Tweed Shire Council

Environmental Scientist

Are you passionate about preserving our natural environment and helping our community to continue to recover? We have an opportunity for a dedicated Environmental Scientist to join our team. 

About the role:

• reports to the Senior Planning Applications Officer and collaborates with a team of environmental scientists and ecologists
• conducting complex environmental assessments, including field assessments for the preparation of planning applications for Council infrastructure and maintenance projects
• have a thorough understanding of NSW and Commonwealth planning approvals in relation to infrastructure development and impact assessment 
• provides technical guidance during project design, construction, and the implementation of monitoring plans and programs as required by development consent
• contribute an area of expertise particularly related to soil, water and land contamination assessments, or environmental science and planning related to impact assessment.

What's on offer:

• a base salary ranging from $95,331 per annum with competency-based increments up to $109,716 per annum, plus 11.5% super
• 70 hour, 9 day fortnight
• a maximum-term contract up to 12 months, with the possibility of extension or permanency subject to performance, funding and operational need
• training and development opportunities
• flexible work options for a healthy work/life balance
• generous employment conditions (we have too many to list - click here for more).

We are seeking: 

• Degree in Environmental Science, Environmental Engineering, Environmental Planning, or equivalent
• Specialist expertise in one or more of the following disciplines: Soils, Water, Air, Noise, Contaminated Land Assessment, Environmental Planning, Construction Environmental Management or similar
• A high level of demonstrated experience in the field of Environmental Impact Assessment and Planning
• Advanced understanding of environmental legislation, planning instruments, government policies and their application to environmental impact assessment and the preparation of environmental planning applications.

About us:

• Located on the picturesque far North Coast of NSW, bordering the Gold Coast.
• The Tweed is a vibrant, diverse location offering a lifestyle near the water, in a rainforest or on a farm.  
• Tweed Shire Council is committed to employment equity and diversity and encourages applications from people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds in both traditional and non-traditional roles.  We provide workplace adjustments for people with disability, and access to flexible work options for eligible staff. 
• Join an employer of choice. Professionals Australia (Local Government Engineers’ Association) has named Council the 2021 Employer of Choice for our great employment practices within NSW local government. 

Where it's located:

This position is based in Murwillumbah, and can be directed to work from any Council work site.

Position closes: 

Friday 11 April 2025 at 12 noon sharp (NSW time).  Late applications will not be permitted.

Click here to view the Position Description 

TIPS for Addressing the Selection Criteria

Click here for more information on the Recruitment Process

Click here to view our Values

Pre-Employment Screening:

Tweed Shire Council conducts pre-employment assessments as part of its recruitment process. 

Job offers are not made until screening has been completed. Tweed Shire Council uses third-party providers to undertake:

• Pre-employment medical – some roles require a functional (physical) assessment, and all positions are subject to drug and alcohol screening (a positive test result means the recruitment process ends and your application will not be considered).
• Background screening - verifies that the information you have provided throughout the recruitment process is true and correct.  Click here for more information.

Reference Checks are undertaken by the panel. Your 2 referees should ideally be your current and most recent supervisors.  Your referees are not contacted unless you’ve been interviewed and are a preferred candidate.

How To Apply:

You must use your own email address, and not one used previously by another person that has applied for a position with council.

Once you start your online application, you cannot save and return to it later. 

You may wish to prepare your responses in a Word document. You can then COPY and PASTE your answers from Word into the below fields:

1. Have your Resume document ready to go.
2. Fill out all questions below. Click 'Next'.  For tips on how to address the selection criteria, click here
3. You'll then be prompted to attach your resume and other documents (if applicable). Click 'Next'.
4. Review your application to confirm everything is correct. Click 'Confirm' to submit your application.

If you'd like to COPY and PASTE selection criteria fields into a separate Word document to work on over time, please find them listed below:

1. Do you hold Degree in Environmental Science, Environmental Engineering, Environmental Planning, or equivalent? Please provide details.
2. Please describe your specialist expertise in one or more of the following disciplines: Soils, Water, Air, Noise, Contaminated Land Assessment, Environmental Planning, Construction Environmental Management or similar.
3. Please describe your advanced understanding of environmental legislation, planning instruments, government policies and their application to environmental impact assessment and the preparation of environmental planning applications. 
4. Please describe your competence in the preparation of Environmental Impact Assessments (EIS, SEE and REF).
5. Please describe your ability to manage projects and their associated budgets.

SK97188A