• Permanent Full Time (part time possible by negotiation)
• Commencing at $95,403 - $102,717 (plus 11.5% super and annual pay increases)
• Flexible working arrangements available including flexitime, WFH and RDOs

Who we are

At Surf Coast Shire Council, we care about our people and our community, and we exist to support both to thrive. We are a region full of spectacular coastline, scenic rainforests, rural hinterland, and magnificent beaches, not to mention the Great Ocean Road, one of the tourists draw cards of Australia. The Surf Coast is among the fastest growing regional municipalities in Victoria.

Our employees enjoy a supportive and connected culture, flexible work-life balance offering hybrid flexible working options, free staff onsite parking and much more.

Your new career

Join our Circular Economy team to work on innovative ways to support a transition to a circular economy - avoiding waste and keeping precious resources in use and reducing our impact on the environment. This role aims to develop and deliver circular economy programs and projects, for both the community and internally for Council, to reduce waste generation, improve resource recovery and to help reduce emissions. This position will work with internal and external stakeholders, such as our Waste team, our Economic Development team, other councils, local community groups, environmental advocacy groups, local businesses, and residents.

This role will deliver work aligning within Council’s strategies and programs, and in line with relevant external legislation and policies, including:

• Surf Coast Shire Circular Economy Action Plan 2024-2027
• Surf Coast Shire Council Plan 2021-2025
• Plastic Wise Events and Markets Policy
• Climate Emergency Corporate Response Plan 2021-2031
• Circular Economy (Waste Reduction and Recycling) Act 2021
• Recycling Victoria – a new economy 2020

What you will bring to the role

We are looking for a positive and passionate changemaker to play a key role in driving both Council and community transition to a circular economy. We’re looking for someone that is highly motivated and can make things happen – aligned with our new Circular Economy Action Plan 2024-2027. As a small team, you will also work closely and collaboratively supporting the Circular Economy Lead on priority projects.

To be successful in the role you will have a demonstrated passion to create change and drive a circular economy; have an exceptional ability to build relationships and work collaboratively with a diverse range of internal and external stakeholders; have excellent project management, communications and engagement skills; and you will bring a flexible, adaptive and strategic approach to your work.

Key Selection Criteria

Mandatory Requirements (Skills & Experience)

• Relevant tertiary qualification e.g. environmental management or sustainability, or equivalent in related experience.
• Sound understanding of what circular economy means in a local government context, and knowledge of relevant programs/policies/legislation at local, state and federal government levels.
• Demonstrated project management experience in relevant projects e.g. in waste avoidance, resource recovery, waste management and/or environmental sustainability.
• Demonstrated high level written and oral communications skills and experience
• Demonstrated engagement, collaboration and interpersonal skills and experience, with the ability to negotiate and build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

Additional Mandatory Licence and Checks

• Current Victorian driver’s licence.
• You have the right to live and work in Australia.
• A current WWCC.
• Police Check results that are suitable for this position (will be arranged by Surf Coast Shire Council).
• A complete international criminal history check is required if the person has worked or lived overseas for any period of time OR a complete national criminal history check is required if the person has only ever worked in Australia.

Desirable Qualifications and Experience

• Experience in Local Government.
• Experience in a similar role.
• Community education and behaviour change programs experience.

What you’ll love working with us

Council embraces diversity and social inclusion and encourages applications from skilled people from all walks of life.

We recognise that 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. Our Council is committed to providing a workplace culture of equity, inclusion and diversity that eliminates all forms of discrimination, harassment and bullying.

There are numerous social activities throughout the year available as well as the benefits of:

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

For more information

More information on the role accountabilities and the key selection criteria can be found in the Position Description which is available on our website.

To apply online please click Apply Now.

Select the "Apply Now" button and we'll be in touch with you shortly regarding your application.

If you believe you have the knowledge, skills and experience to fulfil this role and would like further information, please contact Katelyn Fryer, Circular Economy Lead, on [email protected], using the subject line: Circular Economy Officer - Torquay enquiry via EthicalJobs, or 0429 502 235.

How to apply

Applications are to be in Word or PDF format and should include a:

• Cover letter
• Statement addressing the key selection criteria
• Copy of your resume.

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

Surf Coast Shire Council is an equal opportunity and child safe employer.