• Lead the team shaping Coffs Harbour's future resilience — from biodiversity to coastal and flood management.
• Drive strategic environmental planning that protects our natural assets and supports a thriving, sustainable city.
• Be the expert voice guiding environmental policies for the City.

About the role

The Team Leader Biodiversity, Coastal and Flooding plays a pivotal leadership role within the Sustainable Places Group, driving the development, delivery and continuous improvement of biodiversity, coastal/estuarine and flood‑related strategies, policies and outcomes. Operating within the City's strategic planning framework and relevant NSW legislation, this role leads a specialist team, provides expert technical advice, coordinates stakeholder engagement in environmental planning and contributes to high‑level reporting and decision‑making. The position ensures the effective integration of environmental planning into local strategy, and fosters a high‑performance team culture focused on delivering sustainable outcomes for the community and natural environment.

About you

You're a strategic thinker and experienced environmental professional who thrives on leading people, shaping policy and delivering high‑impact outcomes for the community. With a strong background in either biodiversity, coastal/estuarine or floodplain management, you bring deep technical expertise backed by demonstrated experience interpreting and applying NSW environmental and local government legislation.

You're an empowering leader who knows how to motivate a team, manage workloads, and foster a high‑performance culture grounded in collaboration and accountability. Your communication skills are exceptional - whether you're preparing detailed reports, engaging with the community or stakeholders, advising Council, or representing the City in formal settings.

You enjoy working across complex projects, balancing environmental, social and economic considerations, and navigating challenges with innovative and solutions‑focused thinking. Detail‑driven yet adaptable, you're comfortable managing multiple priorities, coordinating stakeholders, and ensuring policies and strategies align with the City's broader planning framework.

Above all, you care deeply about sustainability, continuous improvement, and creating positive outcomes for the natural environment, the organisation, and the community.

What's on offer?

• Competitive Salary (from $119k to $129k) + 12% superannuation + other benefits depending on experience and capabilities.
• Permanent Full Time 35 hours per week
• Brand new office location at Yarrila Place!
• Flex time, flexible work arrangements and generous leave entitlements!
• Access to a leaseback vehicle - negotiable!
• Scope for performance-based salary increases.
• Numerous benefits as outlined here!

About us

The City of Coffs Harbour strives to ensure the community and visitors can enjoy and grow the City's opportunities. We empower our people to innovate and work collaboratively with accountability and respect at the core of our approach. This is an excellent opportunity to be a part of a dynamic organisation and a thriving community in one of NSW's most beautiful regions. Check out the benefits of living on the Coffs Coast

Hear from our General Manager, Murray "Muz" Wood, on why a career at the City may be right for you!

Want to chat?

Please reach out to Marcy Mills, Section Leader Local Planning on marcelle.mills@chcc.nsw.gov.au or via phone 02 6648 4656 to discuss the role in more detail.

If you have any queries around or require specific assistance or adjustments with any aspect of the application/recruitment process, please reach out to our Talent Acquisition Team via email at recruitment@chcc.nsw.gov.au

Want to apply?

The application process and further details, including the Position Description, can be found below.

Applications are to be submitted by 9pm (AEST, NSW) on the advertised closing date.

The City of Coffs Harbour is dedicated to fostering an inclusive and respectful workplace based on the principles of employment equity and diversity. We actively encourage applications from individuals from diverse backgrounds, regardless of race, religion, nationality, gender, sexual orientation, age, veteran or disability status.