Senior Sustainability Advisor

Mackay Regional Council; Mackay Regional; On-site; AUD 113,000 - 123,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Base salary Level A–6

Relocation assistance

Flexible work arrangements

Professional development

Wellbeing program

Employee assistance program

Job summary

Mackay Regional Council is seeking a Senior Sustainability Advisor to lead the implementation of its Environmental Sustainability Strategy and drive climate resilience in a dynamic regional coastal community. You will influence decision-making and deliver projects benefiting environmental, social, and economic outcomes across Mackay.

The role is based in Mackay CBD within the Strategic Planning team, focusing on energy management, environmental reporting and cross‑functional collaboration with

Qualifications

• Relevant degree in Environmental Science, Sustainability, Planning or related discipline or equivalent experience.
• Current QLD C-Class Driver Licence.
• Local government planning experience is desirable.
• Qualifications in leadership or business management.

Responsibilities

• Lead the implementation of Council's Environmental Sustainability Strategy.
• Drive climate resilience, sustainable practices and energy management initiatives.
• Provide expert advice on climate risk, sustainability reporting and related legislation.
• Support climate risk assessments and carbon reduction projects.
• Develop policies, plans and business cases to improve sustainability outcomes.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to advance sustainability initiatives.
• Promote sustainability awareness across Council and the community.

Skills

Sustainability strategy

Climate risk assessment

Stakeholder engagement

Data analysis

Policy development

Education

Environmental Science or Sustainability degree

Planning related discipline

Leadership qualifications

Tools

Microsoft Office

Corporate systems

Job description

Vacancy: Senior Sustainability Advisor (SP0028)

Status: Permanent Full-Time

Program: Strategic Planning

Department: Planning, Growth & Sustainability

Location: Mackay CBD

About this Opportunity

Passionate about sustainability, climate resilience and creating meaningful change?

Mackay Regional Council is seeking an experienced sustainability professional to lead the implementation of Council's Environmental Sustainability Strategy and help drive meaningful change across one of Queensland's most dynamic regional coastal communities.

You will join our Strategic Planning team as a Senior Sustainability Advisor, working at the forefront of environmental sustainability, climate resilience, efficient resource use, energy management, natural environment planning, and corporate sustainability reporting. You will influence organisational decision-making and deliver projects that create lasting environmental, social and economic benefits for our region.

What You Will Be Doing

As our Senior Sustainability Advisor, you will:

• Lead the implementation of Council's Environmental Sustainability Strategy.
• Drive climate resilience, sustainable practices, and energy and carbon management initiatives for our Council
• Provide expert advice on industry trends related to climate risk, sustainable practices and sustainability reporting
• Support climate risk assessments and carbon reduction projects.
• Work collaboratively to develop policies, plans and business cases that drive better organisational sustainability outcomes.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to advance sustainability initiatives.
• Actively promote sustainability awareness and education across Council and the community.

What we are looking for

We're seeking a trusted advisor who can combine strategic thinking and technical expertise with strong stakeholder engagement skills.

About You

You will bring:

• Experience in sustainability, energy management, climate change or a related field.
• Strong knowledge of climate risk, sustainability reporting, sustainable development and related environmental legislation.
• Experience in developing and delivering sustainability strategies, policies and projects.
• Strong ability to think critically, analyse data and provide clearly articulated recommendations
• Strong time management skills and ability to set operational priorities, schedule resources and organise work.
• Strong relationships and stakeholder engagement skills
• High-level communication, report writing and negotiation abilities.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office and corporate systems

Just as importantly, you will enjoy working across a range of sustainability actions and helping create a positive, capable and solutions-focused team.

If you are looking for anopportunity to shape environmental sustainability within a local government area, this position offers the chance to be a trusted advisor and contribute to region-shaping decisions.

Essential Qualifications, Experience & Skills

• A relevant degree in Environmental Science, Sustainability, Planning or a related discipline (or equivalent experience)
• Current QLD C-Class Driver Licence.
• Local government planning experience.
• Qualifications in leadership or business management.

Why Work for Mackay Regional Council?

At Mackay Regional Council, you'll be part of an organisation committed to innovation, sustainability and creating a thriving future for our community of more than 128,000 residents. We foster a culture built on Care | Commitment | Curiosity | Connection | Courage

You will work with passionate professionals who value collaboration, continuous learning and making a genuine difference to the region we serve

• Stream A Level 6 Base salary of $113,123 to $123,356 (the level offered will be determined based on the successful candidate's qualifications and experience)
• Up to 18% superannuation, conditions apply.
• Choice of 4 or 5 weeks annual leave with 17.5% leave loading.
• Up to $10,000 relocation assistance.
• Flexible work arrangements, including a 9-day fortnight roster.
• Professional development and study assistance.
• Wellbeing initiatives, employee assistance program and active social clubs.

We are an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer, where all applicants are treated fairly and respectfully and have equal access to all available opportunities. At Mackay Regional Council, diversity is about creating a respectful and inclusive workplace that recognises our employees' unique contributions and perspectives, working together to deliver extraordinary results.