DescriptionThe Riverina Redevelopment Joint Venture is a 50/50 joint venture between CPB Contractors and Downer to undertake major upgrades and replacement of existing infrastructure and facilities to support Defence capability for the next 30 years.
The proposed project consists of a program of works across three Department of Defence establishments including:
- Albury Wodonga Military Area (including North, South & East Bandiana, Latchford Barracks, Wirlinga)
- Blamey Barracks (Kapooka)
- RAAF Base Wagga
The proposed capital investment of $1.7b will incorporate a variety of elements including:
- Construction of new messing and living in accommodation
- Construction of new training facilities
- Refurbishment and upgrading of existing buildings
- Remedial works and upgrades to infrastructure services
For further information please visit the Riverina Redevelopment Joint Venture Website https://rrjv.com.au/
The Opportunity
A senior leadership opportunity to shape environmental governance and sustainability outcomes across a nationally significant Defence infrastructure program. As the Environment and ESD Manager, you will lead environmental compliance, governance and sustainability strategy across multiple complex construction sites, ensuring alignment with Defence, Commonwealth and legislative requirements.
You will play a key role influencing senior Defence stakeholders, leading and mentoring specialist teams, driving innovation and embedding sustainable outcomes that deliver long‑term value across Defence assets. This role offers significant scale, complexity and impact within a collaborative joint venture environment.
What you’ll do
Set strategic direction for environmental and ESD management, embedding risk, compliance and performance frameworks across the project lifecycle.
Lead, mentor and develop a high‑performing Environmental team, including Environmental Advisors, Graduates and support staff.
Manage internal and external audits, inspections and regulatory engagement with authorities such as EPA and local councils.
Identify, investigate and prevent environmental incidents, ensuring corrective and preventative actions are implemented and tracked.
Partner closely with construction teams, subcontractors and clients to embed environmental and sustainability outcomes into daily operations.
What you’ll bring
Extensive experience (10+ years) delivering environmental management and compliance within complex construction or infrastructure environments, ideally on large, multi-site projects.
Strong working knowledge of Australian environmental legislation, Commonwealth requirements, and relevant Australian and international standards, with the ability to interpret and apply them at project level.
Proven capability as a Lead Auditor and Internal Auditor, including managing environmental management systems, audits, risk assessments and corrective action processes.
Demonstrated leadership experience building, mentoring and developing high performing environmental teams, while influencing construction teams and senior stakeholders.
Hands on experience managing ESD, sustainability, heritage and contamination matters, including stakeholder engagement, reporting and regulatory liaison.
Be an Australian citizen willing to obtain a Defence security clearance to meet site access requirements.
Please note the role is based in Wagga Wagga, and relocation assistance is available for the successful candidate if required.
Spotless Management Services Pty Ltd (a Downer Company) is delivering the works as part of a joint venture with CPB Contractors Pty Ltd. Accordingly we will share your Personal Information, to the extent necessary, for the purpose of recruitment for the joint venture with CPB Contractors Pty Ltd who are required to handle that information in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth).
Why Downer?
At Downer, we plan, create, and sustain essential public services across Australia and New Zealand. From hospitals to data centres and defence partnerships, we manage critical infrastructure that keeps communities thriving.
What It Means to Belong at Downer
We’re proud of our high-performance culture and commitment to diversity, offering:
Training and development to support and diversify your career.
With 30% of vacancies filled internally you’ll find real opportunities to advance your career.
Perks@Downer: healthcare discounts, great savings on retail purchases, car purchases and much more.
Employee Assistance Program: professional support for you and your family when you need it most.
You want your work to matter and so do we. With over 26,000 people across Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific, our team is made up of individuals with unique perspectives, backgrounds, and ideas.
We know that diversity makes us stronger and we actively celebrate it through our commitment to inclusion and belonging.
We’re committed to building a team that reflects the diverse communities we serve and we welcome people of all ages, genders, sexual orientations, cultures, abilities, and lived experiences. We especially encourage applications from those whose voices have traditionally been underrepresented in our industry, including women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, Māori and Pasifika Peoples, veterans, people with disability, and neurodivergent individuals. Even if your experience doesn’t align perfectly with this role, we’d still like to hear from you. If it feels like the right fit, apply - potential counts, and so do you.
As a WORK180 Endorsed Employer, we support flexibility that works for your life, inclusive leadership that values your voice, and equitable access to opportunity so you can do your best work and bring your whole self to it.
If you need support or adjustments through the recruitment process, just let us know, we’re here to help you put your best foot forward.
