As the Group Leader, you will have the opportunity lead a team of dedicated professionals, drive impactful initiatives, and contribute to our Senior Leadership Team.

About Us

Bellingen Shire is a picturesque and diverse area located on the Mid North Coast of NSW halfway between Sydney and Brisbane and just south of Coffs Harbour. It has a total area of 1,605 square kilometres with a coastline of approximately 10km. The region is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, including lush rainforests, pristine rivers, and the World Heritage-listed Dorrigo National Park. The area is known for its diverse ecosystems, abundant wildlife, and charming towns, cafes and artisan shops.

Bellingen Shire’s natural beauty, cultural richness, and welcoming community make it a unique and attractive destination for both residents and visitors, with its emphasis on sustainability and preserving the environment adding to its appeal.

We are a progressive local government authority employing approximately 150 dedicated employees.

The Opportunity

Reporting to the Deputy General Manager Corporate and Community, this role is responsible for providing strategic leadership, policy development and oversight for Council’s Biosecurity (Invasive plants), environment, biodiversity, sustainability, climate change, and waste management functions.

We are seeking a passionate and experienced leader with tertiary qualifications in environmental science, environmental sustainability or environmental engineering or related discipline, and demonstrated experience in the field of corporate sustainability and natural resource management, policy and strategy development related to environmental sustainability and natural resource management, and experience dealing with State and Federal Government Departments, Agencies and industry groups to understand their requirements and develop effective lobbying approaches and partnerships.

To succeed in the role, you will have proven leadership experience with a track record of successfully managing teams, strong understanding of environmental regulations, waste management practices and sustainable technologies, and excellent communication skills including experience in report writing, contract negotiation, community consultation and education.

Previous Local Government experience in a similar role is highly desired.

On offer

Some of the benefits working for Bellingen Shire Council include:

Access to Fitness Passport
Access to employee wellbeing programs
Hybrid and flexible work arrangements
Ongoing professional development opportunities
Salary packaging options
Permanent full-time role, 35 hours per week with access to monthly rostered day off

A competitive salary is on offer based on skills and experience.

For further information regarding this role please contact Todd Williams, Deputy General Manager Corporate and Community, on 02 6655 7300.

Sponsorship/work rights for Australia

Please note: Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. For a continuing position, you must be an Australian New Zealand citizen or an Australian Permanent Resident.

Australian Temporary Residents may be considered for a fixed term contract for the length of their visa, depending on the requirements of the hiring area and the position.

How to Apply

Please read the Position Description by clicking the link at the bottom of the page. It is important to read this carefully to understand what the job involves.

No candidate will meet every single desired qualification or skill. If your experience looks a little different from what we have identified and you think you can bring value to the role, we would love to learn more about you!

If this sounds like you, click the ‘Apply for this job’ button at the top of the page, complete the application form and upload your current resume and a cover letter outlining your suitability for this role.

Applications close: Sunday, 28 April 2024 at 4pm.

Further information

As part of the recruitment process, suitable applicants will be required to complete pre-employment screening which may include relevant background checks, functional capacity assessment and drug and alcohol screening.

Our recruitment process is primarily via system generated emails. Please ensure your email is correct before submitting your application to avoid missing crucial updates and outcomes.

Email notifications may include application confirmation, interview invitations, request for references, and application outcomes. Please check your email regularly, including your junk email.

For enquiries regarding the application process, please contact the Recruitment team by email at recruitment@bellingen.nsw.gov.au.

Bellingen Shire Council is a 2023 Circle Back Initiative Employer – we commit to respond to every applicant.

Bellingen Shire Council as an equal opportunity employer is committed to a merit-based workforce that encompasses inclusiveness and diversity in an environment of mutual respect. We invite, encourage, welcome and value candidates of all ages and from all backgrounds.

Bellingen Shire Council is committed to the safety and wellbeing of children and creating and maintaining a child safe organisation.

If you require additional assistance to participate in the recruitment process, please contact the People and Culture team on 02 6655 7300 or recruitment@bellingen.nsw.gov.au. You can ask for reasonable adjustments to be made at any time during the recruitment process.

Click here to download a copy of the Position Description

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