Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation

is now recruiting for

Executive Director
Office of Waste Reduction and Recycling

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Applications close midnight, Thursday 24 July 2025

Overview

A Career that matters. A Contribution that counts.

Thank you for your interest in joining Queensland’s largest and most diverse employer – the Queensland Government.

As a public sector, we are passionate about making Queensland better through what we do. We are a team of over 250,000 providing essential services across 4000+ locations in Australia’s most geographically diverse state.

By joining our leadership team, you can:

be the difference – making Queensland better through what you do
be challenged – create a career with Queensland’s largest employer
be rewarded – benefit from competitive pay, conditions and development opportunities
be balanced – find balance in your life through contemporary work practices
be you – bring your authentic self, we embrace diversity.

Are you ready to #BeHere4Qld?

Working for the Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation

DETSI recognises the enormous benefits that a healthy environment, cutting-edge science and an innovative society can contribute to Queenslanders now and into the future. The Department values a truly diverse and inclusive workplace. For us, that starts with respecting the natural and cultural values of Aboriginal peoples and Torres Strait Islander peoples, whom DETSI seeks to partner with and learn from in all that they do.

The team is as unique as the landscape of this state. Together, DETSI brings a tapestry of life experiences that help us navigate the nuances of our responsibilities. For many of our employees, this means fascinating, fulfilling work and unforgettable experiences.

At our best, the Department takes on unfamiliar projects, collaborates to bring a shared vision to life, and makes the most of every single day—for ourselves, for each other and for Queensland.

Learn about the importance of different perspectives and backgrounds and how it helps us achieve our goals. Hear about some unique opportunities across the department.

The Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science & Innovation

As a diverse organisation, the department brings together environment, heritage protection, national parks, tourism, science and innovation to help achieve government objectives for a better Queensland.

DETSI values and is committed to:

building inclusive cultures in the Queensland public sector that respect and promote human rights and diversity.
strengthening our culture which values results, professional growth, workforce diversity and a healthy balance between work and life commitments.
encouraging and supporting employees as individuals in an inclusive environment by embracing our differences and applying diverse and inclusive thinking to our business.
the values of the Queensland Public Sector: customers first; ideas into action; unleash potential; be courageous; and empower people.

At DETSI we recognise, respect and value First Nations people and cultures. We are progressing self-determination by recognising the rights and interests of First Nations people. We are investing in a culturally connected and agile organisation, with the skills and experience we need to support better outcomes for First Nations people. We are taking action in fundamental areas like employment and procurement, and by building strong and sustainable partnerships with First Nations organisations and communities. We are focused on working with First Nations people to improve service design and delivery, knowing that this will deliver better outcomes for all of Queensland.

More information on the department’s functions, focus and the type of organisation we are, can be found on our website at www.detsi.qld.gov.au.

Executive Director
Office of Waste Reduction and Recycling

Purpose

The Executive Director, Office of Waste and Reduction and Recycling provides strategic leadership, policy stewardship and innovation, expertise, governance, and portfolio management for the department’s waste and recycling policy and programs.

DETSI are seeking a dynamic leader who can elevate Queensland’s waste and recycling performance by facilitating, developing, and implementing actions that recognise the value of materials to the economy as well as encourage investment in innovation, processing facilities and market development.

The Office of Waste and Recycling consists of three units – Policy and Legislation; Program design and delivery; and Digital, Data and Evaluation.

The role

As the Executive Director, Wate and Recycling, you will:

Provide strategic leadership and oversight of a significant, diverse and complex policy and project work program to support a shift in waste management and recycling in Queensland, ensuring on time delivery including of the government’s new Waste Strategy once finalised.
Lead the operations of the Queensland waste levy, coordinating within and across the department, sector, community and industry to support the department's service delivery priorities.
Provide assurance that the revenue generated from the waste levy over the forward estimates is directed and coordinated towards meeting the government’s commitments including associated investment through the $1.1 billion Recycling and Jobs Fund, and is underpinned by strong program logic and portfolio and project management principles.
Foster and maintain robust and effective strategic alliances, and lead complex consultation and negotiation with key partners and stakeholders including senior industry executives, CEOs of Councils, LGAQ and peak bodies, Ministers, Senior Federal government officials and Parliamentary Committees.
Lead workforce capability, build and maintain a high-performance culture, and inspire team members through effective engagement, and a clear sense of purpose.
Foster a workplace culture that supports and promotes the interests of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and actively engage through our work to contribute to better outcomes for First Nations peoples of Australia.

What DETSI are looking for

The Department is looking for the best-suited person for the role. If you are eligible, we will assess your suitability by considering:

your ability to perform the duties of the role
the way you carried out previous roles (if relevant)
your potential to make contributions to the department
your awareness of health and safety obligations for yourself and to others
how your engagement would support our commitment to equity, diversity, respect and inclusion

For this role, you’ll need to:
- be an agile and inspirational leader with a strong track record of achievement in dynamic and complex organisations.
- demonstrate experience in leading and implementing initiatives and programs that deliver lasting and impactful change, underpinned by fit-for-purpose governance
- have a well-refined (or ability to rapidly aquire) understanding of contemporary environmental and sustainable development trends, drivers and approaches
- demonstrate a proven ability to navigate and manage highly complex stakeholder relationships, build partnerships across diverse stakeholders and interest groups, balance competing priorities, break down barriers and apply superior negotiating and advocacy skills appropriate to the environment
- role model Executive leadership behaviours as outlined in the Leadership competencies for Queensland.
- contribute to workplace safety, equity, diversity, respect and inclusion by bringing your unique experiences and perspectives.
- You will need the legal right to work in Australia.
Qualifications
- There are no mandatory qualifications required for this role. However, formal qualifications in business, commerce, environmental economics and engineering or other closely related fields would be highly regarded.
- Demonstrated leadership experience at a senior officer or executive level within government or industry.
- Proven experience in fostering strong, collaborative partnerships with waste management stakeholders across government and industry sectors or proven ability to develop partnerships and networks quickly.
- Strong understanding of governance and risk implications on program delivery, funding, and stakeholder engagement.
- Proven experience in driving legislative and strategic policy reform to develop and implement tailored programs and solutions that align with government priorities.
See priority consideration information below.
The successful applicant will be subject to pre-employment checks, including disciplinary disclosure, criminal history and probity checks, disclosure of interest and conflict of interest declarations, and lobbyist registration.
Refer to How-to-apply for additional information.

Position Description

To learn of the requirements and attributes of our ideal candidate for this position, we invite you to please download the full position description below.

Download the PD

How to Apply

Requirements

To be considered, please provide the following information in your online application, for the assessment of your suitability:

A short (no more than two pages) statement focusing on:
- How you align with the core accountabilities outlined in the role statement
- Why you are the best suited person for this role
- How you could support our commitment to equity, diversity, respect and inclusion
Your current CV highlighting your relevant experience, qualifications, and achievements.

Priority Consideration

All applicants are welcome to apply for this position. DETSI offers priority consideration to those who live with disability or identify as an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person, provided you meet the minimum requirements for the role you will be invited to participate in the next selection activity.

DETSI is committed to assessing your suitability in a way that works for you.

For more information or assistance with your application, including options for adjustments, please reach out to us.

Download Candidate Pack