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Manager Waste and Environment - Job Opportunity at Forbes Shire Council

Forbes, Australia
Full-time
Senior
Posted: May 24, 2025
On-site
AUD 119,000 - 154,000 per year

Benefits

Competitive salary package within the AUD 119,000-154,000 range positioning this role above market average for regional environmental management positions
Flexible work arrangements that support work-life balance and accommodate modern workforce expectations
Comprehensive study support demonstrating organizational commitment to professional development and career advancement
Exposure to diverse legislative operations spanning from technical compliance to community engagement
Access to a $50 million capital works budget providing substantial project management and strategic planning experience
Professional development through leadership programs and enterprise-wide system upgrades
Opportunity to work with state-of-the-art facilities including the Central West Livestock Exchange
Job security through permanent full-time employment with a stable local government organization

Key Responsibilities

Lead strategic environmental management initiatives across waste, sustainability, biosecurity, and regulatory compliance ensuring organizational alignment with Local Government Act and environmental legislation
Drive development and implementation of Environmental Management Systems programs focused on minimizing energy consumption, pollution, and waste generation while ensuring climate change adaptation
Oversee comprehensive regulatory compliance portfolio including animal control, vegetation management, litter control, and illegal dumping response with direct accountability to state authorities
Manage strategic Weed Action Program (WAP) ensuring full compliance with Biosecurity Act 2015 and coordinate reporting to Department of Primary Industries and Local Land Services
Provide executive-level support to Director Planning and Growth on all environmental and sustainability matters affecting council operations
Lead cross-functional teams and contractor relationships to deliver major environmental projects from conception through completion
Engage directly with community stakeholders to ensure transparent communication and successful project delivery
Maintain financial accountability and delegation responsibilities in accordance with council's governance framework

Requirements

Education

Tertiary qualifications in Environmental Health, Environmental Science, Natural Resource Management or relevant degree

Experience

Demonstrated 5 years' experience in Waste or Environmental Management (desirable)

Required Skills

Demonstrated ability to competently interpret legislation, guidelines or policy Demonstrated expertise and experience working alongside and leading multi-disciplinary teams including contractors Major projects experience including inception to delivery with demonstrable outcomes and direct community engagement Demonstrated experience with accountability in the successful delivery of communication as well as experience relating to people at all levels Demonstrated well developed conflict management skills

Certifications

Class C (Standard) Drivers Licence
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Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Industry Trends

Environmental management roles in local government are experiencing increased demand as councils face mounting pressure to meet climate change targets and environmental compliance requirements. The integration of waste management with broader environmental strategy reflects the sector's evolution toward holistic sustainability approaches. Biosecurity management has become critically important following recent environmental challenges and regulatory changes, with the Biosecurity Act 2015 creating new compliance requirements that demand specialized expertise in local government contexts. Regional councils are increasingly investing in comprehensive environmental management systems as they balance development pressures with environmental protection, creating opportunities for senior environmental professionals to lead strategic initiatives.

Salary Evaluation

The offered salary range of AUD 119,000-154,000 is competitive for senior environmental management roles in regional Australia, sitting approximately 15-20% above national averages for similar positions due to the comprehensive scope and strategic nature of responsibilities.

Role Significance

Typically manages cross-functional teams of 8-15 professionals including environmental officers, compliance staff, contractors, and project coordinators, with matrix management responsibilities across multiple departments.
This is a senior management position with strategic oversight responsibilities, direct reporting to executive level (Director Planning and Growth), and accountability for major compliance and environmental programs affecting the entire council operation.

Key Projects

Implementation of council-wide Environmental Management Systems Strategic waste management program development and delivery Major biosecurity compliance initiatives including regional weed action programs Climate change adaptation strategy development Large-scale environmental compliance and regulatory projects

Success Factors

Deep understanding of Australian environmental legislation and local government regulatory frameworks, particularly the Biosecurity Act 2015 and Local Government Act requirements Proven ability to balance competing priorities between development objectives and environmental protection while maintaining stakeholder relationships Strong leadership capabilities to manage diverse teams including contractors, technical specialists, and community engagement coordinators Strategic thinking skills to develop long-term environmental management programs that align with council's growth objectives and community expectations Excellent stakeholder management abilities to work effectively with state government departments, community groups, and internal council teams

Market Demand

High demand exists for senior environmental management professionals who can navigate complex regulatory frameworks while leading strategic sustainability initiatives, particularly in regional areas where such expertise is scarce.

Important Skills

Critical Skills

Legislative interpretation and compliance management skills are essential given the complex regulatory environment spanning local government, environmental, and biosecurity legislation. The role requires daily application of these skills to ensure council operations remain compliant while supporting development objectives. Multi-disciplinary team leadership capabilities are crucial as the position requires coordination across technical specialists, contractors, community engagement teams, and executive stakeholders to deliver integrated environmental management outcomes. Strategic project management experience from inception to delivery is vital given responsibility for major environmental initiatives within a $50 million capital works program, requiring ability to balance technical requirements with budgetary and timeline constraints.

Beneficial Skills

Advanced knowledge of climate change adaptation strategies would enhance the role's strategic impact as councils increasingly focus on long-term environmental resilience planning. Experience with mining and agricultural environmental compliance would be valuable given Forbes' location in a region with significant primary industry activity. Digital environmental monitoring and reporting system expertise would support the council's technology upgrade initiatives and improve operational efficiency.

Unique Aspects

Integration of waste management with broader environmental strategy and biosecurity responsibilities creates a comprehensive environmental leadership role rarely found in single positions
Direct involvement in major regional development projects worth $50 million provides exposure to large-scale environmental impact assessment and management
Strategic location in Forbes offers unique combination of rural environmental challenges with proximity to major cities and transportation networks
Opportunity to shape environmental policy and practice across a rapidly growing regional center with ambitious development plans

Career Growth

Career progression to executive level typically occurs within 3-5 years given the strategic scope and high-level responsibilities of this position, with strong performance opening opportunities in both public and private sectors.

Potential Next Roles

Director of Planning and Growth or similar executive environmental leadership positions Senior environmental consulting roles with major infrastructure or mining companies State government environmental policy and compliance leadership positions Regional environmental authority executive roles

Company Overview

Forbes Shire Council

Forbes Shire Council operates as a significant regional local government authority managing a substantial $50 million capital works budget and employing approximately 150 staff across diverse professional and operational roles.

The council demonstrates strong financial capacity and strategic vision through major infrastructure projects including the Goldridge Estate development, Central West Industrial Park, and Lake Forbes Activation Strategy, positioning it as a progressive regional authority.
Forbes serves as a central hub in the Central West region of NSW, strategically located on the Newell Highway between major cities, providing significant influence over regional environmental and development policies.
The organization emphasizes professional development, technological advancement, and community engagement, with structured leadership development programs and enterprise-wide system upgrades indicating commitment to modern management practices.
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