Environmental Regulatory Compliance Officer 

Reference Number: 13627

Salary Range: $73,192.58 - $83,159.75 per annum

Location: 119 - 145 Spence Street, Cairns -QLD

Applications Close: Friday, 6 August 2021 

Advance your career in Local Government and enjoy the perks that come with it such as a 9 day fortnight, generous superannation contributions (up to 12%), training opportunities, up to 5 weeks annaul leave and access to disounted health and well-being memberships (gym / pools).  

Situated in tropical North Queensland, Cairns is a thriving vibrant city framed by world class attractions such as the World Heritage listed Great Barrier Reef, Wet Tropics - Daintree Rainforest and nearby Atherton Tablelands and outback Savannah regions.  Cairns Regional Council is one of the largest employers in the region servicing a population of over 165,000 across an area of nearly 1700km2 from Bramston Beach to Palm Cove. 

With our purpose to "serve the community" we are committed to delivering high quality services which means we need talented, committed people - we need you!  

We now have an exciting opportunity for a dedicated, experienced and suitably qualified professional to join our Regulatory Services team now. 

The primary objectives of the position are:  

• Provide effective, efficient and professional regulatory compliance which adheres to the processes and technical requirements of the Planning Act 2016, Building Act 1975, Environmental Protection Act 1994, Local Government Act 2009 and other relevant legislation.
• Undertake duties relating to investigation of environmental and development compliance matters where the activities are designated as Local Government’s responsibilities under the Environmental Protection Act 1994 and Planning Act 2016.
• Apply sound technical knowledge and experience when undertaking complaint investigations in accordance with legislative requirements relating to complex, sensitive and high profile offences.
• Provide expert advice to Supervisor, Coordinator and Manager through sound technical knowledge and experience of relevant legislation.  Ensure customers receive the highest level of service and professional advice during the compliance investigation process.
• Ensure that the corporate, operational, and strategic objectives of the Cairns Regional Council and the Planning & Environment Department are met through competent and professional fulfilment of assigned duties. 

Qualifications, attributes and experience required for this position are:  

• Bachelor of Environmental Science or another degree in an environmentally related profession accepted by the Chief Executive Officer.
• Class “C” class Driver’s Licence.
• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of the Building Act 1975, Building Code of Australia, Local Government Act 2009, the Environmental Protection Act 1994, Planning Act 2016, Councils Planning Scheme and the relationship between each law and their application in the enforcement process.
• Demonstrated ability and experience in interpreting complex legislation and in undertaking inspections, investigations and investigative report writing in relation to complex/high risk offences within a multi-disciplinary team.
• Demonstrated ability of a high level of organisational skills with an ability to work at a high level of independence with minimum supervision.
• Demonstrated experience in compliance, inspections and complaints investigations.
• Experience in use of computer records, including property and geographic information systems and the ability to interpret and apply information from those systems to the investigative process.
• Demonstrated ability to follow approved procedures and exercise initiative and judgement when required.
• Excellent time management and organisational skills with the proven ability to establish priorities and monitor workflow within area of responsibility both independently and as part of a team and legislative timeframes.
• Excellent interpersonal skills including the ability to use judgment, initiative and discretion to liaise and negotiate with both internal and external stakeholders whilst providing expert advice to resolve complex matters.
• Demonstrated conflict resolution skills whilst maintaining a courteous and diplomatic manner, particularly in volatile situations.
• Demonstrated ability to relate well within a dedicated team and work productively as a team member.
• Demonstrated ability in a high level of communication skills, including excellent report writing, letter writing, telephone negotiation, and interpersonal skills.

How to Apply:

Your application must be submitted online and must consist of the following:

• Cover Letter addressing the three main elements as detailed in the full selection criteria.
• Copy of your Resume.

Applications not addressing the full selection criteria will not be accepted.

Pre-Employment Assessment: 

As part of the selection process applicants may be required to undertake some or all of the following pre‑employment assessments / checks:-  

• Pre‑employment medical, which will include a functional capacity assessment and drug and alcohol test.
• National police / criminal history check.
• Practical Assessment
• Numeracy and Literacy Assessment
• Computer Skills Assessment
• Qualification / Licence Verification
• Working with Children & Young People (Blue Card) Verification
• Right to Work in Australia Check
• Directorship Check

Employment Eligibility:

To be eligible to apply for a position at Cairns Regional Council, you must fulfil one of the following criteria:-

• Permanent resident of Australia
• Australian Citizen
• New Zealand Citizen
• Entitlement to work visa