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Sustainability Officer

City of Perth • Australia • Added on Jun 9, 2026
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As a Sustainability Officer for the City of Perth, you will be the driving force behind the practical implementation of the capital city’s ambitious ten-year sustainability strategy. You will own the transition from high-level policy to on-the-ground action, managing diverse projects that touch everything from internal business processes to community-wide environmental initiatives. Your goal is to simplify complex green objectives into actionable project proposals and business cases that gain genuine traction.

This role matters because the City of Perth serves as a lighthouse for Western Australia’s urban future. By embedding environmental and social outcomes into one of the country’s most prominent local government entities, you directly influence the livability and resilience of a major metropolitan hub. You aren’t just filing reports; you are shaping the climate-readiness of the infrastructure and spaces used by thousands of residents and visitors every day.

This suits someone who possesses a balanced mix of technical sustainability knowledge and the interpersonal savvy required to navigate government landscapes. You should be comfortable moving between data-driven research and community-facing engagement.

Job FAQs

What are the main missions and responsibilities of this role?

Under the guidance of the Sustainability Lead, you will take charge of researching and implementing a variety of green initiatives. This involves translating the broader 2022–2032 Sustainability Strategy into specific, manageable projects with clear outcomes. You will be responsible for the full lifecycle of these initiatives, including drafting professional business cases, handling procurement processes, and evaluating project success. A significant portion of your time will be spent developing programs that increase sustainability awareness across both council staff and the local Perth community.

Key learning opportunities for this job

Working within a Capital City authority provides a rare window into the complexities of urban sustainability governance. You will gain deep experience in how environmental policy is integrated into public procurement and municipal decision-making frameworks. There is also significant potential to sharpen your skills in public-sector project management and stakeholder psychology. Learning to influence elected members and diverse community groups will build a robust toolkit for any future career in government or large-scale corporate ESG departments.

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

The ideal candidate brings a tertiary qualification in a field like Environmental Science, Engineering, or Sustainability, paired with a proven track record of delivering projects. You should be able to demonstrate an ability to manage budgets and timelines effectively within a structured organizational environment. Strong soft skills are essential; the City looks for someone who can translate technical environmental data into compelling narratives for non-experts. Experience in community engagement or local government is highly regarded, as you will need to understand the unique pressures of public service delivery.

Advice to stand out and make a successful application

To stand out, your application should lead with concrete examples of projects you have managed from inception to completion. Use your cover letter to explicitly address the Selection Criteria mentioned in the recruitment pack, as local governments often use strict scoring rubrics based on these requirements. Align your personal values with the City's pillars of commitment and teamwork. Demonstrating that you understand the specific geographical and economic challenges of Perth, such as water conservation or urban heat, will show a level of preparation and local insight that generic applications lack.

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

The role is heavily weighted toward the execution of the Sustainability Strategy 2022–2032. This likely involves a triple-bottom-line focus, balancing environmental protection with social equity and regional economic vitality. You could expect to work on projects related to waste reduction, energy efficiency in civic buildings, and promoting biodiversity within Perth’s laneways and parks. A key focus is 'revitalising and enhancing' public spaces to ensure they remain functional and resilient in a changing climate.

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

The most significant challenge will be navigating the administrative and political layers of a government organization. Securing buy-in for new initiatives requires patience and the ability to justify sustainability costs through long-term economic and social value. You may also face the challenge of managing diverse community expectations. Balancing the needs of residents, business owners, and tourists requires high-level diplomacy and emotional intelligence to ensure that sustainability goals do not conflict with immediate urban development needs.

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

A typical day might begin with a team briefing to track the progress of ongoing environmental audits or infrastructure projects. You could spend your mid-morning drafting a project proposal for a new community solar or recycling scheme, ensuring all financial and technical details are meticulous. In the afternoon, you might host a workshop for internal staff to build awareness of the City's carbon goals or meet with external contractors to discuss a procurement requirement. Your day usually ends with administrative reporting or responding to community inquiries regarding the City's environmental performance.

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

This role offers a clear path toward more senior leadership within the Planning and Sustainability department. Success here demonstrates a capacity for strategic implementation, which is highly transferable to roles such as Sustainability Lead or Strategic Planner. There is also the opportunity to represent the City in inter-council forums and national sustainability networks. This external visibility can lead to specialist roles in urban resilience or ESG advisory, as you will have proven your ability to deliver results in a high-profile public setting.

The main stakeholders you might be interacting with

You will report directly to the Sustainability Lead and work alongside professional colleagues in the Planning and Sustainability team. Frequent collaboration with the Infrastructure and Community Development departments will be necessary to embed sustainability into their specific workflows. External interactions will include Perth residents and business owners, as well as specialized contractors and state government agencies. You will also occasionally provide information and reports that support the decision-making of the City's Elected Members.

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