Spoil Recovery and Resource Specialist

• Advise on smart cost effective management of spoil and other materials from our Capital Investment Program
• Play a key role with internal and external stakeholder relationships
• Based from our Parramatta office and the field with hybrid working available

About the role

This role will be key in how Sydney Water manages spoil and other materials arising from our extensive Capital Investment Program. You will provide expert technical guidance on the assessment, classification, and potential remediation of solid waste. Acting as a strategic partner across Contracts, Planning and Projects Delivery, this role will ensure environmental compliance and will support operational excellence. The role will also ensure compliance with legislative requirements (particularly waste minimisation) and stakeholder expectations, including Sydney Water’s current Resource Recovery and Circular Economy target.

NB. The internal Job Title for this role will be Project Manager - Resource Recovery

Key Responsibilities

• Apply expert judgement and technical insight to balance cost, risk, and outcomes while influencing stakeholders and delivery partners to drive circular economy initiatives and reduce landfill waste.
• Provide strategic subject matter expertise in waste management and resource recovery, including commercial advice, regulatory navigation, and optimisation of Resource Recovery Orders and site-specific exemptions.
• Lead and deliver resource recovery projects and advisory services, including construction spoil management, contract support, and tender assessments, ensuring outcomes are timely, cost-effective, and aligned with sustainability goals.
• Drive continuous improvement and influence change by developing best-practice tools, analysing data to identify reuse and recycling opportunities, and fostering knowledge sharing across diverse teams and stakeholders.
• Engage strategically across industry and government through working groups, regulatory advocacy, and external partnerships to optimise recovery orders, shape policy, and unlock beneficial reuse opportunities.
• Establish effective working relationships with a range of stakeholders including Procurement Leads for Major Projects and Program Delivery, Planning Engineers and Project Managers, and Delivery Teams (especially Major Projects Environmental Representatives).

About you:

In addition to relevant tertiary qualifications in environmental science, environmental management or similar and a valid driver's licence you will have

• At least 7 years relevant experience in material management, resource recovery and contaminated land assessment and/or remediation, including project or program management.
• Excellent communication and ability to build strong working relationships with external and internal stakeholders
• Experience using resource recovery orders and resource recovery exemptions – also desirable experience preparing product/project-specific resource recovery orders and resource recovery exemption applications.
• Demonstrated experience in the identification and implementation of management strategies, corrective actions and risk mitigations related to waste assessment and resource recovery.
• Demonstrated experience working with varied stakeholders and implementing procedural change.
• Understanding and experience with major developers, and/or water or other similar utility.

Does this sound like you? Apply now. Closing date: Tuesday Nov 11^th 2025 11:59AEST

We support you through the application process and can modify as needed – let us know what you need. For more information, you can contact TA Partner marc.evans2@sydneywater.com.au

Please see the position description for the role’s full accountabilities.  

Why join us

At Sydney Water, your work will make a real difference in people’s lives—and your own. With diverse projects and roles, you'll find ample career growth opportunities. At Sydney Water, we actively seek and celebrate diversity, equity, inclusion, and individuality., fostering a safe environment where everyone can thrive and shape impactful community projects. We offer flexible working arrangements and opportunities for career progression among our many benefits. 

Dive into Our Great Benefits:

• Competitive Remuneration: We’ll ensure that your skills and contributions are valued and rewarded appropriately.
• Hybrid Work Environment: We offer a hybrid work model that balances remote work and office collaboration, supporting our team's productivity and well-being.
• Continuous Professional Growth: We will invest in your career with leadership and development programs to propel your success.
• 24/7 Wellbeing Support: Access for you and your family to free and confidential mental health and general health support through our EAP portal.
• Discounted Private Health Insurance: Unlock affordable access to top-tier health coverage with our discounted insurance plans.
• Family First: Prioritise your family with up to 18 weeks of fully paid parental leave and a childcare allowance.
• Fitness Passport: Achieve your physical fitness goals using our Fitness Passport, granting you access to a multitude of gyms and pools across NSW.
• Novated Leasing: Get in the driver's seat of your financial future with our novated lease options.

Working at Sydney Water

We welcome and encourage applications from diverse backgrounds, including First Nations people, LGBTQIA+, people with disability, people with caring responsibilities, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and veterans.

As part of the application process, Sydney Water will be collecting your personal information to assess your suitability for the role. We will also use your personal information to establish a LiveHire talent profile in our Talent Community.

Your personal information will be collected in accordance with LiveHire’s Terms, Privacy Policy and Sydney Water’s Privacy Collection Statement – Job Application. Please note as part of the application process, you will be asked to undergo background checks which includes a criminal history check.