Chief Executive Officer
CANDIDATE INFORMATION PACK
Environment Protection Authority
We respect and honour Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders past, present and future. We acknowledge the stories, traditions and living cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and commit to building a brighter future together
Executive Summary
- Chief Executive Opportunity with Lifestyle and Livability Benefits
- Stewardship of the Tasmanian Natural Environment and Biodiversity
- Drive Contemporary Practice in Sustainable Environmental Management
The Tasmanian Government is seeking an exceptional Chief Executive to lead the Environmental Protection Authority with responsibilities for delivering stewardship of, and sustainable outcomes for the natural environment, on behalf of Tasmanians.
The EPA’s purpose is to regulate developments and activities that may impact environmental quality and promote best-practice in sustainable environmental management. Its goals are clean air, clean water, clean land, healthy noise environment, sustainable development and remaining informed of contemporary climate science.
The Chief Executive Officer holds the statutory position of Director, Environment Protection Authority (EPA) providing strategic leadership as a member of the EPA Board and serves as Tasmania’s independent environmental regulator. This involves exercising independent statutory powers and functions under the Environmental Management and Pollution Control Act 1994 (EMPCA) to ensure that industries and facilities are operated without causing unacceptable environmental impacts. The EPA is also the lead authority for environmental impacts and emergency response coordination.
The Chief Executive works alongside environmental non-governmental organisations (NGOs), national and local government, businesses, organisations, industry and individuals. Candidates should be experienced in working effectively with diverse stakeholders and levels of government in supporting sustainable environmental objectives and navigating multi-lateral agreements, but more broadly advocating for environmental management that supports the lifestyle and liveability that is so important to Tasmania.
The ideal candidate will have a credible understanding of, and commitment to, environmental sustainability and management while balancing the important regulatory and environmental protection responsibilities. They will have a track record of leading organisations with national influence, delivering in complex situations, operating at the political interface, and be experienced in building organisational capability.
They will be a proven strategic leader, able to shape the direction of sustainable environmental management in Tasmania now and for future generations. Candidates should be able to demonstrate outstanding leadership impact, preferably in environmental management and sustainability, or in a comparable role with complexity, and diversity, and be ready to inspire and enable contemporary system change, innovation and best practice.
If you believe you have the passion, commitment and successful track record to lead system excellence and innovation, both in regulation and contemporary best practice to both protect environmental values and unlock potential and create opportunities for sustainable environmental outcomes in Tasmania, please contact us for more information.
THE APPLICATION PROCESS
For a confidential discussion and to learn more about this exciting opportunity please contact:
Sarah Buckler, Principal Consultant, Executive Talent Solutions
M: +61 (0)429 486 740
Lynette Taylor, Executive Director, Search and Recruitment
M: +61 (0)431 293 861
Applications close: Wednesday 8th January 2025
Environment Protection Authority (EPA)
The Environment Protection Authority (EPA) is Tasmania’s principal environmental regulator headed by the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) with four divisions: Office of the CEO; Environmental Regulation; Environmental Assessments and Salmon Environmental Management.
The EPA’s purpose is to regulate developments and activities that may impact on environmental quality and to promote best practice, sustainable environmental management. Its goals are clean air, clean water, clean land, healthy noise environment, sustainable development and remaining informed of contemporary climate science.
The EPA administers the Environmental Management and Pollution Control Act 1994 and is an integral part of Tasmania's Resource Management and Planning System and under this legislation the EPA Director is a member of the Board.
Both the Board and the Director exercise powers at arm's length from State Government and have independent statutory powers under the Act.
Read more about the EPA Board and the EPA Board members.
Specialist EPA staff support the Board and Director to make well informed environmental assessment decisions, through an efficient integrated assessment process. EPA regulators ensure that major industrial, municipal and community activities employ best practice environmental management.
The EPA also promotes and facilitates the adoption of clean and sustainable practices, to provide the community with information about the quality of the environment and to improve ambient environmental quality, including the remediation of historical environmental damage.
Vision:
A clean, healthy and sustainable Tasmania.
Purpose:
To protect and enhance the quality of the Tasmanian environment in balance with economic and social values, and the needs of future generations.
