Environmental Officer

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1 POSITION DESCRIPTION Officer 1 POSITION DETAILS Position Title: Reports to: Department: Location: Officer Environment and Sustainability Coordinator Environment / Operations Traralgon Date: November 2018 Document Reference: COR/18/ PURPOSE OF POSITION The Officer will contribute to the technical and strategic advice provided by the team relating to the environmental issues and impacts of Gippsland Water s operations. They will provide technical field support, undertake field activities, and meet reporting requirements, which will support Gippsland Water in delivering sustainable solutions and meeting regulatory requirements associated with Gippsland Water s operations. 3 ABOUT GIPPSLAND WATER The incumbent will be expected to adhere to all Gippsland Water policies and procedures, and in doing so, demonstrate our organisational values. Page 1 of 6

2 About us Gippsland Water is the second largest regional urban water corporation by revenue in Victoria, comprising a diverse, complex and geographically dispersed asset base spread across a 5000 km 2 region which is serviced through an asset base of in excess of $1 billion. We exist to deliver reliable, high-quality water, wastewater and waste recovery services to ensure the economy and liveability of the central Gippsland region. Our service area is diverse in area and needs, from the fast growing region in the west, to the transitioning challenges of the Latrobe Valley to providing water and wastewater services to Victoria s largest industrial water users. There has been significant change throughout the Gippsland region, in particular, the closure of major businesses. While this changing landscape presents many challenges to Gippsland Water, it also highlights the importance of the role Gippsland Water plays in the region, and the role we play in the region s transition. Gippsland Water will continue to focus on: maintaining quality water and wastewater services for our customers at an affordable price our sustainable future and the future of the region, and the role we play in the future. To enable the corporation to meet these needs Gippsland Water has introduced a new approach and strategy that better reflects the needs of the communities and positions the organisation to deliver sustainable environmental and financial outcomes. Gippsland Water engages an inclusive and diverse workforce of around 280 employees across seven departments and prides itself on achieving a work-life balance for all employees, allowing us to deliver on the strategic priority of having the right people in the right jobs. This position, therefore, provides the opportunity for flexible working arrangements. The Environment Team which is embedded within the Wastewater Treatment Team applies technical expertise in assessing the environmental impacts of Gippsland Water s operations on the environment, whilst ensuring environmental governance obligations are met such as; satisfactory compliance with current and emerging environmental legislation, regulation, reporting obligations and stakeholder expectations. In addition, the team provides technical guidance and assistance to support the organisation in undertaking its daily operational duties while meeting environmental regulatory obligations. The team provide the primary response to the wider organisation for the provision of technical support and guidance in the way of emergency environmental response, environmental regulatory reporting (internal & external), environmental compliance monitoring, compliance with the Aboriginal Heritage Act and Regulations, primary liaison with regulatory bodies and other stakeholders (e.g. EPA, DELWP, AAV etc.), management of water re-use agreements, carbon and vegetation offset management and managing the strategic direction of the organisation s environmental commitments. In addition to the areas above, the Environment team is responsible for the maintenance and management of Gippsland Water s Management System (EMS). This includes the provision of advice and support to assist in managing both environmental risks, and cultural and indigenous affairs. Page 2 of 6

3 4 ORGANISATION STRUCTURE Manager Wastewater Treatment & Environment Wastewater Treatment Team Environment & Sustainability Coordinator Senior Scientist Officer Officer Graduate Officer 5 KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES Provide field based technical support to Gippsland Water s operations to reduce the environmental impacts introduced by Gippsland Waters activities. In addition to administrative support and technical advice to meet Gippsland Water regulatory and reporting requirements, and to assist with the maintenance and enhancement of the Gippsland Water EMS, to ensure that environmental risks are identified, communicated and managed consistently across all operational activities, and that mitigation activities are considered in strategic and business planning processes. Provide technical support and assist in the management of emerging environmental risks, including emerging contaminants, climate change and emissions reduction activities. The incumbent will assist in managing the environmental aspects of operational activities at Gippsland Water s Soil and Organic Recycling Facility (SORF) and broader Dutson Downs operational activities. 6 KEY RESPONSIBILITIES Provide accurate, timely and effective technical advice relating to environmental risk management. Assist the preparation and submission of statutory reports to various environmental regulators, to comply with the statutory requirements of the regulatory agencies. Support the activities undertaken to meet the commitments and conditions of the EPA Corporate Licence. Undertake field sampling, audits and inspections as required to assist Gippsland Water in responding to emergency situations and reducing environmental risks and impacts. Page 3 of 6

