Coordinator Waste Services

Careers at Council; Colac; On-site; AUD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Colac Otway Shire is seeking an experienced waste management professional to lead Council’s waste services, with a focus on sustainability and the circular economy. You will oversee kerbside collections, transfer stations, and resource recovery while managing key contractor relationships.

You will drive safety, compliance, budgeting, grants, and innovative waste minimisation programs, reporting to the Manager Sustainable Environments and engaging with the community and government partners.

Qualifications

• Tertiary qualifications in Waste Management or related field.
• Experience managing complex service contracts and KPI monitoring.
• Knowledge of municipal waste management and circular economy principles.
• Strong financial, analytical, and grant administration skills.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and reporting abilities.
• Valid Victorian Driver Licence.

Responsibilities

• Strategic leadership to implement and review Resource Recovery and Waste Management Strategy.
• Oversee contracted waste services, KPI monitoring, safety, and regulatory compliance.
• Manage GoodSort app, dashboards, and waste minimisation system innovations.
• Develop annual budgets, manage external grants, and oversee project delivery.
• Plan and deliver waste education programs to reduce contamination.

Skills

Waste management

Contract management

Data analysis

Budgeting & grants

Stakeholder engagement

Communication

Education

Waste Management degree

Tools

Data dashboards

Budgeting software

Job description

Colac Otway Shire is a values-based organisation situated in one of the most picturesque municipalities in Victoria. The Council’s values - supportive, inclusive, respectful, accountable, and progressive - guide their approach to work and community service. By joining Colac Otway, you will become part of a team committed to safe work practices, integrity, and positive community outcomes.

About the Role

Are you passionate about sustainability and the transition to a circular economy? We are looking for an experienced waste management professional to lead Council’s waste services.

Reporting to the Manager Sustainable Environments, you will oversee kerbside waste collections, transfer stations, drop-off operations, resource recovery, and waste reduction opportunities. You will also manage highly important contractor relationships, ensuring that residents receive high-quality waste services that comply with all environmental regulations and legislation.

Key Responsibilities include:

• Strategic Leadership: Implement and review Council’s Resource Recovery and Waste Management Strategy and drive initiatives to transition towards a circular economy.
• Contract & Service Management: Oversee the performance of contracted waste services. Attend and chair contract meetings, conduct site inspections, and ensure strict compliance with safety, environmental standards, and legislation.
• Data & Innovation: Manage Council’s \"GoodSort\" waste and recycling app, drive improvements in waste monitoring dashboards, and pursue innovative waste minimisation systems.
• Financial & Project Management: Develop annual budgets, manage external grant funding, and oversee end-to-end project delivery (from design and procurement to implementation).
• Education & Community Engagement: Plan and deliver waste education programs designed to reduce contamination and encourage sustainable resource use across the Shire.

About You

• Relevant tertiary qualifications in Waste Management, Contract Management, Sustainability, Engineering, Project Management, OR extensive practical experience in a related field.
• Proven experience managing complex service contracts, including procurement, KPI monitoring, and dispute resolution.
• A deep understanding of municipal waste management, kerbside collections, transfer stations, and circular economy principles.
• Highly developed financial and analytical skills, including budget preparation, data analysis, and grant administration.
• Exceptional communication and stakeholder engagement skills to prepare high-quality reports and build strong relationships with contractors, government agencies, and the community.
• A current Victorian Driver Licence.