Are you ready to lead the charge in tackling climate change?  Contribute to a sustainable future at Kingston council within a high performing team with a strong community focus.

• Excellent career development opportunities in a supportive culture where wellbeing is prioritised. 
• Part time parental leave cover until January 2026
• Hybrid work option available
• Band 7, $107,000 to $119,000 per annum, plus superannuation (dependant on experience)
• Location: Cheltenham

About the team

The Environmental Planning team’s vision is to inspire and empower the Kingston community to protect and enhance the environment and tackle climate change. 

Kingston Council’s collective focus is on delivering exceptional service that achieves our vision and meets community expectations.

We are an inclusive, resilient community with a thriving economy, where we all share a safe, sustainable environment. The City of Kingston is south-east of Melbourne and is approximately 20km from Melbourne's CBD. We employ over 1,600 people in a diverse range of roles including engineering, customer service, administration, finance, family, youth and children's services, sport and recreation, health, parks and gardens, planning, arts and management. 

About the role

We’re on the lookout for a visionary Principal Environment Officer to deliver key net zero initiatives and shape a more resilient future for Kingston.

Reporting to the Climate Emergency Lead, you will;

• Oversee a range of environmental initiatives aimed at reducing Council and community emissions
• Provide expert insights that directly influence Council policies and strategies
• Shape climate projects that not only tackle today’s issues but prepare us for the future. Your guidance will ensure technical assessments are robust and solutions are sustainable.
• Forge connections across sectors—from government agencies to community groups—you’ll be at the forefront of building collaborations that make a difference.  

What you will bring

As a skilled and passionate individual, you will demonstrate:

• Expert knowledge: a comprehensive understanding of climate science, mitigation strategies and adaptation pathways.
• Leadership acumen: a talent for inspiring and guiding people to excel and achieve ambitious goals.
• Strong communication skills: the ability to convey complex information clearly to diverse audiences, bridging the gap between technical insights and actionable policies.
• Project management skills: a track record of successfully managing projects and coordinating consultant work on council initiatives.
• Collaborative spirit: a passion for working with diverse stakeholders to drive impactful climate programs and projects. 

And demonstrate the City of Kingston’s values of;

We make a difference ǀ We show care and respect ǀ We take pride in our work ǀ We are better together

Don’t meet every single requirement for this role? At Kingston Council, we recognise that different experiences make for great community outcomes. If you are excited about this role, but your experience doesn’t perfectly align to the criteria we encourage you to submit your application. 

What we offer at Kingston

The City of Kingston is a committed child safe, equal opportunity employer and committed to reconciliation. We value the diversity of lived experience and are committed to creating a workplace where all employees feel safe, supported, and connected to perform at their best.

In addition to a competitive salary and superannuation, we offer a supportive and inclusive work environment where you will have access to;

• Flexible working arrangements
• Access to an accrued day off every four weeks (available to full time employees only)
• Wellbeing initiatives
• Professional development opportunities
• A range of employee benefits designed to promote a healthy work-life balance. 

How to Apply

Please submit your resume with a cover letter outlining your experience and how it relates to the role.

If you require further information after reviewing the position description please contact Susannah Kenny, Climate Emergency Lead on 9581 4379 or via email at [email protected] using the subject line: Principal Environment Officer enquiry via EthicalJobs.

To be eligible to apply for this position you must have an appropriate Australian or New Zealand work visa.

For any reasonable adjustments or access needs during the application or interview process, please contact Susannah Kenny or email us at [email protected].

Kingston City Council is an equal opportunity employer, committed to being a child safe organisation and to reconciliation. We are dedicated to attracting, retaining, and developing our people regardless of gender identity, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability, and age. Applications are encouraged from all sectors of the community, and we strongly encourage applications from the Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander community. We support adjustments throughout the recruitment and selection process, as well as during employment. 

Job Task Analysis - City Strategy Officer.

 To be considered for the role all applications must be submitted via our Careers recruitment portal, by clicking 'Apply Now'.