Sustainability & Circular Economy Lead

Careers at Council; Nowra; On-site; AUD 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexitime option

9-day fortnight for outdoor staff

Generous leave entitlements

Professional development and training

Corporate wellbeing programs

Job summary

Shoalhaven City Council is seeking a proactive Sustainability Manager to lead environmental, sustainability and circular economy initiatives across the organisation and community. You will drive strategic projects, develop practical solutions and report on outcomes against the Council's plans.

The role involves developing business cases, funding proposals, budgets and performance measures, with progression through a 4-step salary grade.

Qualifications

• Tertiary qualification in Physical/Environmental Science, Sustainability, Engineering or related discipline.
• Experience delivering complex sustainability projects with measurable outcomes.
• Ability to translate strategy into practical, evidence-based actions.

Responsibilities

• Lead and deliver environmental, sustainability and circular economy initiatives.
• Develop and report on plans, programs and initiatives aligned with strategic objectives.
• Plan, scope, budget and measure performance of approved projects.

Skills

Project management

Stakeholder engagement

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Education

Tertiary qualification in Physical/Environmental Science or Sustainability or Engineering

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.

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.