Drivers:
- Transparent and robust decision making based on the best available science and advice.
- Supporting and promoting environmentally sustainable economic development.
- Engaged staff that are supported in their professional development.
Our Values
- Objectivity: Our work is underpinned by scientific and evidence based principles, objectivity, professional rigour, and the best available information. We use contemporary science and technology to make informed decisions.
- Diversity: The EPA values diversity. We are committed to providing safe, culturally appropriate, and inclusive workplace for all people, regardless of their ethnicity, faith, disability, sexuality, or gender identity.
Leadership: We make decisions to improve environmental outcomes that also support business and industry and the community. - Collaboration: We consult with, and listen to, a wide range of interests, views and stakeholders across industry, government, and the community. We value working in partnership with other agencies and organisations to improve decisions and outcomes.
- Transparency: Working with the community and industry requires us to share our directions and achievements openly. It is important for us to show how and why we have made our decisions, and how we have delivered on our commitments.
- Professionalism: We strive to perform all our work to relevant professional standards for environmental management and pollution control, and to conduct ourselves in accordance with principles and rules established in the Tasmanian State Service Act 2000.
Strategic Plan
The key priorities and functions of the EPA are outlined in the new EPA Strategic Plan, which encompasses the responsibilities of the Director and Board, and the support provided by staff. It also incorporates the Statement of Intent provided to the Minister in response to the Ministerial Statement of Expectation.
Role Specification
The Chief Executive Officer of the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) oversees the operations of the EPA, its people and resources. The role includes administering the EPA as a State Authority under the State Service Act 2000and the Financial Management Act 2016.
The Chief Executive Officer holds the statutory position of Director, Environment Protection Authority (EPA) providing strategic leadership as a member of the EPA Board and serves as Tasmania’s environmental regulator. This involves exercising independent statutory powers and functions under the Environmental Management and Pollution Control Act 1994 (EMCA) to ensure that industries and facilities are operated without causing unacceptable environmental impacts.
Major duties of the Chief Executive Officer include:
- Oversee the effective operation, administration and development of the EPA to achieve key objectives, including managing the human, physical and financial resources of the EPA, ensuring the highest priority environmental management and pollution control programs are delivered.
- Manage and implement an emergency management system to maintain a preparedness to respond to marine and land pollution incidents in Tasmania. Perform the role of Chair of the State Marine Pollution Committee and, in the event of a serious incident, the role of State Oil Spill Commander.
- Provide informed and authoritative advice to the Minister, integrating the technical, policy and strategic aspects relevant to a broad range of environmental issues that have a strategic and/or critical impact on both corporate objectives and Government policy.
- Identify priority and emerging environmental management issues in the State and lead the development and implementation of strategies and policies required to address and meet community and Government expectations in relation to these issues.
- Provide strategic direction, leadership and high-level specialist expertise in the scoping, development, and delivery of Board aligned projects to achieve the Government’s objectives.
- Ensure that Tasmania’s interests are adequately represented and advocated in the development of National environmental policies and strategies, including by building effective partnerships with other jurisdictions.
- Represent the EPA, and government, contributing to positive proactive relationships with community, industry stakeholders and cross-jurisdictional networks nationally.
Key Responsibilties:
The Chief Executive Officer operates with a high level of autonomy and is fully and directly accountable for strategic and business planning, work performed in the EPA, delivery of outcomes and effective management of the human, physical and financial resources. The position is responsible for actively participating in policy formulation and providing advice directly to relevant Ministers and Cabinet.
As Director, EPA has an obligation to act with autonomy and integrity in exercising the statutory functions and powers specified in the Environmental Management and Pollution Control Act 1994 and under any other legislation. The role is responsible and accountable for making decisions independently in accordance with the requirements of legislation, including furthering the objectives of the Resource Management and Planning System.
As a member of the Board of the Environment Protection Authority, the Director EPA exercises the independent duties and functions under the Environmental Management and Pollution Control Act 1994 and performs a number of functions under delegation from the Board, including assessing applications for major industrial and infrastructure developments in Tasmania.
