• Permanent Part Time
• $98,265 – $105,798 pa/pro rata (plus 12% super and annual pay increases)
• Flexible working arrangements available including flexitime and WFH

Who we are
Surf Coast Shire spans the Traditional Lands of the Wadawurrung People and the Gulidjan and Gadabanud Peoples of the Eastern Maar Nation and is blessed with unique environments from the coast to the hinterland – towns and villages with their own cultures and lifestyles.

The charm and values of coastal lifestyle make it a place where people want to live, work, and visit to experience an exceptional quality of life.

As a workplace Council provides opportunities to do meaningful work that benefits our community, and offers the chance to add to a great team culture. Our workforce is representative of the towns and communities it serves, and our culture is supportive, respectful, and connected to Council’s purpose of helping our community and environment to thrive.

We work together, we see opportunity, we do what we say, and we make a difference.

Your new career
Surf Coast Shire is committed to helping our environment and community to thrive.

Our Environment & Sustainability team leads Council’s environmental management efforts and climate emergency response—driving continuous improvement across the organisation and working collaboratively with our community.

As the Environment and Sustainability Officer, you’ll play a pivotal role in leading organisational change by advancing Council’s Environmental Management System (EMS). This includes shaping and maintaining policies, procedures, training, monitoring and reporting frameworks that embed environmental sustainability into our day-to-day operations.

In this role, you’ll be:

• Leading the implementation, monitoring, and continual improvement of Council’s EMS, including supporting policies and procedures;
• Providing expert advice to support environmentally sustainable design in capital works projects and through the Surf Coast planning scheme.

What you will bring to the role
We’re looking for a passionate and committed individual who’s driven to improve environmental outcomes and make a real impact across the Surf Coast Shire.

To thrive in this role, you’ll bring:

• Proven experience in environmental sustainability, management, and/or climate action;
• The ability to collaborate effectively and pragmatically with a wide range of stakeholders;
• Confidence to work independently, while also contributing to a supportive, values-driven team;
• A systems-thinking mindset to help lead meaningful organisational change for the environment.

Key selection criteria
Mandatory qualifications, experience and requirements

• A tertiary qualification, or equivalent demonstrated experience, in Environmental Science, Sustainability or a related discipline (Qualification Check conducted).
• Demonstrated knowledge of Environmental Management Systems and their application in a large complex organisation.
• Experience developing, implementing, monitoring and reviewing environmental policies and procedures, including the supporting activities to drive compliance.
• Comprehensive understanding of the use and application of environmentally sustainable design (ESD) principles and an ability to drive ESD outcomes within a large organisation.
• Demonstrated ability to influence and gain cooperation from a diverse range of people, particularly in driving systemic change for positive environmental outcomes.
• Exceptional written and oral communication skills including experience in preparing written reports and correspondence.
• Highly developed project management skills and experience in working with diverse stakeholders.
• Awareness of the roles, responsibilities and issues relating to Local Government in the areas of environmental management, climate change and sustainability.
• A current Working With Children Check
• You have the permanent right to live and work in Australia
• 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.

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 shire spans the Traditional Lands of the Wadawurrung People and the Gulidjan and Gadabanud Peoples of the Eastern Maar Nation. 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
• 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 here.

If you believe you have the knowledge, skills and experience to fulfil this role and would like further information, please contact Lauren Watt, Climate Action Coordinator on 5261 0600.

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

• cover letter including your statement addressing the selection criteria
• copy of your resume.

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

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

Applications close at 11.59pm Sunday 17 August 2025.

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