• Permanent Full Time
• $105,392 pa (plus 11% super and annual pay increases)
• Flexible working arrangements available including flexitime & WFH

Who we are

At Surf Coast Shire Council, we care about our people and our community, we exist to support both to thrive. We are a region of high environmental significance with outstanding physical features, including a spectacular coastline, scenic rainforests, rural hinterland and magnificent beaches plus a number of state and national parks. The area is one of the tourist draw cards of Australia and among the fastest growing regional municipalities in Victoria.

Council and our community are committed to preserving and enhancing the natural local environment. Our Council Plan outlines this commitment through its Environment Leadership theme, including a goal to “Protect our environment and help our community to thrive”.

Your New Career

The passionate Environment team plays a leading role in Council’s efforts to protect, preserve, and promote the biodiversity of our Shire. The team is responsible for managing Council’s nature reserves and rural roadsides, supporting community groups and driving environmental protection, including compliance with Victorian and Commonwealth Government legislative requirements, such as native vegetation; listed species and ecological communities; pest plants and animals; and statutory planning referrals.

While Council is responsible for a relatively small area of land in the Surf Coast Shire, we play a critical role in advocating for the environment and working with key partners to protect and enhance our natural environment.

About you and what you will bring to the role

We have an exciting opportunity for a highly motivated and experienced individual to lead our Environment team and Council’s efforts to protect, preserve, and promote the biodiversity of our Shire.

The ideal candidate for this role is a passionate advocate for the environment with strong skills in building partnerships and collaborating with a diverse range of stakeholders, including community members, community groups and government agencies. You should have experience in developing and delivering environmental projects, strategies and policies and a strong understanding of ecological principles, integrated water management, conservation practices, and environmental policy and regulations.

We are looking for someone to:

• Lead and coordinate the Environment team, fostering a culture of collaboration and creating opportunities for staff to grow and develop.
• Identify, research, develop and implement effective and innovative programs, plans, policies, etc to deliver improved environmental outcomes for the Surf Coast.
• Deliver on Council’s environmental priorities and commitments, including Council Plan and Climate Emergency Response Plan actions.
• Provide advice and guidance in the areas of biodiversity, environmental planning, land management, community engagement and education.
• Work with Traditional Custodians to Care for Country and support the implementation of Healthy Country Plans.
• Provide capacity building and support to community environment groups, including the overseeing of the natural environment grants program.
• Participate in and lead internal and external meetings, working groups and forums.
• Provide advice, briefing reports and presentations to internal and external stakeholders on matters relating to the natural environment.
• Work with State and Commonwealth government agencies, neighbouring councils, community groups and nongovernment organisations to promote the protection and improvement of the natural environment.

Key Selection Criteria

Mandatory Qualifications and Experience:

• A tertiary qualification in a relevant environment discipline e.g. natural resource management/environmental science and relevant extensive and diverse experience or lesser formal qualification with relevant extensive and diverse experience.
• Understanding of the role and responsibilities of local government in relation to the natural environment, including environmental regulation and legislative obligations.
• Demonstrated experience in developing and delivering projects, strategies and policies to protect and enhance the environment.
• Ability to lead, motivate and develop a high performing team that works collaboratively to achieve effective outcomes.
• Strong experience in providing guidance and advice to stakeholders and the community on a range of environmental matters.
• Demonstrated ability to influence, gain cooperation and collaborate with a diverse range of people, including staff, community groups, government representatives and community groups.
• Highly developed written and oral communication skills including an ability to distil complex issues into easily understandable reports and presentations.
• A current Working With Children Check (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
• Current Victorian driver’s licence.

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, RDOs.

• 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 the key selection criteria can be found in the Position Description which is available on our website or attached below this ad.

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

Council embraces diversity and social inclusion and encourages applications from skilled people from all walks of life. This includes women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, culturally and linguistically diverse people, people with a disability, sexually and gender diverse people, people with lived experience and people of all ages.

How to Apply

For a copy of the position description outlining the selection criteria, and apply online please visit

https://www.surfcoast.vic.gov.au/About-us/Working-with-us/Employment.

Applications should include a cover letter, a statement addressing the selection criteria and a copy of your resume. Please note that only applications with a statement addressing the selection criteria will be considered for this position.

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

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

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

A position description is attached.