- Permanent Full Time
- $101,213 – $108,972 pa (plus 12% super and annual pay increases)
- Flexible working arrangements available including flexitime, WFH and RDOs
Who we are
There are not many places in Australia quite like Surf Coast Shire, where you can surf at world-class locations like Bells Beach Djarrak, drive along the scenic coast on the Great Ocean Road, or explore the many waterfalls set in tranquil rainforests. Surf Coast Shire spans Traditional Lands of the Wadawurrung People and the Gulidjan and Gadubanud Peoples of the Eastern Maar Nation.
Council plays a pivotal role in planning and development, guiding sustainable growth while preserving the region's natural beauty and helping to make the region a destination to live, work and play.
Our people play vital roles in creating an innovative, safe, respectful, and supportive workplace, living our values, and delivering exceptional services to our community.
We work together, we see opportunity, we do what we say, and we make a difference
Your new career
Join one of Victoria’s leading Waste and Circular Economy Teams at Surf Coast Shire Council.
Be part of a progressive, forward-thinking group delivering best-practice services that drive real environmental and community outcomes.
From advanced four-bin kerbside collections and landfill operations to resource recovery, education and litter prevention, our work is grounded in strong circular economy principles - reducing waste, keeping materials in use, and rethinking how resources flow through our community.
This is your opportunity to play a key role in shaping a more sustainable, low-waste future for the Surf Coast, within a team that values innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
What you will bring to the role
You are a passionate and forward-thinking leader who is driven to creating meaningful environmental and community impact through innovative waste and circular economy initiatives. You thrive on leading positive change, empowering teams and influencing sustainable practices across a complex organisation and broader community.
To thrive in this role, you will have:
- Proven ability in leading and coordinating high-performing teams in a collaborative, inclusive, and values-driven environment.
- Strong strategic thinking and problem solving skills, with the ability to translate ideas into practical programs, measurable outcomes and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Excellent stakeholder engagement and communication skills, with the ability to build trusted relationships across Council, industry, and the community.
- Experience supporting cultural and operational change, embedding circular economy and sustainable practices into service delivery and everyday operations.
- The ability to balance strategic priorities with operational delivery in a dynamic environment, while fostering accountability, collaboration, and team development.
Key selection criteria
Mandatory qualifications, experience and requirements
- Experience in waste & circular economy or sustainability leadership roles.
- Proven success in developing and implementing strategic initiatives within complex organisations.
- Demonstrated knowledge of circular economy and waste policy and programs at local, state, and federal government levels, combined with a sound understanding of circular economy and waste in a local government context.
- Strong strategic, investigative, and problem-solving skills.
- Demonstrated ability to build cross-functional collaboration and support organisational change initiatives.
- Proven experience in delivering and evaluating waste and/or circular economy projects and programs.
- Experience in project management, contract management, performance monitoring, and reporting.
- Passion for sustainability and circular economy and a commitment to making a positive impact on the environment and society.
- Tertiary qualifications in environmental management or science, sustainability, circular economy or other related discipline and practical relevant experience (Qualification check conducted).
- Current Victorian Driver’s Licence
- A current Working With Children Check
- You have the permanent right to live and work in Australia
- Police Check results that are suitable for this position (will be arranged by Surf Coast Shire Council).
A complete international criminal history check is required if the person has worked or lived overseas for any period of time OR a complete national criminal history check is required if the person has only ever worked in Australia.
What you’ll love working with us
Council embraces diversity and social inclusion and encourages applications from skilled people from all walks of life.
We recognise that our employees play a vital role in creating an innovative, safe, respectful and supportive workplace, living our values and delivering exceptional services to our thriving community. Council is committed to providing a workplace culture of equity, inclusion and diversity that eliminates all forms of discrimination, harassment and bullying.
There are numerous social activities throughout the year available as well as the benefits of:
- Flexible working arrangements including working from home, flexi time and RDO options
- Employee Assistance Program and award-winning staff wellbeing program
- Career development and learning opportunities, we help our people grow
- Purchase of additional annual leave
- Free onsite parking
- Leave loading.
For more information
You’ll find further details about the role, including accountabilities and key selection criteria, in the Position Description on our website – [Position Description PDF]
If you believe you have the knowledge, skills and experience to fulfil this role and would like further information, please contact Neil Brewster, Coordinator Waste Management on 5261 0600.
How to apply
Applications are to be in Word or PDF format and should include a:
- cover letter including your statement addressing the selection criteria
- copy of your resume.
Please note that only applications with a statement addressing the selection criteria will be considered for this position.
Simply complete the application process and we'll be in touch with you shortly regarding your application.
Applications close at 11.59pm Sunday 14 June 2026.
Surf Coast Shire Council is an equal opportunity and child safe employer.
