Otago Regional Waste Officer Permanent Full Time Otago's local authorities are looking to appoint a talented Regional Waste Officer. We are looking for someone with a background in environmental management, policy, communications, and community engagement. You will be great with people and passionate about sustainability, the environment, and keeping Otago beautiful.

Working alongside the teams at the Otago Regional Council, Dunedin City Council, Queenstown Lakes, Central Otago, Waitaki, and Clutha District Councils, the Regional Waste Officer will contribute to, and where appropriate lead, the development of a strategic approach to working together as a region to minimise and manage waste, optimise outcomes, and increase the range of possible solutions available to individual Councils. The Otago Regional Waste Officer is a new position responsible for co-ordinating opportunities and activity to guide Otago's councils towards a low emission, low waste region built upon a circular economy. The successful applicant will provide strategic and technical advice on matters of waste minimisation, having regard to local, regional and national plans and strategies.

The Regional Waste Officer will be employed by the Dunedin City Council Waste and Environmental Solutions Business Unit on behalf of Otago's six local authorities.  Key Objectives   Facilitate ongoing engagement across Otago council's waste teams. Assist the group to scope, prioritise, and deliver opportunities for a regional waste minimisation and management programme.

Assist Otago's councils to efficiently respond to, and benefit from, changes to central government policy and investment priorities. Undertake and/or commission and manage research projects on behalf of the group. Manage joint funding agreements for joint projects on behalf of the group.

Provide regular progress update reports to the Otago Chief Executives Forum and Otago Mayoral Forum. Increase elected members' engagement, understanding, and support for regional waste minimisation and management issues, opportunities, and initiatives. Support councils to increasingly co-ordinate strategic and investment planning across the region.

Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders including WasteMinz, Ministry for Environment, and Otago Regional Council. Ideally you will have A Post-graduate qualification in a related field Proven ability to communicate effectively with groups and individuals at all levels, give presentations, demonstrations, and influence behaviour change. Previous experience with developing policy and strategies Previous experience in facilitating meetings and workshops Demonstrated leadership experience and enthusiasm, be approachable, relatable, organised, and able to motivate and facilitate active participation in waste minimisation programmes In addition to the above, you will have good planning and organisational skills, good written and oral communication skills, and the ability to.