Sustainability & Circular Economy Lead

Shoalhaven City Council; Nowra; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous leave entitlements

Flexible and remote working

Novated lease arrangements

Professional development

Wellbeing programs

Job summary

Shoalhaven City Council is seeking a proactive sustainability leader to drive environmental, sustainability and circular economy initiatives across the organisation and community. You will develop plans, lead projects and report on outcomes aligned with strategic plans and climate action goals.

The role requires strategic advisory skills, strong stakeholder engagement and the ability to translate objectives into practical, measurable actions.

Qualifications

• Tertiary qualifications relevant to the position in Physical/Environmental Science, Sustainability, Engineering or related discipline.
• Demonstrated experience identifying, scoping, planning and delivering complex projects, preferably in sustainability.
• Experience developing strategies, business cases, policies or programs with measurable outcomes.
• Class C Driver's Licence.
• Proof of Australian residency or citizenship, or authority to work in Australia (visa).

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement and report on environmental, sustainability and circular economy plans.
• Lead planning, preparation and delivery of projects including business cases, budgets and performance measures.
• Identify opportunities to improve environmental performance and resource recovery across Council.

Skills

Project management

Stakeholder engagement

Analytical skills

Strategic thinking

Communication skills

Education

Physical/Environmental Science, Sustainability, Engineering or related discipline

Job description

• 35 hours per week (Monday to Friday) with the option of flexitime
• Located at Shoalhaven water Operations Depot - South Nowra

About the Role

Lead and deliver environmental, sustainability and circular economy initiatives that support Council's strategic objectives. Working with internal and external stakeholders, you will drive projects, provide strategic advice, and develop practical solutions that improve environmental performance and sustainability outcomes across the organisation and community. This includes:

• Develop, implement and report on environmental, sustainability and circular economy plans, programs and initiatives that align with Council's Community Strategic Plan and adopted strategies, including the Climate & Sustainability Action Plan and Waste & Circular Economy Strategy.
• Lead the planning, preparation and delivery of approved environmental, sustainability and circular economy projects, including the development of business cases, project scopes, funding proposals, budgets and performance measures.
• Identify, assess and develop evidence-based opportunities that improve environmental performance, resource recovery outcomes, operational efficiency and organisational sustainability across Council.

Please refer to the Job Description under the Job Attachments for a comprehensive list of duties, responsibilities and skills required.

The advertised salary is based on the grade of the position, comprising of 4 steps within the range shown. The starting salary is at Step 1 within the grade. Progression through the salary steps shall be based upon the achievement of performance objectives relating to the position.

About You

To be successful in the position, you will have:

• Tertiary qualifications relevant to the position in Physical/Environmental Science, Sustainability, Engineering or related discipline.
• Demonstrated experience in identifying, scoping, planning, managing and delivering complex projects, programs or initiatives, preferably in areas relating to sustainability, circular economy, resource recovery, climate action, energy, water, asset management or organisational improvement.
• Demonstrated experience developing and implementing strategies, action plans, business cases, policies or programs, and translating strategic objectives into practical and measurable outcomes.
• Class C Driver's Licence.
• Proof of Australian residency or citizenship, or authority to work in Australia (visa)

We are seeking a proactive and collaborative professional who is passionate about sustainability and creating positive environmental outcomes. The ideal candidate will have strong project management, stakeholder engagement and analytical skills, with the ability to develop practical, evidence based solutions and build effective partnerships across Council, industry, government and the community. Strong communication skills and a strategic mindset will be key to success in this role.

Council requires applicants for this position to undergo a National Criminal History Check during the recruitment process. This check will be at the expense of Council.

Applicants who progress to pre-employment checks may be required to undergo a National Criminal History Check, Qualification Check, Work Rights Verification, Reference Checks and Medical (Low Risk). Employment is subject to satisfactory outcomes for all required checks.

For tips and more information on how to submit a great application, please visit how to apply on Councils website. If you require assistance submitting your application, please contact the Talent Acquisition Team on 02 4429 3*** or 02 4429 5***.

Applications Close: Monday, 23 November 2026 (at midnight)

If you have any questions about this role, please contact James Allen - Sustainability & Resource Recovery Manager - 0447 889 ***

Why Work with Us

The Shoalhaven area is a unique place of great natural beauty, offering an enviable lifestyle and positive work-life balance. Our workforce is our greatest asset, and we pride ourselves on our people. Our teams are talented and inclusive and work together to provide better outcomes for our community, who are at the heart of everything we do. With a diverse range of professions and roles, we offer many career options and pathways, actively promoting opportunities and encouraging staff professional development.

Benefits include:

• Generous leave entitlements
• Long Service Leave after 5 years
• Option of flexitime for indoor staff
• 9-day fortnight for outdoor staff
• Flexible and remote working arrangements
• Novated lease arrangements available
• Opportunities for professional development and training
• Corporate wellbeing programs, including Fitness Passport and Employee Assistance Program (EAP), discounted health insurance
• NSW Welcome Experience

**Conditions apply as per the Local Government State award, and Council policies

Shoalhaven City Council is committed to creating a workplace that reflects our diverse community. We welcome applicants of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, veterans, people with a disability, culturally diverse individuals, and LGBTQIA+ community members. We ensure equitable recruitment practices, and encourage applicants living with a disability to request reasonable adjustments. As a Child Safe Organisation, we uphold the rights and safety of all children and young people.