Description
SHAPE THE FUTURE OF WASTE AND RESOURCE RECOVERY
Toowoomba Regional Council is seeking a strategic and commercially minded professional to lead the planning and development of waste and resource recovery initiatives across the region.
As Principal Waste Strategy & Planning, you will play a key role in delivering long-term waste strategy, identifying and developing major projects, and guiding investment decisions that support sustainable outcomes for the community.
The Waste Services Branch
Toowoomba Regional Council’s Waste Services Branch manages, operates, and controls the region’s waste management facilities and services. The branch coordinates waste collection services while providing communication and education of waste services to the community.
The team is composed of indoor and outdoor staff that collaboratively offer a wealth of knowledge and experience in different aspects of waste management. Driven by the Council's waste strategy, we believe that setting out the waste and resource recovery needs of the region is an essential service that plays a key role in minimising the environmental impact of waste while enhancing public health.
A positive outlook towards the execution of cutting-edge principles in waste diversion strategies will be a great addition to the team. Working with the team also provides the opportunity for enthusiastic candidates to make a difference and work towards “a Sustainable Tomorrow” for the Toowoomba Region.
About the Role
In this senior position, you will be responsible for developing, planning and managing Council’s waste strategy, programs and projects in alignment with corporate priorities and State and Federal legislation.
You will lead the investigation and development of significant infrastructure and service initiatives, from early-stage strategic assessment through to business case development and transition to delivery.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the development and implementation of Council's waste strategy, programs and projects
- Identify and develop new initiatives aligned with Council’s waste strategy, including securing funding approvals
- Manage major strategic and commercial projects through investigation phases, including defining objectives, outcomes and benefits
- Lead consultants and advisory teams across strategic assessment, preliminary evaluation and business case development
- Prepare and present project recommendations to key stakeholders and decision-makers
- Develop key project documentation, including project charters and management plans, and coordinate transition to delivery
- Support delivery partners to achieve business outcomes and ensure successful integration into operations
- Lead complex procurement and contract development processes
- Oversee strategic initiatives such as landfill master planning, rehabilitation programs, and site selection
- Provide commercial insight to support the effective and efficient management of waste services
About You
You are an experienced professional with a strong background in strategy, infrastructure planning or major project development, ideally within waste, utilities, infrastructure or a related sector.
You bring a combination of strategic thinking, commercial acumen and project leadership, with the ability to work across complex and evolving environments.
You will have:
- Tertiary qualifications in Business, Finance, Commerce, Engineering or a related field
- Significant experience delivering major projects or strategies through investigation phases, including business case development
- Strong analytical, research and problem-solving skills, with the ability to develop clear, evidence-based recommendations
- Excellent communication skills, including report writing and stakeholder presentations
- Experience leading multidisciplinary teams and managing consultants and advisors
- Demonstrated capability in procurement, contract development and project governance
- Ability to operate effectively in complex, uncertain and changing environments
Desirable:
- Project management qualifications (e.g. CPPM, PMP)
- Experience in waste management or resource recovery
Mandatory:
- Current ‘C’ Class Driver’s Licence
- White Card (or willingness to obtain prior to commencement)
What We Offer
- Permanent full-time position based at the Greater Toowoomba Waste Management Centre – Wellcamp
- Salary: $123,226.69 – $138,941.51 per annum + 17.5% leave loading + up to 12.65% super
- Professional development and career progression opportunities
- Salary sacrificing options
- Corporate health insurance discounts
- Fitness Passport access
- Employee Assistance Program for you and your family
- Active social club and wellbeing initiatives
- A strong safety culture – committed to ensuring everyone goes home safe every day
How to Apply
For full details of this position, please ensure you download the Position Description, which provides the position success criteria.
To apply, please send us:
- Your current resume
- A short document (max 2 pages) that explains how you meet the key requirements listed in the Position Description.
For each requirement:
- Use a heading so it’s clear which one you’re talking about.
- Give examples from your own experience – tell us what you did, how you did it, and what happened as a result.
Important: If you don’t respond to each key requirement, your application might not be considered.
The preferred candidate will be required to undertake a Criminal History Check and a pre-employment medical assessment to assess their ability to perform the genuine occupational requirements of the position.
Visit our website www.tr.qld.gov.au/jobs for information on how to apply for jobs at Toowoomba Regional Council. Applicants are encouraged to apply online.
For further information
Please contact Natalie Plumbe on (07) 4688 6946 within business hours.
Closing date
The closing date for applications is 11.45pm Monday 11th May 2026.
Visit our website www.tr.qld.gov.au/jobs for information on how to apply for jobs at Toowoomba Regional Council. Applicants are encouraged to apply online.
About Council
The Toowoomba region is about rich traditions and bold ambitions. Our long and proud agricultural history has evolved Toowoomba into Australia’s second largest inland city supporting diverse townships in the council area and acting as a service centre for South West Qld and North West NSW. The region is boldly forging new opportunities around the Surat Basin resource sector, education, health, transport and massive infrastructure investments. Growth hasn’t come at the expense of liveability though, with Toowoomba twice voted in the top 5 most family friendly cities in Australia.
Toowoomba Regional Council services a regional population of 178,500 and employs a team of approximately 1,600 staff, dedicated and passionate about delivering excellent customer service to the community, residents and visitors throughout the region. We recognise that our success depends upon attracting and retaining skilled and talented staff and offer a wide variety of interesting challenges and opportunities to develop your career.
Council does not accept unsolicited agency approaches or applications for this or any other vacancy. No response will be provided.
Attachments:
- Position Description - Principal Waste Strategy and Planning (3739).pdf
- TRC Values and Behaviours.pdf
