Gympie is at the heart of a rapidly expanding region which stretches from rural valleys in the west to the Cooloola Coast, gateway to spectacular Fraser Island. Enjoy the rural delights of the picturesque Mary Valley, the history of Gympie and the broad western area, home to country festivals and a strong agricultural base. For someone seeking a high quality of life, the region offers a unique opportunity.  You could be part of a forward thinking local government organisation with a commitment to continuously improving the services it provides to its 50,000 residents, in one of the most diverse locations in Queensland.

The regional centre of Gympie is central to the Gympie region, two hours north of Brisbane and in close proximity to the Sunshine and Fraser coasts. Council offices are located in Gympie's town centre close to shopping, cafes and parking.

The Gympie region is home to 77 threatened fauna species and 35 threatened flora species (listed un the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999).  The region contains important habitat for koalas, and regional ecosystems covering 173,832 hectares (~44.9% of the total Gympie Region area) are ranked as having a high abundance and range of preferred koala tree species.

Council is currently redrafting its Environmental Strategy which will provide a foundation for improved environmental management in the region in partnership with the community.  Council is also working on improving its environmental policy and procedure which will be ready for implementation after 30 June 2017.

This is a unique opportunity and an exciting time to be part of a team that can positively influence environmental protection and culture change across the region.

Environment Officer

Remuneration: Salary range between $74,521 and $77,764 plus 13% superannuation

Closing Date:   Tuesday 18 April 2017 at 5.00pm AEST

No late applications will be accepted.  Only applications received via Council's online application system will be considered. Unsolicited applications from agencies will not be considered. 

Role Overview

This position will be pivotal in championing environmental matters and working collaboratively across Council departments to ensure environmental compliance and to enhance operational practices and procedures that minimise environmental impact.  Providing high level customer service to both internal and external customers through accurate and timely specialist advice will be a key component of the role.

What we are looking for

Council is seeking an environmentally qualified person for this role, with the ability to influence others through education about environmental impact and compliance. We need an environmentally passionate person for this role, but one who has a balanced and opened-minded approach towards construction and development, with the ability to work collaboratively with people from all disciplines. The person who relishes a challenge, but also openly accepts that positive change takes time will do well in this role.

As Environment Officer, you could expect to be responsible for tasks such as:

• Providing expert advice and support to both internal and external stakeholders surrounding compliance with environmental legislation.
• Assisting in the preparation, review and implementation of projects in accordance with the Environmental Planning Business Plan.
• Meaningful consultation and engagement programs with stakeholders.
• Developing procedures and policy in accordance with legislative requirements surrounding environmental compliance.

To be considered for this role, you must have:

• Tertiary qualifications in Environmental Science, Environmental Management, Ecology, Horticulture or a similar field.
• At least 5 years demonstrated experience in an environmental field related to Local Government.
• Extensive knowledge of environmental legislation, and the ability to apply it to civil construction and maintenance projects.
• The knowledge and ability to identify flora and fauna, and fauna habitat in a variety of environments.
• The ability to manage multiple projects and stakeholders.
• Highly developed interpersonal and communication skills.

Candidates who can also demonstrate the following criteria will be highly regarded:

• Demonstrated experience working in an environmental field involving civil construction and maintenance operators.
• Previous experience in working with natural resource management community groups.
• Previous experience in applying the Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Act 2003.
• Qualifications in Project Management.

Position Description

For a full position description containing essential and desirable criteria, please click here.

Who to Contact

For information regarding the requirements of this role, please contact the Coordinator - Environmental Planning, Amy Gosley on 07 - 5481 0411 or email amy.gosley@gympie.qld.gov.au

For assistance lodging your application using Council's online system, please contact Council's Advisor - Human Resources, Ros McVicar on 07-5481 0646 or email ros.mcvicar@gympie.qld.gov.au

What we offer?

• Nine day fortnight
• Access to employee health and well-being programs
• Fitness Passport: work out at over 25 local gyms for you and your family at a subsidised rate
• Access to professional development and employee education assistance
• Long service leave after seven years
• Generous superannuation scheme 13 per cent
• Access to salary sacrificing
• Employee assistance program offering free confidential counselling services for employees and their families.

Our Values

• Accountable
• Consistent
• Appreciative
• Communicative
• Respectful

For a full explanation of our values please click here. You will be assessed on your understanding of these values and how you have applied values such as these in your previous employment.

Successful applicants will be required to undertake various checks such as skills, qualifications, reference, medical and national police.