As Chair of the State Marine Pollution Committee and Tasmanian Oil Spill Controller, the Director EPA undertakes the statutory duties and functions as specified in the Marine-related Incidents (MARPOL Implementation) Act 2020, including maintaining adequate preparedness for combating oil spills within the State and assuming the role and responsibilities of State Oil Spill Commander in the event of a major spill.
Key Accountabilities:
As a designated “Officer” under the Work Health and Safety Act 2012 (Tas); the Chief Executive Officer is required to facilitate compliance with relevant Work Health and Safety (WHS) legislation, codes of practice, policies, procedures and guidelines issued under the Department’s Work, Health and Safety Management System.
The Chief Executive Officer will be responsible for approximately 120 FTEs and an annual budget of approximately $20 million.
The Chief Executive Officer exercises significant financial and human resources delegations. Details of delegations to this office are provided to the occupant and must be exercised in accordance with any specified limitations.
As Director, EPA it is responsible as a member of the Board of the Environment Protection Authority under the Environmental Management and Pollution Control Act 1994, to effectively and efficiently perform the duties delegated to the position by the Board.
1. Shapes Strategic Thinking
You inspire a sense of purpose and direction, and contribute, shape and champion the Department’s vision and goals. You understand the political, social and organisational environment and have proven skills to drive team performance, achieve outcomes and align strategies to government and corporate objectives.
2. Achieves Results
You lead, develop and deliver best practice and fit-for-purpose programs, projects, policies and strategies, and are able to build organisational capability and responsiveness by understanding emerging issues and being adaptable to change. You harness professional expertise to share and generate ideas to ensure delivery of expected outputs and desired outcomes.
3. Cultivates Productive Working Relationships
You proactively develop internal and external relationships based on mutual trust and respect and seek opportunities to collaborate and work in partnership with colleagues. You value diversity and have an ability to guide, mentor and develop others.
4. Exemplifies Personal Drive and Integrity
You demonstrate professionalism, resilience and adaptability to implement policies and programs and to deliver the government’s agenda. You are action-orientated and demonstrate self-awareness and commitment to your own development.
5. Communicates with Influence
You can communicate clearly, listen, understand and adapt to varying audiences to ensure that views and information are effectively exchanged. You are able to negotiate persuasively to achieve required outcomes.
6. Professional Expertise
You will have senior management and leadership experience and significant high-level knowledge of, and expertise in contemporary environmental management issues at state, federal and international levels, and a knowledge of emergency response systems and procedures, preferably as they relate to marine pollution.
Tertiary qualifications in a relevant discipline or an equivalent level of skills together with experience at a senior executive level.
Internal relationships
The Chief Executive Officer has the key role of facilitating and promoting effective cooperation between the Board of the EPA and the EPA as a Statutory Authority.
External Relationships
The Chief Executive Officer forges collaborative relationships and partnerships with other State bodies engaged in environmental regulation, planning or policy development, and with private sector organisations, other State and Territory jurisdictions and external organisations. The role is responsible for highly sensitive negotiations with stakeholders both in Government and industry and represents the State in National policy forums and/or advises the Minister in those forums.
In particular, the Chief Executive Officer is responsible for building and maintaining strong working relationships with:
- Ministers and senior executive officers in State Government portfolios affected by the regulatory activities of the EPA.
- The equivalent officers in Environment Protection Authorities around the Nation and in relevant Australian Government Agencies.
- Companies that are regulated by the EPA under the Environmental Management and Pollution Control Act 1994.
- The relevant peak bodies for industries regulated by the EPA, such as mining and minerals (including stone and gravel extraction), marine farming, civil contractors, food processing, waste management and energy generators.
- Local Government, both through the Local Government Association of Tasmania and individual Councils, as required and appropriate.
- Annual Budget: $20 Million
- FTE's: 120
- Base salary: $259,003 - $297,692
- Super: 11.5%
Additional benefits:
- Support with relocation expenses
- Fully maintained company vehicle for official and private use
Service Location: Hobart or Launceston
Position Status: Contract for term of up to 5 years
The closing date for applications is Wednesday, 8 January 2025
The reference number to include in your application is H24_4976
Note: Please use the online platform to submit your application. It will not be accepted via email.
