Environment and Sustainability Coordinator

Transcription

1 POSITION DESCRIPTION Environment and Sustainability Coordinator 1 POSITION DETAILS Position Title: Reports to: Department: Location: Environment and Sustainability Coordinator Manager Wastewater and Environment Environment / Operations Traralgon Date: November 2018 Document Reference: COR/15/ PURPOSE OF POSITION The Environment and Sustainability Coordinator provides accurate, timely expert technical and strategic advice on the management of Gippsland Water operations, with the objective to identify and mitigate the associated environmental and cultural heritage risks and to comply with relevant environmental legislation and stakeholder obligations. 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 8

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 Environmental 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 Environmental 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 8

3 4 ORGANISATION STRUCTURE Manager Wastewater Treatment & Environment Wastewater Treatment Team Environment & Sustainability Coordinator Senior Environmental Scientist Environmental Officer Environmental Officer Graduate Environmental Officer 5 KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES The Environment and Sustainability Coordinator maintains and manages environmental compliance, indigenous and cultural heritage portfolio, environmental regulatory reporting requirements, environmental emergency response activities, environmental compliance monitoring, carbon and vegetation offsets, water re-use agreements, as well as the ongoing EMS audit schedules and corrective actions. In addition, the roles key focus is on proactive liaison with regulatory, government, and other critical stakeholders to ensure compliance with current and emerging environmental legislation, regulation, reporting obligations and stakeholder expectations. The incumbent ensures environmental and cultural heritage risks are identified, communicated and managed consistently across all operational activities, and that appropriate mitigation activities are included within strategic and business planning processes. 6 KEY RESPONSIBILITIES Liaison with various environmental regulators, government bodies and other critical stakeholders to comply with the statutory requirements of the regulatory agencies. Preparation and submission of reports to various environmental regulators, to comply with the statutory requirements of the regulatory agencies Co-ordinate day to day maintenance of the Gippsland Water EMS auditing schedules and corrective actions lists, to identify, manage and mitigate environmental risks throughout all operational activities. Page 3 of 8

4 Assistance in the preparation and submission of reports to the Gippsland Water Board, Board SHE Committee and various OHS committees. Provision of accurate, timely and effective technical and strategic advice relating to environmental and cultural heritage risk management at Gippsland Water. This is necessary to ensure a clear and common understanding of strategic and operational requirements to identify, manage and mitigate environmental risks and impacts of uncontrolled events or unanticipated problems. Assist in the development and on-going maintenance of the corporate environmental strategic plan, to ensure consistent and continual improvements under the EMS are achieved. Attendance of various industry forums to engage and build relationships, influence industry and regulatory directions, and communicate statutory requirements within the context of Gippsland Water operations. Lead and support Gippsland Water in Aboriginal engagement and organisational capability building. Ensuring projects are delivered in compliance with current cultural heritage legislation, namely the Aboriginal Heritage Amendment Act (2006) and Regulations (2018). Participate in community stakeholder consultation activities, to engage stakeholders in details of environmental risk management activities. Coordinate the various routine environmental assessments required to meet the organisations operational regulatory obligations Provide strategic advice and assist in the management of carbon and vegetation offsets. Assist in the implementation and maintenance of the third party treated wastewater re-use agreements. To motivate, encourage and mentor the Environmental team during times of demanding workloads and conflicting work priorities, to ensure the team is meeting organisational deliverables. Be involved in on-call or after-hours rosters to support the greater operational and environmental requirements of the organisation. 7 KEY CHALLENGES Key challenges for this role include notifying the organisation of current requirements and proposed changes to environmental legislation, and attending industry forums to build relationships with key industry and regulatory stakeholders. Other key challenges are the timely and accurate reporting of Gippsland Water s environmental performance to external regulatory and statutory agencies, and key internal stakeholders. In addition the ongoing maintenance of the EMS structure in the way of audits, reporting, procedural management and undertaking corrective actions in order to continue to maintain Gippsland Water s regulatory compliance. Page 4 of 8

