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Sustainability Strategy Officer

Bayside City Council • Australia • Added on Jul 8, 2026
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This role bridges the gap between high-level policy and on-the-ground environmental performance for a prominent local government. You will take ownership of the council’s sustainability data, overseeing utility reconciliation and emissions tracking while translating these insights into actionable strategies. Beyond simply managing numbers, you will lead infrastructure projects that modernise public assets and improve resource efficiency.

Working for a coastal municipality like Bayside means your efforts directly protect a unique natural environment and prepare local communities for climate resilience. By optimising energy and water use across council operations, you play a vital role in reducing the local carbon footprint and ensuring that public open spaces remain vibrant and sustainable for over 100,000 residents.

This suits someone who possesses a strong analytical mind for environmental data coupled with the project management skills needed to see a strategy through to completion. You should be comfortable influencing internal stakeholders to adopt sustainable practices.

FAQ del ruolo

What are the main missions and responsibilities of this role?

The primary mission is to provide strategic and operational support for the council’s environmental initiatives. You will be responsible for the full lifecycle of sustainability data, including the collection, validation, and analysis of water, gas, and electricity datasets to monitor performance across all operations. Beyond data, you will lead the delivery of specific infrastructure projects aimed at improving resource efficiency and climate resilience. This includes influencing broader organisational policies to ensure that sustainability is embedded into asset management and community programs.

Key learning opportunities for this job

You will gain significant expertise in local government sustainability frameworks, which operate under unique legislative and community-focused constraints. This role provides deep exposure to carbon accounting and the use of specialised energy software platforms like Trellis and Azility. Additionally, you will hone your skills in cross-functional project delivery. Working within the 'Open Space and Environment' team offers a rare chance to see how sustainability data translates into tangible improvements for public parks, infrastructure, and urban planning in a coastal setting.

How does the ideal candidate look like (experience, skills)?

The ideal candidate holds a tertiary degree in environmental science, sustainability, or carbon accounting. Given the analytical nature of the role, you should demonstrate high-level skills in data management and environmental reporting, with the ability to turn complex datasets into clear performance metrics. Soft skills are equally important; the council seeks someone who can work autonomously yet collaboratively. While local government experience is preferred, a background in managing contractors and a sound understanding of climate change principles are the essential building blocks for success here.

Advice to stand out and make a successful application

To stand out, move beyond general sustainability concepts and focus your cover letter on your analytical and data validation skills. Explicitly mention any experience with utility auditing or software like Trellis, as these are specific technical requirements the hiring manager will be looking for. Since this is a council role, emphasise your ability to manage diverse stakeholders and deliver projects that offer community value. Aligning your application with Bayside’s core values—such as 'Find Better Ways'—will demonstrate that you are a cultural fit for their sector-leading ambitions.

What aspects of the company's sustainability is this role likely to focus on?

The role is heavily focused on operational decarbonization and asset resilience. You will spend a significant amount of time on emissions reduction strategies through utility data reconciliation and quality assurance of the council’s energy use. There is also a strong water and biodiversity element. Because Bayside is a coastal municipality, your work on climate-resilient design for open spaces directly impacts the local ecosystem's ability to withstand environmental shifts and extreme weather events.

What are the main challenges someone in this role might face?

One of the main hurdles will be data integrity and reconciliation. Collecting and validating large datasets from various sources can be complex, and ensuring that this data is 'reporting-ready' requires extreme attention to detail and patience. Additionally, influencing organisational culture within a government setting can be challenging. You will need to persuade different departments to prioritise sustainability and resource efficiency over established, traditional operational methods, which requires strong negotiation and evidence-based arguments.

How could a typical day look like for someone in this position?

A typical day might begin with analysing utility consumption trends in a data management platform to identify anomalies in water or energy use. You might then move to a site visit to inspect a sustainability project at a local park or community facility. In the afternoon, you could be drafting a strategic briefing for the Coordinator of Open Space and Environment or meeting with external contractors. Your day concludes with stakeholder engagement, perhaps collaborating with the infrastructure team to integrate sustainable design principles into an upcoming project.

What are the opportunities for professional growth and development in this role?

This position offers a strong pathway into senior sustainability management within the public sector. Because the role covers both high-level strategy and operational project delivery, you will build a versatile portfolio that is highly valued in environmental policy and planning. Bayside City Council emphasises learning and development, providing opportunities for staff to attend workshops and gain certifications. Success in this 12-month term could lead to longer-term roles or higher-level responsibilities in monitoring, evaluation, and climate risk management.

The main stakeholders you might be interacting with

Internal collaboration is key, particularly with the Open Space and Environment team and various department leads involved in infrastructure and asset management. You will act as a consultant to these internal teams to influence policy. Externally, you will manage relationships with utility providers, contractors, and consultants. You may also interact with community groups to ensure that sustainability projects meet the needs and expectations of Bayside's residents.

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