Specialisterne Australia offers an alternative pathway for people on the autism spectrum to connect with employers who recognise and value the contributions and talents that individuals on the spectrum can bring to their organisations.
We are excited to partner with Transport for NSW in their search for a Project Development Officer from our community of autistic candidates.
About Transport for NSW
Transport for NSW (TfNSW) is the lead agency of the NSW Transport cluster. At Transport, we’re passionate about making NSW a better place to live, work and visit.
Our vision is of a connected roads and public transport network that has higher capacity and gives people the freedom to choose how and when they get around, no matter where they live and work.
Right now, we’re delivering a $41.5bn program – the largest this nation has ever seen – to keep people and goods moving, connect communities and shape the future of our cities, centres and regions.
At Transport, we’re also committed to creating a diverse, inclusive and flexible workforce which reflects the community and the customers we serve. Visit us at https://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/
About the Agency
Our organisation is comprised of numerous integrated divisions that focus on achieving community outcomes for the greater good and on putting our customers at the centre and our people at the heart of everything we do.
This role is within the Infrastructure & Place / Western Parkland City Development division.
Role title
Project Development Officer (Grade 7)
Tenure
Full-time, temporary position with the option of flexible working hours.
Location of role
This role is based at 27-31 Argyle Street, Parramatta, Sydney, NSW. There will be flexible work from home arrangements, with a few days in the office and a few days working from home. There could be the need to work from project sites.
Objective
The role is responsible for supporting the early development of road and bridge infrastructure projects through to completion of the detailed concept design and environmental approval.
What you will do
The Project Development Officer is responsible for working effectively within large project teams to support project development staff in achieving optimum project outcomes.
Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
- Provide project support services to project development staff by contributing to the development, analysis, review and evaluation of options to ensure high quality, cost-effective and functional project outcomes.
- Assist with project scoping activities and draft project development briefs to support the delivery of high-quality project documentation and business cases.
- Assist project development staff with regular, timely and accurate quality assurance reporting, programming and cost forecasting.
- Assist in providing timely and accurate advice to stakeholders regarding project development to contribute to project success.


Applicant Requirements
Must have
To apply for these roles, these things are essential:
- Must be 18 years of age or older.
- Must have a diagnosis of autism (including autism spectrum disorder; Asperger’s Syndrome; Autistic Disorder or PDD-NOS).
- Unrestricted working rights.
- All staff are required to undertake police checks.
- There is a requirement to be fully vaccinated or hold a medical exemption.
- Must live within a daily commutable distance to the location of the role.
Should have
These things are important to have:
- Work effectively within large project teams to support project development staff for optimal results.
- Think critically and have strong problem-solving skills.
- Interact effectively with internal and external stakeholders.
- Good time management skills.
- Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.
- Positive attitude towards learning new frameworks, policies and procedures.
Nice to have
These things are not essential, but if you have them that’s great:
- Obtained a qualification in Project Management, Engineering or other related disciplines.
- Have relatable real-world experience in the same or similar fields.
- Knowledge of project management frameworks.


Why apply through Specialisterne?
Specialisterne Australia exists because autistic candidates are being overlooked for employment, largely due to the many barriers that autistic candidates come up against when competing for employment in typical recruitment practices.
Specialisterne has created an end-to-end recruitment and employee support framework that removes those typically found barriers, and replaces them with practical, demonstrative assessments and activities whereby candidates, over a patient process, have the opportunity to:
- better understand the requirements of the roles they are competing for to assess if they are the right opportunities for them
- meet team members and managers throughout the process
- connect with others who have previously gained employment via this program
- demonstrate through practical assessments and activities their motivation and suitability for the available roles over a patient process
- ‘show’ what they can do (not just tell someone what you can do)
At Specialisterne Australia our values are Respect, Clarity, Accommodation, and Accessibility. We keep these in mind in all that we do. We work with our partner employers to promote and sustain a diverse and inclusive workforce.
To support you further throughout your journey, we provide a mentor and buddy, and we work with you to tailor an individual plan to accommodate your needs in the workplace, also providing a period of support for both you and your future employer, ensuring a successful transition into your new role.
Please Note: All applications must go through Specialisterne Australia. Our partner employers do not handle applications directly for these opportunities.
Location of roles
This role is offered in Sydney, NSW only, however applicants prepared to relocate for employment are encouraged to apply.

Application Process
Before you can apply for jobs through Specialisterne Australia, you must first register with us as an eligible candidate using the form below. You only need to do this once, existing candidates already registered using this form can proceed to login at the candidate portal. To commence the registration process, please make sure you have the required documents stated below:
- Evidence of an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) diagnosis. Evidence could be a Diagnostic Assessment or a letter from a treating medical practitioner.
- Proof of Australian Citizenship or Permanent Residence Visa*. Accepted documents are one of the following:
- Australian Birth Certificate
- Current Australian Passport
- Certificate of Australian Citizenship
- Permanent Residency Visa in Australia (excluding bridging visas)
* please check individual role for any Citizenship or other work rights required
NEW CANDIDATES
Upload your documents using the form provided on this page below. A member of our team will check your eligibility and you will then be sent a link to complete an online registration form with Specialisterne Australia. After you have completed your registration form, you will be sent a link to the candidate portal to upload supporting documents and apply for our jobs.
EXISTING CANDIDATES
If you have already registered as an eligible candidate with Specialisterne Australia using the form below and have an account, you can login to your account in the candidate portal to apply for the jobs or opportunities you are most interested in. A link to the candidate portal is contained in the form provided on this page below.
Shortlisted applicants will be invited to find out more about the roles while participating in activities and assessments delivered by Specialisterne and our partner employers to determine their suitability for the various opportunities.
At the conclusion of the Talent Program activities, successful candidates will be offered employment. If you are unsuccessful, you may be considered for other Specialisterne opportunities.
Activities will be delivered in-person and online in a virtual assessment centre environment and therefore candidates are expected to have use of their own computer with a webcam and microphone, and have access to the internet in order to participate.
Please Note: All applications must go through Specialisterne Australia. Our partner employers do not handle applications directly for these opportunities.