Senior Environmental Adviser in Adelaide

The Senior Environmental Adviser is responsible for ensuring activities of environmental significance are undertaken in compliance with the EP Act. The key functions of the Circular Economy & Waste Branch are Waste Regulation, Regulatory Strategy & Waste Policy, Waste Levy and Container Deposit Scheme & Product Stewardship. The role manages regulatory issues of a complex nature by leading, investigating and providing expert specialist advice to internal and external stakeholders on environmental assessment and/or compliance matters.

The Senior Environmental Adviser provides assistance, guidance and advice on a wide range of environmental assessment and/or compliance matters with limited or no professional direction. The incumbent will contribute to the development, management and maintenance of specialist projects which support the EPA’s Strategic Priorities. The incumbent may be tasked with leading small compliance teams, regulatory assessment teams or project teams.

To be successful in the Senior Environmental Adviser role, you will have:

• Ability to identify priority issues relating to environmental regulation and familiar with key regulatory tools for achieving compliance.
• Ability to lead and supervise small teams and prioritise workload to achieve EPA objectives and environmental outcomes.
• Well-developed verbal and written communication skills.
• Well-developed negotiation, conflict resolution and complex problem-solving skills.
• Experience in assessment and/or control of emissions to the environment.
• Experience in working and effectively communicating with a broad range of individuals and community interest groups.
• Knowledge of Environmental Management Systems.
• Ability to work independently, under limited supervision, exercising significant professional judgement, initiative and drive.
• Ability to work in multi-disciplinary teams and achieve cooperative outcomes.
• Demonstrates specialist/expertise knowledge and experience.
• Ability to undertake research and evaluation.

As South Australia’s independent environmental regulator, the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) plays a key role in protecting people and the environment from harm and supporting sustainable development for the benefit of current and future generations. We work closely with industry, the community and government to protect our unique natural environment while supporting economic growth and improving wellbeing. We aim to be a trusted regulator by adopting best practice regulatory principles in administering South Australia’s environmental laws.

The EPA recognises the importance of balance and wellbeing and offers a range of different flexible working arrangements. These include flexitime (flexible start and finish times), working from home, part time, job share, compressed weeks and purchased leave.

Essential Qualifications, Knowledge or Experience:

• A degree in science, applied science, engineering, environmental management or equivalent.

Desirable Qualifications, Knowledge or Experience:

• Post-graduate qualifications in an environmental related discipline.
• Experience in project management.
• Experience in environmental auditing.
• Experience in achieving compliance with regulation and related policies using environmental regulation.
• Industrial experience preferably as an environmental or EPA liaison officer.
• Knowledge and understanding of the provisions of the EP Act.
• Knowledge of public sector requirements for ethical conduct, OHS&W, Diversity in the Workplace, Equal Employment Opportunity and Performance Management.

This role has been designated as a Position of Trust pursuant to the standards required in the Australian Government Protective Security Policy Framework. A current National Police Clearance is essential. Must be able to become an Authorised Officer under the Environment Protection Act 1993. The incumbent will occasionally be required to travel to sites in country areas and interstate. The incumbent may be required to work out of hours and as the need arises. A current driver’s licence is essential. Vaccinations required: Q Fever, Hepatitis A & B and Tetanus.

At the EPA, we prioritise diversity, equity, and inclusion, ensuring a safe and respectful work environment for everyone. With support from our employees, we focus on access, equality, inclusion and wellbeing in all we do. We welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds including all ages, gender identities, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, those with disabilities, culturally and linguistically diverse communities, and LGBTQIA+ individuals.