Senior Catchment Officer

About the Cooks River Alliance
Established in 2011, the Cooks River Alliance is a partnership between Bayside, Inner West, Canterbury-Bankstown, and Strathfield councils and Sydney Water. Hosted by Canterbury-Bankstown Council, the Alliance works collaboratively to restore and protect the Cooks River. 

Despite its challenges—pollution, habitat loss, intense urbanisation, and significant modification—the Cooks River remains a vital blue-green corridor for native biodiversity and community wellbeing. Thanks to decades of community and councils’ efforts, the river has seen significant improvements since the 1980s. But there’s much still to do.

The Role
As Senior Catchment Officer, you’ll lead major initiatives to improve the health and management of the Cooks River. You’ll have high autonomy to manage the implement the Cooks River Integrated Master Plan, using best practice and web-based digital tools to enhance whole-of-river management. You’ll also finalise the Cooks River Catchment Coastal Management Program, now in its final development stage.

You’ll work within a passionate, supportive team and collaborate closely with professionals from the Alliance’s member organisations, the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW), and other stakeholders.

Duties will include but not be limited to:

• Coordinate the completion of the Cooks River Catchment Coastal Management Program.Lead the development of the Cooks River Master Plan on behalf of member organisations and the community.
• Provide technical advice on urban river management to member organisations and stakeholders.
• Identify, apply for, and manage grants and other funding sources for Alliance projects.
• Manage projects and programs on behalf of the Cooks River Alliance, including planning, delivery, contract management, and reporting.
• Support member organisations in developing ‘grant-ready’ river-related projects.
• Lead Alliance working groups and committees involving internal and external stakeholders

For a full list of duties, click here to review the position description.

You will have:

• Tertiary qualifications in Environmental Management, science, planning or equivalent experience in a relevant discipline or an equivalent combination of relevant experience and/or education/training
• Minimum 5 years’ experience in environmental management, catchment management, planning, environmental engineering or other relevant discipline
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience in catchment management
• Extensive experience in project management and planning, contract administration, budget management, grant management and program delivery
• Extensive experience in managing complex partnership projects
• Experience in the use of digital spatial platforms for the creation and interrogation of datasets, and for information management purposes
• Ability to plan and organise own time to meet project outcomes
• Understanding and experience of local government
• Solid communication skills, ability to work in a multidisciplinary team and to engage with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders
• Excellent Microsoft Office Skills

Desirable Experience:

• Experience interpreting and applying relevant legislation and policy.
• Demonstrable knowledge of coastal management.
• Familiarity with back-end website management, including the ability to maintain and update content on an established website platform

The salary range for this opportunity commences at $104,465 (Grade H, Step1) + 12 % super. Salary may be negotiable dependent on skills and experience.

What’s on offer

• Temporary Full time opportunity (35 hours per week) – up to July 2029
• Contribute to making a positive impact on our community.
• An investment in your professional growth, fostering continuous learning and development opportunities.
• Access to our employee Health and Wellbeing Programs.

For more information, please contact Andrew Thomas at Andrew.thomas@cbcity.nsw.gov.au

How to Apply:

You will need to submit your application via the ‘Apply’ button below and create a login using your email address and upload a;

• Resume; and
• Cover Letter explaining your suitability for the role with demonstrated examples of proficiency claimed.

Applications close at 11:59 pm on Sunday, 24 August 2025

CBCity is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing a working environment that embraces and values diversity and inclusion. We want our workplace to reflect the diverse community we serve. We encourage applications from all backgrounds, experiences and abilities; this includes people with disability, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, the LGBTQIA+ community and people from culturally diverse backgrounds. 

If you require support with your application and throughout the recruitment process, please contact the Talent Management Team at recruitment@cbcity.nsw.gov.au

Successful applicants may be required to undertake a Criminal History Check, Medical and/or Working with Children Check in accordance with the position.   

Applicants must hold an Australian citizenship, permanent residency, or possess a valid work permit/visa with full unrestricted working rights to be eligible.