Waterways Project Officer

Why work with us?

At Council, we’re proud of our region. We collaborate with community to achieve truly sustainable outcomes, enhance our enviable lifestyle, and create award-winning places and spaces that are uniquely Sunshine Coast. So, if you love it here as much as we do, and you want to shape our region for the future – you’ll want to join our team!

With the vision to be Australia’s most sustainable region - Connected. Liveable. Thriving, our region is a model of sustainability, where caring for our environment, creating vibrant communities and growing our local economy is a way of life.

About the Role

Our Environmental Operations Branch (Infrastructure & Natural Assets) preserves, manages and enhances Council’s environmental and recreational assets while partnering with our community to protect the region’s rich biodiversity. Working across Council, the Branch delivers high‑quality environmental outcomes that support Australia’s most sustainable region – Connected. Liveable. Thriving.

As a Waterways Project Officer based from our Caloundra Depot, you’ll implement water‑quality projects, investigate pollution sources, assess aquatic health and deliver on‑ground waterway maintenance. You’ll collaborate in a multi‑disciplinary team to advance integrated catchment management and waterway protection initiatives—contributing directly to Council’s strategic environmental goals for a UNESCO‑recognised biosphere region.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead water‑quality monitoring, investigations and catchment initiatives.
• Investigate, respond to and report on waterway pollution, riparian and in‑stream issues.
• Deliver estuarine and freshwater maintenance activities, including litter collection.
• Help develop and implement monitoring programs, management plans and projects.
• Maintain and update Council’s Water Quality database to track targets and meet State guidelines.
• Provide best‑practice advice on catchment, waterway and wetland management.
• Plan programs, schedule work and anticipate future operational requirements.
• Complete daily documentation (e.g., timesheets, incident reports) and escalate safety matters.
• Coordinate employees, contractors and volunteers to deliver quality service.
• Manage contractors and associated administration using Council systems; ensure legislative compliance.

About you

To succeed in this role, you:

• Are qualified bringing a degree in Environmental Science, Catchment or Natural Resource Management (or equivalent experience) aligned to on‑ground delivery.
• Are field‑savvy, with hands‑on experience in water‑quality monitoring, sampling, equipment uses and robust data collection.
• Understand freshwater ecosystems—riparian and wetland vegetation included—and how they function.
• Can spot threats to waterway health and apply practical mitigation measures that improve biodiversity outcomes.
• Navigate permits and relevant legislation for waterway operational works with confidence.
• Are tech‑enabled—comfortable with GIS/imagery and contemporary tools for planning, analysis and reporting.
• Plan, prioritise and independently deliver operational programs, keeping work on time and to standard.
• Communicate clearly producing concise reports and engaging effectively with stakeholders.
• Are data‑capable, using Excel, Word and PowerPoint to store, analyse and present findings.
• Are on‑water ready—with a current boat licence and confidence operating vessels up to 5 m; a Blue Card (or ability to obtain) is welcomed

Pre-Employment Medical Required

Essential to your success is physical agility and the level of fitness, strength and dexterity to carry out labouring and frequent heavy lifting & bending. As such, appointment to this position is subject to completion of a pre-employment medical assessment.

Criminal History Check Required

Appointment to this position is subject to the satisfactory completion of a Criminal History Check. 

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 including a 9-day fortnight and a hybrid WFH model that help you be your best.
• Extras: Those extras make a difference therefore we offer salary packaging options on novated leases, superannuation, smartphones and devices.

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 when addressing these criteria; and
• 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 2025-2030.

For specific enquiries contact Denise Lindon during business hours on 0438 167 633.

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 [email protected].

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.