Natural Areas Manager

Above Award Contract

Location: Caloundra Depot

Vacancy No: 3554

Temporary - Full-time (until June 2026)

Applications close: 16 April 2023 11:59pm AEST

Why work with us?

There is no better place to live and work than on the Sunshine Coast, especially with an outstanding organisation like Sunshine Coast Council.

With the vision to be Australia’s most sustainable region - Healthy, Smart, and Creative, council is at the forefront of delivering a number of region-shaping projects that will see the region become a hub for innovation, entrepreneurship and creativity, along with opportunities and a lifestyle for all to enjoy.

About the Role

The Sunshine Coast Council is looking for a self-motivated Natural Areas Manager who is able to lead a diverse team in the planning and delivery of Council’s operational programs for Reserve, Wildlife, Visitor, Asset, Fire and Environmental offset management in an ecologically sustainable, cost effective and safe manner. 

You are passionate about your profession and enjoy the rewards of a good challenge. At Sunshine Coast Council we strive to embrace change as our norm and therefore require a person who is innovative, agile, proactive and enthusiastic.

Your responsibilities include (but are not limited to):

• Deliver innovative and sustainable environmental management programs for the region’s natural area estate, with recreational opportunities in mind.
• Lead an efficient, operational team and foster an encouraging and supportive culture.
• Through dynamic and innovative engagement programs, develop council’s environmental visitor education centres..
• Provide expert advice in relation to environmental services, operations and asset data for both natural and built infrastructure.
• Lead the development and delivery of an onground environmental offsets program, both internally and externally sourced.
• Develop and deliver innovative wildlife management programs.
• Lead the development and delivery of a comprehensive, ecologically sustainable fire management program for council managed natural areas.

About you

On the Sunshine Coast we are fortunate to enjoy many of nature’s diverse landscapes. Our Council is not only committed to maintaining and enhancing these natural assets, but liveability within the region. You’ll be an effective leader, with a commitment to empowering your team, managing team functions with excellence and building strong working relationships.

As a requirement of this role, you’ll have:

• Tertiary degree qualification in Natural Area Management, Resource Management or Environmental Science.
• Extensive and high level relevant experience and industry knowledge.
• Demonstrated ability in project management, financial management and human resource management.
• Strong decision making skills, communication skills, and the ability to work and collaborate with a range of people, internal and external.

Our Culture & Employee Benefits

Council is committed to creating an inclusive, culturally diverse, healthy, skilled and dedicated workplace culture. As an employee you will enjoy a range of benefits and working styles to suit you:

• Wellbeing: Your wellbeing is important to us therefore we offer a number of different initiatives such as discounted health related memberships, fitness passport, employee assistance program and development opportunities. 
• Flexibility: We know it is important to balance life and work, therefore we offer flexible working options and a hybrid WFH model that help you be your best.
• Extras: Those extras make a difference therefore we offer various salary packaging options[AC1] . We also pay you 17.5% leave loading and generous Superannuation where council will contribute 12% Superannuation in addition to your 6% superannuation contribution.

How to apply

Your written application should include:

• A 1-2 page cover letter demonstrating your ability to fulfil the mandatory and desirable requirements on the Position Profile. Keep the key responsibilities in mind.
• A current resume or curriculum vitae.

Once you have these two documents ready, click ‘Apply Now’ and follow the prompts to complete your application.

Further Information

Helpful information to assist you in completing your application is available on the Sunshine Coast Council website.

To learn more about Council’s vision and projects, you can view the Corporate Plan 2022-2026.

For specific enquiries contact Adam Connell during business hours on 0409 754 202.

We're working hard to create an inclusive workplace that reflects the diverse community we serve. If you require adjustments at any stage of the recruitment process, please reach out to the Recruitment Team joinusnow@sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au.

At Sunshine Coast Council, we embrace differences in gender, age, ethnicity, race, cultural background including First Nations, disability, religion and sexual orientation. To deliver the best service to our region we want a workforce that reflects the diverse community that we serve. Sunshine Coast Council strongly encourages all suitable applicants to apply for this role.