Principal Environmental Risk Officer

Principal Environment Risk Officer (Contract)
$60-$70 p/h + super | Full-time (Mon–Fri)
8–10 week coverage | Preston location

About the Opportunity Join Council as a Principal Environment Risk Officer to lead contamination and environmental risk management.
You’ll develop and implement a contamination management framework, maintain the contaminated land register, and ensure compliance with the Environment Protection Act 2017,  while providing expert advice on climate and environmental risks across the organisation.
You’ll also provide specialist guidance to internal stakeholders, oversee a direct report, and work across multidisciplinary teams to achieve best‑practice, community‑focused outcomes.

What You’ll Do

• Finalise and implement the Land Contamination Management Framework across Council
• Develop and maintain the contaminated land register(owned/managed sites)
• Provide expert advice on contamination, environmental mediation and climate risk
• Lead compliance with the Environment Protection Act 2017 and related statutes
• Develop and monitor Contamination Management Plans and risk assessments
• Map buffers for sensitive uses and recommend risk treatments for contaminated sites
• Procure and manage consultants; prepare reports, briefs and business cases
• Build strategic partnerships with EPA, state agencies, other councils and community
• Lead safe work practices for contaminated sites; uphold OH&S standards and training

About You (Key Selection Criteria)

• Tertiary qualification in environmental management/science, contamination, sustainability or related field(or equivalent experience)
• Industry experience in contaminated land, EPA requirements and environmental duties for contaminated sites
• Working knowledge of the Planning and Environment Act 1987 and how it relates to contaminated land
• Experience in environmental & climate risk mitigation within a council or complex stakeholder context
• Strong project management(scoping, risk, budgeting, timelines, delivery)
• Excellent stakeholder engagement across multidisciplinary teams; clear written and verbal communication
• Ability to research, analyse and translate technical information into accessible advice and reports
• Sound OH&S knowledge, including safe work on contaminated sites and hazard management
• Leadership capability to direct a reporting officer and supervise consultants/contractors

Nice to have:
Local government experience; experience with strategic asset, capital delivery or planning referrals.
Governance, OH&S & Climate Commitments

• Model ethical conduct and confidentiality; support inclusive, safe workplaces
• Comply with OH&S legislation, policies and safe work procedures; monitor hazards and ensure training
• Align work with Council’s Climate Emergency / Sustainability commitments and social & sustainable procurement

Role Details & Requirements

• Location: Preston
• Hours: Full-time, Monday–Friday
• Rate:$60 p/h + super
• Term: 8–10 weeks (contract/coverage)
• Reports: 1 direct report (Climate & Environment Risk Officer); project teams and consultants

Pre‑employment & ongoing requirements:

• Satisfactory Police Check and Working With Children Check
• Proof of work rights and identity
• Health declaration/functional assessment(role‑related)

Apply now for this exiting opportunity!

Please note: Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. 


At Chandler Macleod, we are committed to fostering a diverse workforce where everyone is welcome. We encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, women, neurodiverse, people living with a disability and the LGBTIQA+ community.

You can read more about our commitment to diversity and inclusion at https://www.chandlermacleod.com/diversity-and-inclusion.