Waste Services Manager

Careers at Council; Nowra; On-site; AUD 129,000 - 149,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Leaseback vehicle

12% superannuation

Job summary

Shoalhaven City Council is seeking a proactive Waste Services unit leader to drive operations at the Shoalhaven Water Depot. You will manage staff, budgets and assets to deliver sustainable, compliant waste services and to maximise community value.

You will lead a diverse team, ensure legislative compliance, and report on performance and profitability in line with the Long Term Financial Plan. The role includes a market-based salary and a 12% superannuation package.

Qualifications

• Degree in Engineering, Environmental Science or a related field.
• Extensive experience and knowledge of best practice in solid waste management and recycling.
• Experience managing and driving performance of a large operational team.
• Current Class C Driver's Licence.

Responsibilities

• Direct and coordinate a diverse team to enable Council to function at an optimal level.
• Assist in legislative compliance, reporting and correspondence with NSW EPA and other bodies.
• Provide management reports and review expenditure and income across Waste Services.
• Identify and drive initiatives to optimise returns and maximise opportunities for Waste Services.

Skills

Waste management

Team leadership

Financial management

Compliance

Driver's Licence

Education

Degree in Engineering or Environmental Science

Job description

• Salary: $129,320 - $148,719 gross p.a. plus 12% Super plus Civil Liabilities (Salary includes a market allowance)
• Leaseback Vehicle available
• 35 hours per week (Monday to Friday) with the option of flexitime
• Located at Shoalhaven Water Depot, Flinders Road, South Nowra

About the Role

This role leads Council's Waste Services Unit, delivering operational waste services for the Shoalhaven City to ensure optimal returns to the Council and the community.

The position drives innovation, supports organisational change, and manages staff, finances, and assets to ensure efficient, sustainable, and community-focused waste services. This includes:

• Directing and coordinating a diverse team to enable Council to function at an optimal level.
• Assisting in legislative compliance, reporting and correspondence, interaction with government bodies including NSW EPA.
• Providing management reports and reviews expenditure and income across Waste Services, looking for opportunities to control costs and improve business profitability in line with Council's Long Term Financial Plan.
• Identifying and driving initiatives to optimise returns and maximise opportunities for Waste Services

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:

• Degree in Engineering, Environmental Science or a related field
• Extensive experience and knowledge of best practice in solid waste management and resource/recycling operations
• Experience managing and driving the performance of a large operational team
• Experience and ability to achieve the operational and financial objectives set for the waste services unit
• Current Class C Driver's Licence
• Proof of Australian residency or citizenship, or authority to work in Australia (visa)

We are looking for a proactive and strategic leader with strong operational and financial management experience, excellent people leadership skills, and the ability to drive innovation and continuous improvement. They will be commercially minded, focused on delivering sustainable, compliant, and community focused waste services while identifying opportunities to enhance performance and maximise returns.

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

Applications Close: Thursday, 17 September 2026 (at midnight)

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.