4 Support the identification and mitigation of biodiversity health impacts of Gippsland Water operations, consistent with State and Commonwealth legislation and policies. Assist in undertaking activities to manage the greenhouse gas emissions attributable to Gippsland Water operational activities. Support community stakeholder consultation activities, to engage stakeholders in details of environmental risk management activities. Improve the awareness of the environmental aspects and impacts through reporting and consultation throughout Gippsland Water to influence the incorporation of broader sustainability principles into their decision making processes. The incumbent may from time to time be required to participate in an On-Call, over time and weekend roster duties, and be required to assist in environmental emergency response situations. 7 KEY CHALLENGES The Officer will be challenged with assisting in delivering all organisational reporting in a timely and accurate manner, whilst providing technical field support and technical advice in a continually evolving work environment and rapidly changing regulatory environment. Additional challenges will be maintaining their professional knowledge of environmental management and sustainability issues, and sharing this information with the organisation to assist with improving the awareness of environmental aspects and impacts associated with all operational decision making, ultimately resulting in the reduction of environmental risks to the organisation and environmental health. 8 JUDGEMENT & REASONING This position requires the Officer to draw on their technical knowledge and experience to ensure compliance with the complex legislation and policies relevant to the environmental management of Gippsland Water s activities. The position will provide support for the implementation and ongoing maintenance of the EMS to ensure compliance with the requirements of AS/NZS ISO The incumbent must be able to engage in hands-on field activities (sampling, monitoring, audits inspections etc.), interpret monitoring data, consult with necessary stakeholders, and communicate observations based on data gathered. The incumbent must be able to prioritise tasks on an ongoing basis, to ensure delivery of both shortand long-term objectives. Regular liaison with other team members of the team is essential to achieving this objective. The Officer will be supported and mentored, with the Manager Wastewater and Environment, Environment and Sustainability Coordinator and other Environment team members available for reference or clarification for decisions beyond their capability or comfort. Page 4 of 6

5 9 INTERPERSONAL SKILLS/COMMUNICATIONS The incumbent will be required to draw on these skills to improve the awareness and understanding across the organisation, key stakeholders, and customers. External Communications The Officer may be required to liaise externally with the following: Customer Consultative Committee (if requested) Environment Protection Authority (EPA) West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority (WGCMA) Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) Gunaikurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation (GLAWAC) Parks Victoria Gippsland Agency Group (GEA) Professional networks and steering committees Laboratory service providers Specialist environmental consultants Gippsland Water customers. Internal Communications The Officer will regularly liaise internally with employees from across the business, third level Managers and may be required to liaise with the Executive Leadership Team and the Board. 10 KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & EXPERIENCE ESSENTIAL & DESIRED FORMAL QUALIFICATION Essential: A tertiary qualification in a relevant scientific or engineering and/or relevant industry experience. Desirable: Specialist qualifications in environmental or natural resources management. ESSENTIAL & DESIRED SKILLS/EXPERIENCE Essential: An understanding of risk management principles, particularly in application to the ISO14000 series of environmental management standard. Ability to manage technical projects and apply sound principles and expertise applicable to environmental management within the water industry. Desirable: High motivation to drive positive changes in the operational environment of Gippsland Water, to meet rapidly changing customer and regulatory expectations. Implementation and maintenance of an organisational wide EMS. Carbon and emissions reduction experience. Groundwater monitoring experience. Page 5 of 6

6 Willingness to acquire detailed knowledge and understanding of water and wastewater treatment and waste management processes, environmental management systems, land-use and biodiversity management, and principles of sustainability. Well-developed oral and written communication, negotiation and presentation skills. A broad range of field based skills (sampling, site inspections, auditing, assessments etc.). Ability to understand and apply the various legislative and regulatory statutes applicable to the Victorian water industry. A demonstrated ability to understand and operate technical and business computer software packages. A current Victorian Motor Vehicle Licence. Regulatory experience, in particular Victorian EPA and DELWP. Knowledge of environmental regulatory policies, including SEPP WoV and potential emerging contaminants (e.g. PFAS/PFOS). 11 SELECTION CRITERIA Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of environmental management systems, regulator principles (e.g. EPA) and how these can be practically applied to aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems, and sustainability management principles. Understanding of the application of risk management principles in environmental management. Effective project/incident management skills including the ability to work in, and utilise, a team based approach to achieve quality outcomes. Demonstrated well-developed interpersonal skills, combined with excellent verbal, written and presentation skills. Page 6 of 6