Senior Environmental Adviser

Environment Protection Authority; Adelaide; On-site; AUD 112,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexitime

Work from home

Part time

Job share

Compressed weeks

Purchased leave

Job summary

The Senior Environmental Adviser at Environment Protection Authority (EPA) oversees activities of environmental significance to ensure compliance with the EP Act. Based in South Australia, the role focuses on the Circular Economy & Waste Branch and may lead small compliance or project teams.

You will provide expert advice on environmental assessment and compliance, contribute to strategic priorities, and work with regulators, industry and the community to achieve outcomes.

Qualifications

• A degree in science, applied science, engineering, environmental management or equivalent.
• Post-graduate qualifications in an environmental related discipline desirable.
• Experience in project management and environmental auditing.

Responsibilities

• Lead regulatory issues and provide expert advice on environmental assessment and compliance.
• Develop and maintain specialist projects to support EPA priorities.
• May lead small compliance teams, regulatory assessment teams or project teams.

Skills

Regulatory leadership

Team supervision

Verbal & written comms

Negotiation skills

Emissions regulation

Stakeholder engagement

EMS knowledge

Independent worker

Research & evaluation

Education

Science/Engineering degree

Job description

$111,870 - $119,994 per annum +12% super

The Senior Environmental Adviser is responsible for ensuring activities of environmental significance are undertaken in compliance with the EP Act. The key functions of the Circular Economy & Waste Branch are Waste Regulation, Regulatory Strategy & Waste Policy, Waste Levy and Container Deposit Scheme & Product Stewardship.

The role manages regulatory issues of a complex nature by leading, investigating and providing expert specialist advice to internal and external stakeholders on environmental assessment and/or compliance matters. The Senior Environmental Adviser provides assistance, guidance and advice on a wide range of environmental assessment and/or compliance matters with limited or no professional direction. The incumbent will contribute to the development, management and maintenance of specialist projects which support the EPA's Strategic Priorities. The incumbent may be tasked with leading small compliance teams, regulatory assessment teams or project teams.

To be successful in the Senior Environmental Adviser role, you will have:

• Ability to identify priority issues relating to environmental regulation and familiar with key regulatory tools for achieving compliance.
• Ability to lead and supervise small teams and prioritise workload to achieve EPA objectives and environmental outcomes.
• Well-developed verbal and written communication skills.
• Well-developed negotiation, conflict resolution and complex problem-solving skills.
• Experience in assessment and/or control of emissions to the environment.
• Experience in working and effectively communicating with a broad range of individuals and community interest groups.
• Knowledge of Environmental Management Systems.
• Ability to work independently, under limited supervision, exercising significant professional judgement, initiative and drive.
• Ability to work in multi-disciplinary teams and achieve cooperative outcomes.
• Demonstrates specialist/expertise knowledge and experience.
• Ability to undertake research and evaluation.

About Us

As South Australia’s independent environmental regulator, the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) plays a key role in protecting people and the environment from harm and supporting sustainable development for the benefit of current and future generations.

We work closely with industry, the community and government to protect our unique natural environment while supporting economic growth and improving wellbeing.We aim to be a trusted regulator by adopting best practice regulatory principles in administering South Australia’s environmental laws. This means being proportionate, accountable, consistent, transparent and targeted (the PACTT principles) in providing our regulatory services.

What the EPA Offers

The EPA recognises the importance of balance and wellbeing and offers a range of different flexible working arrangements. These include flexitime (flexible start and finish times), working from home, part time, job share, compressed weeks and purchased leave.

Essential Qualifications, Knowledge or Experience

A degree in science, applied science, engineering, environmental management or equivalent.

Desirable Qualifications, Knowledge or Experience

• Post-graduate qualifications in an environmental related discipline.
• Experience in project management.
• Experience in environmental auditing.
• Experience in achieving compliance with regulation and related policies using environmental regulation.
• Industrial experience preferably as an environmental or EPA liaison officer.
• Knowledge and understanding of the provisions of the EP Act.
• Knowledge of public sector requirements for ethical conduct, OHS&W, Diversity in the Workplace, Equal Employment Opportunity and Performance Management.

Remuneration

PO3 ($111,870- $119,994) + 12% super added to your choice of super fund.

Contract

Ongoing contract and full time (37.5 hours per week).

Special Conditions

• This role has been designated as a Position of Trust pursuant to the standards required in the Australian Government Protective Security Policy Framework. A current National Police Clearance is essential.
• Must be able to become an Authorised Officer under the Environment Protection Act 1993.
• The incumbent will occasionally be required to travel to sites in country areas and interstate.
• The incumbent may be required to work out of hours and as the need arises.
• A current driver's licence is essential.
• Vaccinations required: Q Fever, Hepatitis A & B and Tetanus.
• This position can be filled in either our Adelaide office or Mount Gambier office

Diversity and Inclusion

At the EPA, we prioritise diversity, equity, and inclusion, ensuring a safe and respectful work environment for everyone. With support from our employees, we focus on access, equality, inclusion and wellbeing in all we do. As a WE'RE EQUAL organisation, we commit to a vision for South Australia as an open, inclusive society that embraces and supports difference and diversity. Our initiatives including the White Ribbon program and Reconciliation Action Plan, aim to create a meaningful impact in our workforce and community.

We welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds including all ages, gender identities, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, those with disabilities, culturally and linguistically diverse communities, and LGBTQIA+ individuals.

All applications are to be submitted by 3/11/2026 at 11:45pm

Flexibility Statement

The South Australian public sector promotes diversity and flexible ways of working including part-time. Applicants are encouraged to discuss the flexible working arrangements for this role.