Team Leader Environment and Regulatory Services

The Opportunity

Are you looking to take the next step in your local government career…..and make a move to a great location!

Then head to The Seven Valleys and join our team in the dynamic and varied role as Team Leader – Environment and Regulatory Services.

We have the right opportunity for you to further develop your leadership experience and professional capabilities as you progress your career in this community and environmental outcomes focused role based in Lithgow.

As the gateway to Central West NSW and only 90 minutes drive to the new Western Sydney International Airport, Lithgow region adjoins the Blue Mountains and the Gardens of Stone and has the community feel and wide range of rural and nature experiences that you are after!

Salary and Benefits

If you are looking for a change of lifestyle, a new adventure, or to take the next step in your career, this is the role for you.

• Permanent, Full-time, 35 hours per week
• Work/Life balance with a rostered day off every second week.
• Remuneration package will be negotiated commensurate with your skills, qualifications and experience.
• A leaseback vehicle is being offered with this position in accordance with Councils leaseback policy

As the Team Leader Environment and Regulatory Services you will lead a team to coordinate and deliver programs and activities in relation to Environmental Health, Regulatory Services, environmental compliance, responsible companion animal ownership and the natural environment. The team you will lead includes Environmental Health Officers, Rangers, Natural Area Management and Landcare Officers, and the Animal Shelter.

More specifically, your duties will include (but will not be limited to):

• Coordinate the compliance functions of the Environment and Regulatory Services team in order that the responsibilities of the team are in accordance with statutory requirements, Council Policies, Council’s Delivery and Operation Program while ensuring the protection of the environment, public health and public safety.
• Provide coordination in initiatives or programs to maintain and improve the natural environment particularly as they relate to land under Council’s care and control
• Co-ordinate (and complete inspections where required) of retail food premises, industrial/commercial premises, development sites, regulated systems, underground petroleum storage systems, public swimming pools and spa pools, and skin penetration premises to ensure compliance with the relevant Acts and Regulations
• Ensure oversight of issues or approvals and audit compliance for on-site sewage management systems in accordance with legislation and Council Policies
• Ensure the provision of services for environmental water sampling and assessment of contaminated lands as required and the maintenance of registers for food premises and cooling towers.
• Ensure that appropriate Fine Notices, orders or prosecutions under relevant legislation are prepared, issued and pursued as appropriate.
• Manage the response to nuisance complaints concerning noise, odour, sewer, food, skin penetration, unhealthy premises, water pollution and land contamination, companion animals, straying livestock and local law enforcement
• Provide compliance functions in relation to Council’s role as an Appropriate Regulatory Authority under the Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997
• Provide Animal Control services and management of animal shelter facilities
• Liaise with Council’s solicitors in preparing court documentation including Statements, Court Attendance Notices, and Briefs of Evidence and give evidence in court when required.
• Mentor and contribute to the ongoing professional development of members of the Environment and Regulatory Services team

For more detail about the specific duties and responsibilities of the position, please CLICK HERE for the complete Position Description. 

For more information please contact Shaun Elwood, on 02 6354 9918 or email shaun.elwood@lithgow.nsw.gov.au for a confidential discussion. 

About you

To be successful in this role you will demonstrate the following criteria:

• Qualifications in Environmental Health, Environmental Science or equivalent
• Thorough understanding of relevant statutory requirements and legislation including but not limited to Local Government Act 1993, Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997, Food Act 2003, Public Health Act 2010, Companion Animals Act 1998, Public Spaces (Unattended Property) Act 2021, Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 and associated Regulations
• Experience in managing and implementing programs for Environmental Health, Natural Resource Management, and Regulatory Services functions
• Experience in enforcement and compliance procedures investigating complaints
• Experience in supervising and leading a team of staff to achieve desired outcomes
• Well-developed oral and written communication skills, with demonstrated experience in communication of technical advice and policy issues at all levels to internal and external customers
• Ability to provide innovative and practical solutions to resolve complex issues using research, analysis and evaluation of information
• Understanding of record management practices
• Well-developed computer literacy skills including Microsoft Office, and Geographic Information Systems
• Demonstrated commitment to the principals of honesty and integrity
• Demonstrated ability to comply with the WHS Act and Regulations, Safe Work NSW Codes of Practice, Australian Standards and Council’s WHS Policies and Procedures
• Class C Drivers Licence

In addition, an ideal candidate would have experience in preparing briefs for solicitors, preparing affidavits and presenting evidence, and high level negotiation and dispute resolution skills.

APPLICATIONS CLOSE ON Monday 20 January 2025 at 4pm AEST.

Please note: To be considered for this position, candidates must address all selection criteria. Those who do not address the selection criteria with examples will not be considered.

Applications generated using Artificial Intelligence (AI) may not be progressed in the recruitment process.

Preferred applicants will be required to undertake a pre-employment medical, which includes a drug and alcohol screening and functional assessment. Preferred applicants may be subject to reference checks, driving history checks, qualification checks, a NSW Police Check, a Working with Children check and confirmation of your Right to Work in Australia.

You must be an Australian or New Zealand Citizen or a permanent resident or have the right to live and work in Australia to apply for this position.

Lithgow City Council

The Lithgow local government area is located on the western edge of the majestic Blue Mountains. The area totals 4,567 square kilometres from the Capertee and Wolgan Valleys in the north, Little Hartley in the east, Tarana in the south and Meadow Flat in the west. 

The major urban centre of Lithgow nestles in a valley of that name, overlooked by the sandstone escarpments of the Blue Mountains. In the addition to the major urban centre of Lithgow, the Lithgow local government area has 12 villages with mining or farming backgrounds. These smaller centres have proven to be a attractive rural residential areas which, along with the broader rural areas offer a truly unique lifestyle that harmonises its urban, industrial and rural qualities.

Council is focused on delivering quality services as a Centre of Regional Excellence that encourages community growth and development, and contributes to the efficient and effective management of the environment, community and economy for present and future generations. 

The guiding principles of integrity, resilience, respect and accountability define how Lithgow City Council strengthen its working environment to deliver on the aspirations of our community. For further details on Council's values, please visit https://council.lithgow.com