• Permanent Part Time – 30-38 hours per week
  
• $99,345 – $109,579 Pro rata (plus 10.5% super and annual pay increases)
  
• Flexible working arrangements available including WFH

Who we are

The Surf Coast Shire is located in south-western Victoria, 1.5 hours from Melbourne, 20 minutes south of Geelong, and the official start of the iconic Great Ocean Road. Our Shire spans the traditional lands of the Wadawarrung, Gadabanud and Guildjan People and we acknowledge them as the traditional owners of the land we call the Surf Coast Shire.

The Surf Coast Shire is blessed with unique environments from the coast to the hinterland - towns and villages with their own culture and lifestyles. The charm and values of a coastal lifestyle make it, more than ever, a place where people want to live, work, visit and experience an exceptional quality of life. Our workforce is representative of the townships and communities it serves and our culture is supportive, respectful and connected to our purpose of helping our community and environment to thrive. At Surf Coast, we work together, we see opportunity, we do what we say and we make a difference.

We empower our people to do their best and be proud of their achievements. We have a commitment to growth and development with opportunities for learning and growth. Our employees enjoy a contemporary working environment with flexibility and hybrid working arrangements.

Your new career

Join us to champion and drive Surf Coast Shire Council’s transition to a circular economy. This is an exciting new position within Council and will play a vital role in our climate emergency response.

Council is committed to leaving the Surf Coast better than we found it while supporting our community and environment to thrive. Our innovative Environment and Sustainability department is looking for a passionate and experienced Circular Economy Lead who is driven to make a positive impact and lead change.

This role will drive Council’s transition towards a circular economy, including leading the development of policies, strategies and programs while working with internal teams, local community groups, local businesses, residents, neighbouring councils and other key stakeholders.

As Circular Economy Lead, you will be responsible for:

• developing and implementing a series of strategic circular economy and waste programs and projects

• facilitating the integration of zero waste and circular economy principles throughout Council services, facilities, planning and infrastructure and within the community
• identifying and partnering with key stakeholders to develop and deliver projects to avoid waste in the first place, maximise reuse, increase resource recovery and facilitate a circular economy.
• solving new and emerging circular economy challenges through partnerships and innovation.

Key Selection Criteria

Mandatory Qualifications and Experience

• Demonstrated knowledge of circular economy and waste policy and programs at local, state and federal government levels, combined with a sound understanding of circular economy and waste in a local government context.
• Strong strategic, investigative and problem solving skills, with an ability to think big and then identify and analyse options before making a recommendation.
• Proven experience in designing, implementing and evaluating leading waste and/or circular economy projects and programs within large, complex organisations as well as cross organisational teams.
• Experience in project management, development and implementation including contract, risk, budget, resources and stakeholder management.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to establish and maintain effective relationships, and gain cooperation of stakeholders to resolve problems and achieve positive outcomes for Council and the community.
• Tertiary qualification in environmental management or science, sustainability, circular economy or other related discipline and/or extensive practical experience together with relevant experience.

Desirable Qualifications and Experience

• Experience in Local Government.
• Previous experience in a similar role

The successful applicant will also need to meet the below criteria:

• Current Victorian driver’s licence.
• A current WWCC.

Working for us

Our employees play a vital role in creating an innovative, safe, respectful and supportive workplace, living our values and delivering exceptional services to our thriving community and it’s why our Council is committed to providing a workplace culture of equity, inclusion and diversity that eliminates all forms of discrimination, harassment and bullying. We value the uniqueness of individuals and provide an environment in which all employees are able to contribute to our success.

What you’ll love

• Flexible working arrangements including working from home and flexi time options, RDO’s
• Career development & learning opportunities, we help our people grow
• Purchase of additional annual leave
• Free onsite parking
• Leave loading
• Employee Assistance Program and award winning staff wellbeing program

More information on the role accountabilities, and selection criteria can be found in the Position Description.

If you believe you have the knowledge, skills and experience to fulfil this role and would like further information, please contact Jane Spence on 5261 0600.

To apply for this position, you must have the permanent right to live and work in Australia.

Applications should include a cover letter, a statement addressing the selection criteria and a copy of your resume. For a copy of the Job Description and to apply online please visit here.

Please note that only applications with a statement addressing the selection criteria will be considered for this position.

A position description is attached.

How to Apply

Simply complete the application process by clicking the "Apply Now" button via the above link and we'll be in touch with you shortly.

Surf Coast Shire Council is an equal opportunity and child safe employer and completes police checks for all employees.