliverables meet WSP quality standards, regulatory requirements, and client expectations.
Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, government agencies, Traditional Owner groups, and community stakeholders.
Identify and pursue new business opportunities, contribute to proposals, and support strategic growth of the Social Sustainability & Community Engagement team.
Act as a trusted advisor to senior clients on social risk, social licence to operate, and community-centric design.
Mentor, coach, and support junior and mid‑level SIA specialists, fostering technical excellence and a collaborative team culture.
What you’ll bring:
Significant experience (10+ years preferred) in Social Impact Assessment, social performance, social sustainability, or a related discipline.
Proven capability delivering SIAs for major infrastructure, energy transition, resources, or urban development projects.
Strong understanding of social research methods, regulatory frameworks, and best-practice impact assessment standards.
Demonstrated success managing complex, multidisciplinary projects and providing senior-level client advice.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate technical social insights into clear, practical recommendations.
Strong stakeholder engagement skills, including experience working with First Nations communities and vulnerable or diverse groups.
Ability to build relationships, solve complex problems, and influence positive social outcomes.
A collaborative mindset, with a passion for contributing to a high-performing and values-driven team.
Degree in social sciences, community development, human geography, anthropology, planning, or a related field.
Postgraduate qualifications or relevant certifications (e.g., IAP2) are highly regarded.
Why WSP?
Imagine a better future for you, and for us all.
Joining WSP means becoming part of a global team of over 73,000, united by a shared passion for making a positive impact.
Join one of Australia’s most well regarded Community and Social Performance teams contributing improved social outcomes, community wellbeing, and a sustainable future.
Deliver work that genuinely shapes communities, grounded in WSP’s mission to provide sustainable solutions with deep environmental and social responsibility.
Grow in a culture built on collaboration, inclusion, and belonging, where diverse perspectives power innovation and employees feel valued and supported.
Enjoy work/life flexibility and strong career pathways, plus global mobility, health and wellbeing programs, and social initiatives.
Discover more on our https://www.wsp.com/en-au/careers/why-join-us/employee-benefits page.
With us, you can. Apply today.