Coordinator Biodiversity & Waterways

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

The Environment and Sustainability Policy Branch provides expert advice, advocacy, and strategic planning to protect the natural environment and enhance liveability across the Sunshine Coast. Its purpose is to guide the region's sustainable future, ensuring the community and future generations enjoy resilience, access, and a thriving natural landscape.

As a Coordinator Biodiversity and Waterways, you will:

• Lead the development of strategic natural environment policy to support a sustainable region.
• Provide expert advice and advocacy on biodiversity, waterways, catchments, and coastal management.
• Incorporate emerging global issues into best‑practice biodiversity and waterways policy.
• Lead and manage Council’s Environment Levy to enhance environmental outcomes.
• Lead and support a specialist team to achieve Branch and organisational priorities.
• Monitor and report on project performance, budgets, and key program outcomes.
• Prepare high‑quality correspondence, reports, and briefing materials as an authorised officer.
• Oversee corporate datasets for biodiversity, catchments, coastal planning and waterways.
• Contribute to strategic people management, compliance, business planning, and change initiatives.
• Mentor and develop team capability, driving engagement and performance

This position is based at  Sunshine Coast City Hall, in the heart of Maroochydore CBD. This state of the art and sustainable building is designed to achieve an innovative and collaborative workspace.

About you

To succeed in this role, you:

• Bring recognised tertiary qualifications in an environmental discipline and are committed to high‑quality environmental outcomes.
• Are an experienced leader who thrives in complex political or multi‑stakeholder environments.
• Have strong capability in developing and delivering natural environment policy, strategy, and evidence‑based planning.
• Excel in project management, with the ability to coordinate high‑impact programs requiring consultation and negotiation.
• Are confident presenting to executives, government stakeholders, and the community.
• Bring advanced skills in research, analysis, and leading‑edge environmental thinking.
• Are a collaborator who influences change, builds strong relationships, and drives innovation.

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 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 Dave Moore during business hours on 0409 870 763.

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.