Environmental Operations Team Leader

A great lifestyle in a treasured environment, this is life at PSC

The opportunity

Our Natural Systems team are dedicated to improving environmental outcomes across Port Stephens, combining Environmental Operations, Environmental Strategy, and Environmental Planning. They are experts in their field and thrive through creative problem solving, with a practical and balanced approach when assisting both Council and the Community in addressing critical environmental issues. 

We're on the lookout for a Team Leader to provide leadership and practical, plain language advice, within our Environmental Operations team. Overseen by our Natural Systems Coordinator, and housed within our greater Strategy & Environment Section, our Environmental Operations team includes the Team Leader, an Environmental Operations Officer, and two Invasive Species Officers. 

Outside of providing direction and support to your team, your key focus will be on developing, implementing, reviewing and reporting on strategies, policies, plans, programs and projects, to ensure the effective management of Council's Natural Areas and Invasive Species in Port Stephens. You will play a crucial part in overseeing the Natural Area Management works, including project management, budgeting, contractor management and reporting. 

This is a permanent opportunity – working full-time working 35 hours / week + access to a flexible working arrangement Base Salary Range: $93,424 to $109,907 pa based on 35 hours / week + 12% superannuation + commuter use vehicle + $2,464 retention allowance  You will be working from PSC Administration Building, Raymond Terrace

Some of the key responsibilities within this role are listed below however you can view the full list here – view the position description.

Ensure strategies, policies, projects and programs are identified, developed and implemented in accordance with relevant legislation and PSC's strategic priorities Identify, develop and manage grant applications to secure funding support for plans, strategies, projects and programs to manage Council's Natural Areas and Invasive Species Oversee the Natural Area Management works including project management, budgeting, contractor management and reporting Support your team with regard to direction and advice in accordance with Council's strategic priorities, the Biosecurity Act, Local Government Act, and other relevant legislation

We're all about putting the right people, in the right role Here's what we're looking for:

A tertiary qualification in Conservation Land Management, Environmental Resource Management, Environmental Science or demonstrated equivalent. Demonstrated experience in the development, implementation, review and reporting of strategies, policies, projects and programs related to bush regeneration / natural area management and biosecurity management.  Demonstrated ability to manage staff and lead a multidisciplinary project team Demonstrated experience in the preparation, securing and administration of grants and acquittals Demonstrated project and contractor management skills including tendering, procurement, and budget management Knowledge of local flora (including plant identification skills), fauna and ecological issues. Computer literacy with experience in Geographic Information Systems and field mapping techniques

This is life at PSC

Work/Life balance with generous leave entitlements, flexible work options and leave in lieu  Long service leave when you've been with us for just over 5 years Health & Wellbeing leave to recharge when you need it  Industry leading Paid Parental Leave accessible for all employees – regardless of how you became a parent, we offer 14 weeks that can be taken within 2 years from the birth, adoption, or long-term foster care of your child. PSCare Day available to all employees to take in addition to your regular leave entitlements Confidential support (including mental health) through our employee assistance program Award winning health and wellbeing program PSCare, Workers Health Initiative with access to a broad range of gyms in the area, and discounted health insurance Free parking on site and a convenient local shopping centre Coffee and food to keep you sustained at our on-site café And lots more…

Enough about us, we want to hear about you So tell us about…

Provide an example that demonstrates your expertise in Natural Area Management and knowledge of Biosecurity

Ready to Apply? Here's what you need to know

Applications Close: Midnight, Sunday, 12 October 2025 Contact: Kate Drinan, Natural Systems Coordinator, on For information on our recruitment process, and what we look for in an application, please visit our Careers page on our website for 'How to Apply' To complete your online application, you will be asked to upload a copy of your resume and provide responses to questions which are based on the criteria listed in the Position Description and our organisation Values We're a 2024 Circle Back Initiative Employer – we commit to respond to every applicant We've partnered with the Veterans Employment Program to support veterans finding suitable, sustainable and meaningful employment Port Stephens Council adheres to the principles of a child safe organisation and supports children and young people having safe and welcoming experience in our community, accessing our facilities and in our care We acknowledge the Worimi as the original Custodians and inhabitants of Port Stephens. May we walk the road to tomorrow with mutual respect and admiration as we care for the beautiful land and waterways together

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