Waste Manager

About The Opportunity

At Port Macquarie-Hastings Council, our Waste Services team plays a vital role in delivering sustainable waste management and resource recovery services that support the health, wellbeing, and environmental sustainability of the community. As the region continues to grow, Council is focused on driving innovation, operational excellence, and long-term sustainability across its waste operations and infrastructure.

We are looking for a Waste Manager to lead the delivery of Council’s waste services, oversee operational and contract performance, and provide strategic and technical leadership across waste management and resource recovery operations. This role will support the delivery of safe, compliant, and efficient services while leading a high-performing team focused on continuous improvement and community outcomes.

On a Typical Day This Role Will

• Lead the operational delivery of Council’s waste management and resource recovery services, ensuring compliance with legislative, regulatory, and environmental requirements.
• Oversee waste operations including collection, transfer stations, landfill operations, and associated projects to ensure efficient and sustainable service delivery.
• Manage waste contracts and service providers to achieve required service levels, operational performance, and value for money outcomes.
• Provide professional engineering and operational advice to support waste operations, projects, and service improvements.
• Monitor budgets, operational costs, and project delivery to support long-term financial sustainability and identify efficiency opportunities.
• Support and guide staff through leadership, mentoring, coaching, and performance management to foster a positive and high-performing team culture.
• Liaise with stakeholders including contractors, government agencies, industry representatives, Council staff, and the community to achieve desired outcomes.
• Prepare reports, environmental documentation, and briefings for Council, Committees, and senior leadership.
• Drive a strong safety and risk-aware culture, ensuring compliance with WHS legislation, environmental obligations, and Council policies.
• Participate in after-hours and on-call services where required to support operational continuity.

To Be Successful In The Role You Will Have

• Degree qualifications in Engineering, Environmental Science, or another relevant discipline and/or demonstrated experience relevant to the role.
• Proven experience within the municipal waste management sector, including waste collection, transfer stations, landfill operations, and resource recovery services.
• Strong leadership experience with the ability to manage, coach, and develop teams while driving operational performance and service outcomes.
• Demonstrated experience managing operational services, budgets, contracts, and achieving KPI and operational plan outcomes.
• Strong understanding of WHS legislation, environmental compliance, and risk management practices.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including report writing and stakeholder engagement capabilities.
• Proven ability to manage competing priorities, respond to operational challenges, and deliver outcomes in a complex environment.
• Current Class C Driver Licence and the ability to participate in an after-hours on-call roster.

Remuneration And Benefits

Employment type: Permanent, full-time role (35 hours per week plus flextime)

Salary: Starting from $129,671.65 to $145,124.67 per year depending on skills and experience plus 12% super

Allowances: Civil liability and on call allowance

This role also qualifies for a leaseback vehicle or allowance

Benefits

• Flexible work arrangements - hybrid working and flexitime
• Discounted gym membership through membership to Fitness Passport
• Annual uniform allowance and PPE provided
• Career development opportunities
• Annual salary increase as per the Local Government (State) Award 2023 plus annual salary review
• Long service leave after 5 years
• Generous employee assistance program
• Salary packaging options available through Salary Packaging Australia and Maxxia
• Recognition through our annual awards ceremony celebrating and rewarding staff achievements

Questions?

If you would like to know more about this opportunity or have any questions about the role please contact Brent Parker, Group Manager Utilities Operations on 0437 569 005.

Interested in Applying?

Please complete the application form below and answer the questions which relate to the essential requirements found in the position description, then upload a copy of your resume and cover letter.

You will find the position description when you apply for the role.

You may find it helpful to write your response to the questions in a word document then copy/paste this into the application form once you are ready to submit your application.

Applications Close: Sunday the 21st of June 2026 at 11.30pm

Notes

Suitable candidates may be placed on a talent pool or eligibility list for future identical, or similar positions for a period of 12 months.

Please upload documents in PDF format.

We often ask our preferred applicants to complete pre-employment checks. This may include Reference Checks; National Criminal Police Check; Medical Assessment; Qualification Verification; Working with Children Check Verification.

PMHC's recruitment notification process is primarily via system generated emails. Please ensure your email is correct before submitting an application to avoid missing crucial updates and outcomes. Email communication notifications are used for but not limited to: application received, interview booking tools, confirmation of interview, request for references/more information, delay notifications, testing/assessments (aptitude/psychometric/industry specific) and application outcomes (unsuccessful before or after interview).

Please regularly check your 'junk mail' or ensure our email address ***email_hidden*** and [email protected] is set to 'trustworthy'.

Port Macquarie Hastings Council adheres to the principles of a child safe organisation and is committed to the care and protection of all children and young people.