Environment & Open Space Coordinator

Barwon Coast Committee of Management; Barwon Heads; On-site; AUD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Barwon Coast Committee of Management on Barwon Heads, VIC, is seeking an experienced leader to head Open Space and Natural Resource Management. You will coordinate environmental programs across coastal reserves, manage operations, and drive high standards in safety and service delivery.

You will lead teams, manage budgets and contractors, work with Traditional Owners and community stakeholders, and champion sustainable practices to protect our unique coastal environment for residents and

Qualifications

• Experience leading open space maintenance and environmental programs.
• Proven ability to coordinate contractors and resources.
• Strong planning, budgeting and project management skills.
• Qualifications in natural resource/environmental management or related discipline.
• Effective communication with diverse stakeholders.
• Commitment to environmental conservation and safety.

Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate Open Space and Natural Reserves teams to deliver operational priorities and maintain high service standards.
• Develop, coordinate and monitor annual operational works programs across open spaces, natural reserves and caravan park grounds.
• Implement established environmental management strategies and contribute to targeted environmental initiatives.
• Oversee the maintenance and management of natural environments, biodiversity, open space assets and facilities.
• Coordinate operational projects, contractors, resources and budgets to achieve outcomes.
• Promote sustainable practices, safe work environments and continuous improvement.

Skills

Open Space Management

Leadership

Contractor Coordination

Environmental Conservation

Education

Tertiary qualification in natural resource management or related discipline

Job description

Barwon Coast Committee of Management – Barwon Heads VIC

Lead the care and management of our coastal environments, open spaces and natural reserves, making a positive difference to the places our community values.

About Barwon Coast

Barwon Coast is responsible for the management and protection of coastal Crown land across Ocean Grove, Barwon Heads and the surrounding coastline.

We work to protect and enhance our unique coastal environment while providing safe, accessible and enjoyable spaces for residents and visitors. Working alongside Traditional Owners, community groups, volunteers and other stakeholders, we are committed to caring for our coast, promoting environmental sustainability and ensuring these special places can be enjoyed by future generations.

About the Role

Reporting to the General Manager – Operations, you will lead and coordinate Barwon Coast's Open Space and Natural Resource Management functions, overseeing the delivery of environmental management, conservation, horticultural and maintenance programs across our coastal reserves, open spaces and caravan parks.

You will provide leadership and direction to operational teams, coordinate resources and contractors, and ensure works are delivered safely, efficiently and to a high standard.

Key responsibilities include

Leading and supporting the Open Space and Natural Reserves teams to deliver operational priorities and maintain high service standards.

Developing, coordinating and monitoring annual operational works programs across open spaces, natural reserves and caravan park grounds.

Implementing established environmental management strategies and contributing to targeted environmental initiatives.

Overseeing the maintenance and management of natural environments, biodiversity, open space assets and associated facilities.

Coordinating operational projects, contractors, resources and budgets to achieve agreed outcomes.

Promoting sustainable practices, safe work environments and continuous improvement.

Building positive relationships with Traditional Owners, community groups, volunteers and other stakeholders.

About You

We are looking for an experienced and practical leader who brings strong operational management skills and a genuine commitment to environmental conservation and the care of public open spaces.

You will bring:

Relevant tertiary qualifications in natural resource management, environmental management, horticulture or a related discipline, and/or extensive relevant practical experience.

Demonstrated experience coordinating open space maintenance, natural resource management, horticultural or conservation programs.

Proven experience leading and developing operational teams, including coordinating contractors and resources.

Strong planning, organisational and project management skills, including experience managing works programs and budgets.

Sound knowledge of environmental management practices, operational risk and workplace safety requirements.

Well-developed communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with a range of stakeholders.

A proactive, collaborative and solutions-focused approach to leadership and operational challenges.

You will be someone who enjoys balancing hands‑on operational knowledge with team leadership and planning and takes pride in maintaining and enhancing our natural coastal environment.

Why Join Barwon Coast?

At Barwon Coast, you will have the opportunity to contribute to the protection and enjoyment of our coastal environment while working with people who are committed to making a positive difference.

This is an opportunity to lead dedicated operational teams, contribute to meaningful environmental outcomes and help maintain the coastal spaces enjoyed by residents and visitors.

For further queries, or a confidential discussion, please contact Nicola Hyde, People and Culture Manager - 5254 1118

Barwon Coast is committed to providing an inclusive and respectful workplace and welcomes applications from people with diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives.