Position Description Environmental Security Coordinator Position Title: Environmental Security Coordinator Occupant: TBA Reports To: Manager, Sustainability Grade: 21 Division: Strategy Department: Sustainability Section: Environmental Security Effective Date: Folder No: F2007/00484 Form Version 4.3 February 2012
1 Organisational and Purpose Context Lake Macquarie City Council strives to become one of the best local governments globally in achieving quadruple bottom line sustainability and in addressing issues of environmental security. The overarching aim of the Sustainability Department is to devise and implement strategies, both within the City of Lake Macquarie and the organisation itself, that maximise community wellbeing whilst reducing ecosystem footprints in the most economically efficient manner, in order to achieve local ecological sustainability and an equitable contribution to global sustainability. The Sustainability Department consists of four dynamic and enterprising teams (see figure below) responsible for developing and implementing policy and programs to: 1. Sustainable Living promote sustainable use of material and energy resources, including water, energy and consumption of materials, as well as waste minimisation; 2. Ecosystem Enhancement qualitatively and/or quantitatively enhance the value of Lake Macquarie s natural assets and systems; 3. Environmental Security reduce and/or negate human risks from the environment including floods, wind storms, pollution, diseases, extreme weather events, sea level rise and other climate change impacts that will require adaptation; and 4. Sustainability Engagement develop, implement and evaluate strategies to proactively engage Lake Macquarie City residents, business and industry in behaviour change programs associated with sustainability practice and theory. These four teams are assisted by a small audit group within Governance and Administration, who track and quantify Council s and the City s footprint relative to each of the first three areas. Reporting to the Manager Sustainability, the Environmental Security Coordinator is specifically responsible for: developing and implementing policy and programs that reduce exposure of the community of Lake Macquarie to risks from pollution, natural disasters and climate change. actively contributing to organisational sustainability outcomes; and integrating with the work of other teams in Sustainability, particularly the Sustainability Engagement Team. Environmental Security Coordinator - Sustainability Page 2 of 6
Sustainability Department Structure Governance - Administration - Audit Environmental Security Sustainable Living Sustainability Engagement Ecosystem Enhancement Natural Disasters Energy Citywide Aquatic Ecosystem Transport Climate Change Adaptation Waste Sectoral Terrestrial Ecosystems Water Environmental Health Consumption Local Ecosystems Operations 1 Form Version 4.3 February 2012
2 Key Selection Criteria Essential Tertiary qualifications in an environmental, public health, natural resource management, or relevant science/engineering discipline. Demonstrated experience in developing policy and strategies to achieve a reduction in risks to the community from pollution, natural disasters and climate change. Specialised knowledge of and/or management experience implementing sustainability innovations within industry, commerce, government or any of the following sectors: environmental health, climate change adaptation, or natural disaster sectors. A thorough understanding of human-induced climate change and contemporary adaptation strategies at both global and local levels. Superior analytical skills to allow prioritisation of activities according to impact. Emotional intelligence as demonstrated in experience in leading and liaising with a diverse team of professionals towards achieving corporate and community objectives which may differ from personal goals. Demonstrated ability to provide an innovative and professional workplace atmosphere for team members; demonstrated experience in effectively managing, developing, and motivating staff. Excellent written and verbal communication skills including demonstrated experience in conducting effective community engagements. Demonstrated experience in financial management. Current motor vehicle driving licence. Desirable A post-graduate degree in a relevant discipline. Familiarity with the main sustainability issues in the City of Lake Macquarie and the roles of the government. A sound knowledge of legal and other policy frameworks at local, state, federal, and international levels relevant to environmental security. Demonstrated understanding of equal employment opportunity, and occupational health and safety legislation and individual responsibilities. 3 Duties 1. Design and implement programs to facilitate a reduction in risks to the community Form Version 4.3 February 2012
from pollution, natural disasters and climate change 2. Supervise, develop, train, and motivate staff in the achievement of Council and departmental goals and policies. 3. Develop and review relevant team components of the one, four and ten and thirty year plans of the department and Council and other relevant strategic planning documents 4. Adopt international leading practice in reducing risks to the community from pollution, natural disasters and climate change 5. Oversee the implementation of specific departmental strategies in order to achieve organisational outcomes. 6. Participate actively and constructively in the departmental management committee for the department. 7. Assume responsibility for financial management of team budget of up to $10 million. 8. Prepare and submit reports and budgets to Council. 9. Assist in the determination of, then monitor, and ensure the achievement of footprint reduction targets for the city and the Council. 10. Actively contribute to cross-departmental programs to improve organisational sustainability outcomes. 11. Identify grant opportunities, submit grants, and administer grant agreements with agencies. 12. Act as departmental manager and represent department at Council meetings, as required. 4 Relevant Position Information The position is based in Council s Administration Centre and works a 35-hour week. Work outside normal business hours may be required. Reports to Manager, Sustainability. Please note prior to an offer of employment being made, recommended candidates may be subject to the following pre employment checks: Medical assessment or Medical assessment with Council Doctor This position may require: Shift and Weekend Work On Call Work Work across multiple sites Travel Work in confined spaces Environmental Security Coordinator - Sustainability Page 5 of 6
5 Personal Characteristics Versatile Well organised Positive attitude Honest and trustworthy Practical Loyal to colleagues, the team, and the Council Willing to embrace change Service-oriented 6 Equal Employment Opportunity, Anti-Discrimination, and Harassment Responsibilities Managers and Supervisors Must take all reasonable measures to ensure the prevention of inappropriate discrimination or harassment of employees or customers and ensure compliance with legislation, Council s policies, procedures, and business rules relating to discrimination, harassment, and equal employment opportunity. 7 Competencies Council has a competency based salary system. Newly appointed persons will be assessed for competency after six months. Further competency assessment will occur at six monthly intervals. Employees are able to access the LMCC Core Competencies via the Control Document Register. Environmental Security Coordinator - Sustainability Page 6 of 6