If you require assistance in submitting your application online, please get in touch with Executive Search Coordinator, Natasha Tirado: M: +61 (0)468 301 310 / E: [email protected]
Your application must include:
- 1.Cover letter addressed to the Principal Consultant;
- 2.A written response addressing the key selection criteria; and
- 3.An up to date copy of your Curriculum Vitae.
It Is standard practice for HardyGroup to acknowledge receipt of your application no later than the next business day. We request that if you do not receive the acknowledgement, you contact the search coordinator listed above as soon as possible after the 24-hour business period and arrange to resend your application if necessary.
For a confidential discussion, please contact:
Sarah Buckler
HardyGroup Principal Consultant
M. +61 (0)429 486 740
Lynette Taylor, Executive Director, Search and Recruitment
M: +61 (0)431 293 861
LIVING IN TASMANIA
Tasmania is an island state with thousands of years of cultural history and new arrivals who – like you – tend to be a bit more adventurous, a bit more curious, a bit more willing to say hello to a stranger, or to try something new.
In a loud and exhausting world, Tasmania is quiet. No matter where you live, you’re never far from nature: our wilderness, our mountains, our water.
Instead of commuting, you can create and turn your passion into your career.
Whatever you and your family pursue in Tasmania, you can pursue it meaningfully.
Tasmanians invented permaculture, green politics, and wave-piercing catamarans. Our mining equipment is safer, our whisky and cheese is more delicious, our museums and festivals are weirder, and our signature wine is pinot noir – the heartbreak grape.
From unordinary wildlife to street markets, perfect silence, trail shredding and rooftop dining, discover all of Tasmania’s personality.
In Tasmania, winter is when things get wild, weird and wonderful. Let your inhibitions drop with the mercury: savour slow-cooked feasts around blazing log fires, dance wildly at winter festivals and enchant your senses in alpine realms. From cosy seclusion to cold-water invigoration – the Off Season is open to just about anything.
Things get truly wild after dark in Tasmania. It's the best place in the world to witness the elusive Southern Lights, aka the Aurora Australis, which draw a colourful curtain across the sky, especially in winter. Close to shorelines, the brilliant blue glow of bioluminescence can light the sea just as brightly while, overhead, dark skies largely free of light pollution make for sparkling stargazing.
Tasmanian Regions
Tasmania has a temperate climate, deeply influenced by the Southern Ocean. It never gets too hot or too cold here, and both plants and wildlife find it a delicious place to live. We think you will too.
You can find a bit of snow in the Central Highlands and on top of our mountains. On the same day you might find yourself surfing on a sparsely populated beach, with a break for a delicious lunch in a charming town or city between high elevations and sea level, with locally-grown, regional cuisine.
For a relatively small place, you will notice differences between West Coast and East Coast Tasmania, between the North West, the North, and Southern Tasmania. What’s exciting is you can travel between our regions in a single weekend. If you’d like to extend your adventure across your new home, you can jump in an airplane for short flights to King Island for the most stunning round of golf of your life, or to Flinders Island, for a deeply rewarding cultural experience.
The word you most often hear about the distinctive nature of Tasmanian communities is 'connected'.
It’s never been easier to be digitally connected. Tasmania offers something more authentic, more human.
When you commit to this place something special happens. You experience it in business, in the arts, in social ventures, in public service, in our schools, and on our ovals.
In modern history, Tasmanians had to overcome unique obstacles. Isolation, and our relatively small population, encouraged cooperation and support.
You’ll feel it walking your dog or when you’re out for a morning run. You’ll feel it on the street as you buy your coffee. You’ll feel it at work and on the sidelines as your children compete. You’ll understand it when you need help, and when you have the opportunity to help someone else.
ABOUT US
HardyGroup’s (HG) mission is simple
Find and Grow Great Leaders – a mission we have been fulfilling for more than 30 years, building leadership excellence and capability across diverse organisations and industries.
Our synergistic business model of Executive Search and Recruitment integrated with Executive Leadership and Learning is our unique point of difference.
It ensures our clients can count on us for the lifecycle of their organisations leadership journey and why we are regarded as the leading trans-Tasman partner agency by clients.
When engaging HG you can be confident in a deeply personalised experience and service as nothing matters more to us than relationships and results.