5 Ongoing challenges for this role are the need to communicate, educate, and integrate environmental risk assessments and their mitigation, in order to maintain a high degree of professional knowledge of environmental management and sustainability issues across the organisation in a rapidly changing operational and regulatory environment. 8 JUDGEMENT & REASONING The incumbent must have an understanding of a complex suite of State and Commonwealth Government legislation and policies relating to the environmental management of Gippsland Water activities. Their ability to draw on their knowledge and experience to interpret the operational and strategic impacts on Gippsland Water is critical, as is their ability to provide accurate and considered advice and provide recommendations. Advice is frequently required on issues without precedent, particularly where operational impacts are identified, or emerging regulatory or policy impacts are considered. The incumbent will be required to be involved in assessments of the likely impacts of current and emerging environmental issues on the strategic direction of Gippsland Water, and provide direction and advice to senior management where potential risks are identified. The incumbent will conduct ongoing management and coordination of the activities scheduled for the EMS, and development and implementation of system improvements for the management of environmental risks associated with all operations at Gippsland Water. The role will also require the selection of appropriate monitoring and investigation requirements to determine environmental impacts of controlled and uncontrolled activities, interpretation of monitoring data, consultation with key stakeholders, and the recommendation and adaptation of management changes based on the information received. This position requires the incumbent to draw on their knowledge and experience to ensure compliance with the complex legislation and policies relevant to the environmental management of Gippsland Water s activities. Their ability to interpret the operational and strategic impacts on Gippsland Water is critical to ensure timely delivery of both short and long term objectives, as is their ability to provide sound and accurate recommendations, at times without precedent, to the workgroup s stakeholders, particularly where operational issues arise. The incumbent will be required to maintain sound knowledge of the Aboriginal Heritage Amendment Act (2006) and Regulations (2018) and cultural heritage management principles, including preparing and delivering cultural heritage management plans (CHMPs). The Environment and Sustainability Coordinator will refer to the Manager Wastewater Treatment as required, or where decision making or budgetary delegation exceeds their authority. Page 5 of 8

6 9 INTERPERSONAL SKILLS/COMMUNICATIONS The incumbent must have highly developed interpersonal and communication skills, including written, verbal and presentation, to communicate and explain complex environmental principals and technical details to a variety of customers and stakeholders. This position requires the ability to persuade, convince and negotiate with both internal and external customers and stakeholders, including the executive group and employees, to ensure an understanding of both environmental management principals and technical concepts, and the impact and significance of identified environmental risks. They play an important role in motivating and encouraging the incorporation of broader environmental sustainability principles into decision making processes and operational activities to comply with relevant environmental legislation and stakeholder obligations. 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 Environment and Sustainability Coordinator will regularly 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 Environmental Agency Group (GEA) Professional networks and steering committees Laboratory service providers Specialist environmental consultants Gippsland Water customers. Internal Communications The Environment and Sustainability Coordinator will regularly liaise internally with employees from across the business, third level Managers, 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 discipline specialising in environmental management or significant relevant industry experience. Desirable: Post Graduate qualifications in an environmental management related field. Page 6 of 8

7 ESSENTIAL & DESIRED SKILLS/EXPERIENCE Essential: An understanding of the application of scientific principals and technical expertise within the water industry. A knowledge of contemporary environmental governance issues. Experience of successful negotiation with external organisations. Lateral thinking ability and a focus on continuous improvement. Leadership skills and the ability to provide leadership in a consultative and regulatory climate. An ability to influence and convince stakeholders and colleagues to incorporate broader sustainability principles into decision-making processes. A demonstrated ability to understand and operate technical and business computer software packages. An understanding of risk management principles, particularly in application to the ISO14000 series of environmental management standards. Demonstrated ability to manage technical projects and apply scientific principles and expertise applicable to environmental management within the water industry. Demonstrated ability to communicate sensitively and effectively with Aboriginal people. Very well developed and demonstrated oral and written communication, negotiation and presentation skills. Ability to understand and apply the various legislative and regulatory statutes applicable to the Victorian water industry. A current Victorian Motor Vehicle Licence. Desirable: 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. Formal training in environmental auditing principles and techniques, and application of skills acquired. Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of environmental legislation applicable to the Victorian water industry, in particular, the Environment Protection Act Demonstrated knowledge of the Aboriginal Heritage Amendment Act (2006) and Regulations (2018) and cultural heritage management principles, including experience in preparing and delivering cultural heritage management plans (CHMPs). Page 7 of 8

8 11 SELECTION CRITERIA Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of environmental management systems, risk management and contemporary environmental governance issues as they apply to aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems, and sustainability principles. Demonstrated knowledge of indigenous and cultural heritage management, including regulatory requirements, risk management and proactive engagement and stakeholder management. Demonstrated leadership and project management skills to ensure successful outcomes in a rapidly changing operational environment with respect to customer and regulatory expectations. Demonstrated interpersonal skills, combined with excellent negotiation, verbal, written and presentation skills with internal and external stakeholders to achieve a desired outcome. Page 8 of 8