--- title: Senior Sustainability Advisor canonical: https://csrjobs.club/jobs/mackay-regional-council-senior-sustainability-advisor-edyv locale: en description: Mackay Regional Council is hiring a Senior Sustainability Advisor on CSR Jobs. Discover this in-house sustainability role and apply today. updated: 2026-09-28 company: Mackay Regional Council country: Australia contract: Full time seniority: Senior missions: Strategic planning, ESG reporting, Stakeholders engagement, Corporate Carbon Footprint job_type: Sustainability Manager, Climate & Biodiversity Manager posted: 2026-09-28 valid_through: 2026-11-28 apply: https://www.linkedin.com/jobs/view/4470836159 source: CSR Jobs --- # Senior Sustainability Advisor This senior advisory role oversees the implementation of the Environmental Sustainability Strategy for one of Queensland’s most critical regional hubs. You will direct climate resilience initiatives and carbon management projects while providing high-level technical guidance to internal departments. Your daily focus centers on moving the needle from policy development to operational reality, ensuring the council’s growth remains environmentally responsible. The position is key because Mackay serves as a gateway to major resource sectors and hosts a unique, biodiverse coastal ecosystem. By leading sustainability efforts here, you directly influence how a fast-growing regional economy balances industrial significance with the preservation of pristine beaches and rainforests. It is a rare chance to execute **meaningful climate risk assessments** that impact over 120,000 residents. This suits someone who is a skilled navigator of local government dynamics and possesses the technical rigor to handle complex carbon reporting. You should be comfortable translating strategic environmental goals into compelling business cases for diverse community stakeholders. ## Job FAQs ### What are the main missions and responsibilities of this role? The primary mission is to serve as the lead architect for the **Environmental Sustainability Strategy**, ensuring it moves from a conceptual document to a series of measurable outcomes. You will own the council’s approach to climate resilience and energy management, providing the technical backbone for corporate sustainability reporting. Beyond strategy, you are responsible for conducting **climate risk assessments** and identifying decarbonization opportunities across council operations. This involves developing strong business cases and policies that integrate sustainable practices into the long-term planning of the region. ### Key learning opportunities for this job You will gain deep expertise in **regional climate adaptation** within a unique geographic context that includes both heavy industry and sensitive natural environments. The role offers exposure to sophisticated carbon accounting and climate risk frameworks tailored for the public sector. Additionally, there are significant opportunities to lead **cross-functional project teams**, improving your skills in change management and large-scale public policy implementation. The council also provides professional development and study assistance to support your technical growth. ### How does the ideal candidate look like (experience, skills)? The ideal candidate is a seasoned professional with a degree in **Environmental Science or Planning** and a track record of delivering sustainability outcomes in complex organizational settings. You need a sharp analytical mind to interpret environmental data and translate it into actionable recommendations. Soft skills are just as vital; we look for a **trusted advisor** who can negotiate and influence at all levels. Experience within the Australian local government sector is highly desirable, as is a deep understanding of QLD environmental legislation and climate reporting standards. ### Advice to stand out and make a successful application Focus your application on concrete examples where you have successfully bridged the gap between **high-level strategy** and on-the-ground operational changes. Highlighting your experience with climate risk frameworks will be particularly relevant given the region's coastal vulnerability. Because this role sits within Strategic Planning, emphasize your ability to write persuasive **business cases and council reports**. Demonstrating an understanding of Mackay's specific economic environment, balancing sugar production and mining with environmental conservation, will set you apart. ### What aspects of the company's sustainability is this role likely to focus on? The role focuses heavily on **climate resilience and energy management**, reflecting the council's need to protect its coastal assets and reduce its operational footprint. You will likely spend significant time on carbon reduction projects and corporate reporting. There is also a strong social-environmental link, focusing on **community awareness** and ensuring that the natural environment, from rainforests to beaches, is preserved amidst rapid population growth and industrial activity. ### What are the main challenges someone in this role might face? One of the main challenges is balancing the **buoyant industrial economy** of the region with ambitious sustainability goals. You may face competing priorities between rapid urban growth and environmental conservation efforts. Additionally, driving **behavioral change** across a large organization with diverse departments requires persistence. You will need to build high levels of internal buy-in to ensure sustainability isn't viewed as a siloed function but as a core part of organizational decision-making. ### How could a typical day look like for someone in this position? A typical day might begin with reviewing **energy consumption data** or progress on a carbon reduction project, followed by a meeting with urban planners to discuss climate resilience in new developments. You could spend the afternoon drafting a briefing paper for senior management on emerging sustainability trends. Interactions are varied, ranging from technical discussions with environmental engineers to **collaborative workshops** with community engagement officers. Your day is a mix of strategic desk work and active internal advocacy. ### What are the opportunities for professional growth and development in this role? This role offers a clear path toward **executive leadership** in environmental planning or corporate sustainability. Given the seniority, you will have high visibility with the council's leadership team, providing a platform to demonstrate strategic impact. The council’s commitment to **continuous learning** and leadership training means you can evolve from a technical expert into a broader strategic manager. Lateral moves into specialized planning or growth management are also potential avenues for development. ### The main stakeholders you might be interacting with You will interact daily with the **Strategic Planning and Growth** teams, as well as department heads across the council. Your role involves providing expert advice to elected officials and senior executives to shape regional policy. External engagement is also key, involving **state government agencies**, local industry partners in the sugar and mining sectors, and various community groups. Building strong relationships with these diverse groups is essential for the successful delivery of sustainability initiatives. --- Source: https://csrjobs.club/jobs/mackay-regional-council-senior-sustainability-advisor-edyv