• Permanent - Full-time - 10 day - 40 hours per week 
• Salary Range $126,998 - 134,433
• Position Brief - Senior Bushfire and Environment Officer 
• This vacancy is open to City of Gold Coast employees only

About the role and team

Working within the Resilient Future and Culture Heritage Branch and directly in the Environmental Assessment team, this role will be responsible for undertaking detailed assessment of bushfire hazard constraints/management plans associated with development applications. 

This position also requires technical expertise within the environmental field including ecological site assessment, flora and fauna identification and rehabilitation knowledge, to provide advice and input into applications. 

The position will be responsible for providing specialist advice and assessment commentary on a development’s response to bushfire and environmental matters consistent with City Plan policies, guidelines and relevant legislation and standards.

In addition to being the primary assessment officer of Bushfire management matters, as a senior position, the role would provide mentoring of a small team of environmental planners.  The mentoring provided will assist in the integration of bushfire and environmental assessment considerations under the City Plan thereby assisting to facilitate development outcomes which are not only safe, but ones which promote positive environmental and conservation outcomes for the City.    

Key Responsibilities

• Specialise in the technical assessment of Bushfire management plans, prepared in support of a development application and provide assessment commentary and recommendations that are consistent with City Plan, policies, guidelines and relevant legislation and standards.
• Undertake the assessment of complex development applications and management plans in accordance with the relevant legislation for vegetation management, fauna management, watercourse management and other environmental issues. 
• Provide advice and mentoring to Council officers within the Team on the integration of Bushfire management and Environmental matters to achieve safe, balanced and holistic outcomes.
• Negotiate with bushfire consultants, developers, and Council officers (other Internal Referrals/Departments) to achieve outcomes that better protect people, property and the environment from potential bushfire hazards.
• Work collaboratively and productively within legislated timeframes.
• Provide responses to requests and enquiries from Council officers, applicants, developers, bushfire consultants, members of the public & other Government agencies.
• Attend regular meetings such as pre-lodgements, DA express, without prejudice, site, internal and external meetings. 
• Provide technical advice, feedback and support/leadership to the Team, including input into City Plan as a key stakeholder.
• Support the Supervisor by undertaking review of general enquiries and other tasks. 

We're looking for people who have:

• Bachelor Degree of Environmental Science or equivalent knowledge (Mandatory).
• Module or course on Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) or equivalent knowledge (Mandatory).
• Graduate Certificate, Diploma or module in Bushfire Planning and Management or equivalent knowledge (Desirable).
• Demonstrated experience in Bushfire hazard identification and management plan preparation or assessment, together with a comprehensive knowledge of current and emerging trends in Bushfire planning and management issues.
• Demonstrated experience in environmental planning or assessment, conservation or another related field.
• Expert level knowledge of Southeast Queensland flora and fauna and thorough experience of vegetation community assessment.
• Good understanding of or the ability to acquire knowledge in the City’s assessment under the City Plan & associated environmental rehabilitation standards and specifications.
• Knowledge of the DA assessment process in accordance with the Planning Act 2016 & associated DA Rules is highly regarded.
• Excellent written and verbal communication with the ability to prepare high quality, concise and technically robust assessment reports.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build strong working relationships including the ability to mentor officers within the Team.
• The ability to work collaboratively and productively within a multi-disciplinary team environment.
• Ability to plan, organise and prioritise work in a fast paced and dynamic work environment.  

How to apply

To submit your application, please respond to the questions below. You will be required to upload your resume and a cover letter (no more than two pages) outlining how your skills, experience and personal attributes will enable you to be successful in this role. Please note that you may also be asked to provide relevant qualifications, where applicable.

Contact Person Elyse Baker 

Contact Email elbaker@goldcoast.qld.gov.au

Closing Date  Wednesday 21 January 2026 @ 11:59 PM

We’re committed to creating a diverse workplace and inclusive culture. We take pride in people who align with our high-performance principles. We believe that the diverse makeup of our workforce reflects the community we serve. We consider all qualified candidates for employment, irrespective of race, age, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, or other protected characteristics by law. 

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