Wagga Wagga is the largest inland city in NSW, undergoing rapid changes as the result of strong organic growth, major investment from the state government and several national construction projects. This position will be invaluable in leading the implementation of Council’s Net Zero 2040 Strategy and will work with other areas of Council, external stakeholders and other levels of government, to drive sustainability initiatives that will contribute to the future of our community. Several projects have been implemented to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from Council businesses and across community assets that Council maintains. Wagga Wagga City Council has committed to the following emissions reduction targets:
* A corporate target of Net Zero Emissions by 2040
* A community target of Net Zero Emissions by 2050
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* Working with Wagga Wagga City Council - Why work in Wagga?
This opportunity exists for a highly motivated Manager to lead Council’s Strategic Environmental Sustainability directions. Reporting to the Director Community the role will lead and shape the Council’s roadmap towards a more sustainable city taking a strategic approach for key directions including carbon emissions reduction, renewable energy and the circular economy.
This highly collaborative leadership role sees you providing input into the strategic planning process of Council, leading to the development and review of environmental, sustainability and climate change strategies, implementation plans, amendments to Council's Planning Scheme, development guidelines and other policies. Your proven success in building and maintaining strong partnerships and building rapport with internal and external stakeholders will be critical to this role. In addition, you will have highly developed advocacy skills, political nous and be able to deliver confident presentations. From a leadership perspective you are a visible, values-based, and hands-on leader who is outcomes focussed, embraces out-of-the-box thinking, with a rational and analytical mind-set. You have change management experience, preferably within Local Government and passion to make a difference to the community.
What we will offer:
* Annual salary range of $120,000 to $142,000 (inclusive of 11.5% superannuation).
* Permanent, full-time position.
* Access to Council’s Flexible Working Hours Agreement.
* Access to Council’s Leaseback Vehicle Policy.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead, engage and develop the Environment Sustainability team, ensuring effective personnel management, in order to achieve the best organisational and community outcomes in relation to service delivery and responsible financial management.
* Drive ESG strategies, practices and reporting in line with legislative requirement and industry best practice to manage emerging risks and opportunities for local government.
* Drive and advise on Council’s sustainability directions through the strategic planning and corporate planning process to demonstrate commitment to environmental protection and sustainable development.
* Drive and advise the development and review of environmental, circular economy, sustainability and climate change strategies, operational and implementation plans, amendments to Council's planning instruments, development guidelines and other policies.
* Maintain knowledge of new and emerging opportunities and best practice in sustainability approaches, innovations and tools or changes in legislative requirements that enables Council to achieve its goals more effectively.
* Drive the responsible management and monitoring of Council owned contaminated land and compliance with responsibilities under various legislation including statutory licensing and reporting requirements.
* Efficiently and effectively manage the functional areas of the Environment Sustainability Division including:
o Environmental sustainability planning and programming
o Environmental education
o Environmental monitoring services
o Environmental reporting for legislative compliance
o Natural area management and biodiversity enhancement
o Vegetation management and biosecurity programs
o Administration and business support services to the regulatory city compliance and environment and sustainability divisions.
* Ensure compliance with regulatory responsibilities under various Acts, Regulations, Codes and Standards including policies, practices and procedures, and licensing and statutory reporting.
* Advise and recommend legal action resulting from legislative breaches, and oversight for evidence and affidavits for legal forums, briefing legal representatives and make appearances in court as required.
* Deliver on council priority projects that are assigned to the Environment and Sustainability Division.
* Proactively manage operational and service-related requests effectively.
* Drive and maintain strong collaborative partnerships with internal and external stakeholders to meet Council objectives and service delivery outcomes.
* Support the Director by providing advice and reports in a timely manner.
* Ensure a rigorous approach to the expenditure and management of public funds in carrying out all activities on behalf of Council.
* Assist with the negotiation and ensure the effective management of contracts relevant to the Division.
* Attend and participate in Council, committee, and community meetings, workshops and forums, including those held after hours, as required.
Skills and Experience
We are looking for experienced professionals with:
* Tertiary qualifications relevant to the role inin environmental science, sustainability, natural resource management, planning or related discipline and proven experience in a similar leadership position is essential.
* Demonstrated leadership experience including the ability to:
o develop and maintain a positive team culture;
o effectively manage staff performance; and
o identify and nurture talent.
* Substantial knowledge, understanding and experience relevant to the role including:
o Sustainability Sector
o Environmental Services and Programs
* Highly developed communication (oral and written) and interpersonal skills including sound conflict resolution, negotiation, presentation, and facilitation skills.
What is next?
Applications close Sunday, 17 November 2024 at 11.59pm AEST. Interviews will be held week commencing Monday, 25 November 2024.
If you are interested in this role and would like more information, please contact Janice Summerhayes, Director Community on (02) 6926 9290.
As part of the recruitment process, pre-employment checks will be conducted in line with requirements of the position.
All preferred candidates for this position will be asked to consent to a police check. Please note that people with a criminal record are not discouraged from applying for the position. Each application will be considered on its merit.
For more information and to apply, please visit: https://wagga.pulsesoftware.com/Pulse/jobs
Council is an inclusive employer. We strive to reflect the community in which we work, as a result we welcome and encourage applications from skilled people from all walks of life. This includes women, men, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, culturally and linguistically diverse people, people with a disability, veterans, sexually and gender diverse people, people with lived experience and people of all ages.