Synopsis:

Principal Water Officer

- Salary Range Band 8 $134,011 - $150,181 plus 12% Super
- Permanent ongoing role
- Diverse & inclusive council with positive culture and flexible working arrangements

About City of Port Phillip

We are a vibrant and diverse inner-city council stretching 20kms from South to Port Melbourne along the stunning bay beaches down to Elwood and out to St Kilda East with around 1000 people who all work together to deliver more than 100 programs and services to our engaged community of residents, businesses and visitors.

What does that mean? Think, childcare, libraries, parks, recreation, waste rubbish collection, road maintenance, family and youth services, property & assets, city planning & development, customer experience, digital technology, governance, people, culture and safety, and of course South Melbourne Market! City of Port Phillip has zero tolerance for child abuse and is a committed Child Safe organisation.

What’s the role all about

The Sustainability and Climate Change team lead the organisation's approach to environmental sustainability, collaborating with the community, government and other stakeholders to deliver programs and services that support a more sustainable, climate resilient and water sensitive city. We take an evidence-based approach to integrated water management, working across the organisation to improve water security, water quality, flood resilience and the sustainable use of water resources.

This role is an opportunity to join a highly skilled team with expertise in integrated water management, water sensitive urban design, climate adaptation, environmental sustainability and strategic partnerships.

What you might do

- Provide expert technical and practical advice on integrated water management, climate change and sustainability to support Council decision making and community outcomes
- Lead or contribute to project management of multi-disciplinary sustainability initiatives, ensuring projects are delivered on time, within scope and budget
- Design, deliver and evaluate water, climate and sustainability programs that engage and support community members and local businesses to act.
- Work closely with internal teams, other councils, government partners and community stakeholders to progress Council’s water, climate, and sustainability strategies and plans.
- Actively contribute to a positive, collaborative team culture, with a strong focus on customer service and delivering value for the Port Phillip community.

Who we are looking for

- A sustainability professional with strong technical knowledge of integrated water management, water sensitive urban design and water sensitive city principles, able to provide practical,



evidence-based advice to Council, stakeholders and the community.
- Demonstrated experience leading the delivery of integrated water management programs and initiatives that support organisational objectives and progress towards water sensitive city outcomes.
- A trusted advisor with the ability to analyse complex issues and communicate clear, timely and up-to-date advice on water management best practice, innovation, environmental tools, and legislative and planning requirements.
- Proven project management capability, with experience leading or contributing to complex, multi-disciplinary water projects, ensuring delivery within agreed scope, timelines and budgets.
- A collaborative relationship-builder who can work effectively with government agencies, councils, industry partners and other stakeholders to deliver shared integrated water management outcomes and progress challenging multi-stakeholder projects.
- An effective representative and advocate, with experience participating in external networks, partnerships and forums to advance strategic water management outcomes and strengthen organisational influence.

Our work environment

We love what we do and are all proud to work at the City of Port Phillip. Yes, we are local council, and we are one with vibrancy, passion and ambition who are a welcoming, health conscious, diverse and inclusive. Our Main location at the iconic St Kilda Town Hall offers a heritage and modern open plan hub to work from where people can collaborate and develop both professionally and personally whilst planning and delivering a range of important services and programs to the community.

Proudly as one we all work together, and grow together, thinking creatively and strategically with courage, integrity, and accountability to put our community first.

What’s in it for you

- We offer a hybrid working model with our core setup being 50-60% in the office depending on team requirements and welcome further conversation to meet your working style and needs
- Be supported and empowered to be your best by a passionate leadership team that encourages collaboration and innovation
- Discounted fitness membership with access to over 260+ gyms, pools, group classes and facilities across Melbourne for you and your family.




- Our work hubs are located close to our very own Child Care centres making accessing childcare a breeze!
- Career development opportunities within your team and/or across council plus a great study assistance allowance of up to $4000 per year per person and 6 hours per week study leave (on approved courses only)
- Flexible working conditions, an active social club, supportive health and wellbeing program, and a well- regarded Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Our very own Pride Network, that helps create an environment where each and every person can feel safe, welcomed, seen, and supported to bring their whole selves to work
- 20 weeks paid parental leave and our pioneering 24 weeks paid leave for single parents
- Access to novated leasing and salary sacrificed technology

Security Requirements and Qualified Obligations

Pre-employment screening will apply to all appointments.

Prior to a formal letter of offer, preferred applicants will be asked to provide:

- Evidence of mandatory qualifications/registrations/licences,
- Sufficient proof of their right to work in Australia, and
- Sufficient proof of their identity.
- Complete a National Police Check completed via City of Port Phillip’s Provider.
- Evidence of a Working with Children Check (employee type with City of Port Phillip registered as the organisation).

So, what’s next?

Hit that APPLY button now!

Whether you think you meet all the requirements or not, we strongly encourage you to apply, as we take a holistic approach to considering your skills, life experience, and alignment to our key selection criteria.

You’ve got this!

Please submit;

- Resume – latest and detailed version
- 2 Page cover letter responding to Key Selection Criteria found in the Positions Description.

Note: Only applications submitted via the online Recruitment Portal will be considered.

For further information please contact: Ed Cotter, Head of Sustainability and Climate Change via email [email protected]

Applications close 11.59pm Sunday 29 November 2026

The City of Port Phillip is an equal opportunity employer, committed to an inclusive and accessible environment where diversity is valued. We actively welcome and encourage candidates from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, First Nation and Torres Strait Islander candidates, members of the LGBTIQA+ community and candidates with a disability.

If you have accessibility requirements or require an adjustment to participate in our recruitment and selection process, please contact Yass Mustafa (Recruitment and Employee Experience Advisor) on phone 0468 576 806 or email: [email protected]

📌 Principal Water Officer (St Kilda)
🏢 City of Port Phillip
📍 St Kilda