Resource Recovery Education & Compliance Advisor

He angituutanga: The opportunity 

Join a team that’s making a real difference to how our city manages waste, protects our environment, and supports healthier communities. Reporting to the Operations Manager, you’ll play a key role in supporting our Resource Recovery team and partner agencies by delivering education and behaviour‑change initiatives that help people understand and meet their responsibilities under Hamilton City Council’s Waste Minimisation and Management Bylaw 2019 and the Litter Act 1979. This is meaningful work that requires empathy, confidence, and the ability to engage with people from all walks of life.

You’ll lead the development and delivery of targeted, evidence‑based education and behaviour‑change strategies linked to our Rubbish and Recycling Contract and Waste Management and Minimisation Plan. You’ll design initiatives that genuinely shift understanding and behaviour, while working closely with compliance and enforcement teams to ensure our approach is consistent, fair, and community‑focused. Your ability to communicate clearly, build trust, and navigate sensitive situations will be essential to your success.

To be successful you’ll bring strong communication skills, sound judgement, and the life experience needed to connect with people respectfully and effectively, while also knowing how to safely de‑escalate situations, read your surroundings, and make confident decisions that keep yourself and others safe. If you’re passionate about sustainability, comfortable working in complex community settings, and motivated by work that has a real impact on our city, this is your opportunity to step into a role where your contribution truly matters.

Some key responsibilities include:

• Lead the development and delivery of targeted education and behaviour‑change strategies in response to issues associated with kerbside rubbish and recycling services and illegal dumping, using evidence and community insights to shape programme design.
• Build, strengthen, and maintain networks across communities, schools, businesses, and community organisations to support consistent and effective education on rubbish and recycling across the city.
• Engage with government agencies, community groups, and sector partners to identify emerging needs, service gaps, risks, and opportunities for collaborative behaviour‑change initiatives and capacity building.
• Exercise the statutory functions and powers of a Warranted Enforcement Officer, applying professional judgement under the Local Government Act 2002 and Litter Act 1979, and ensuring enforcement activity is proportionate, fair, and legally robust.
• Independently manage enforcement responses, including investigations, evidence gathering, interviews, documentation, recommendations, and formal reporting for non‑compliances and breaches of bylaws or legislation.

Qualifications

Oo puumanawa me oo wheako | Your skills and experience

Qualifications and experience:

• Advanced specialist capability in leading education, behaviour‑change and compliance activities, with the ability to positively influence community behaviours and guide others in applying best practice.
• High level of self-awareness and personal accountability, recognising how mindset drives performance, and demonstrating resilience and professionalism in challenging or emotive situations.
• A relevant tertiary qualification in Environmental Science, Policy, Compliance, or a related field.
• Significant experience (typically 4–6 years+) in an environmental, compliance, waste, or similar operational field, with demonstrated ability to exercise sound professional judgement.
• Strong understanding of municipal solid waste systems, kerbside services, and the regulatory environment governing waste and litter.
• Proven experience implementing policies, bylaws, and compliance frameworks, including interpreting legislation and applying it in practical enforcement settings.
• Experience working in local government or a similar regulatory environment (preferred but not essential).

Qualities and attributes:

• Well developed negotiation and conflict‑resolution skills, capable of de‑escalating high‑emotion situations and achieving constructive outcomes.
• Ability to operate independently, manage complex and varied workloads, and proactively identify issues or opportunities that require response or escalation.
• Strong analytical and reporting capability, able to interpret data, identify trends, and translate insights into actionable recommendations.
• Clear and logical thinker, able to apply policy and legislative requirements with accuracy and consistency.
• Demonstrated experience monitoring, documenting and reporting compliance activity, including preparing information for decision‑making or regulatory actions.

Additional Information

He aha te wariu o te utu kaimahi? | What’s the salary? 

Circa $105k dependent on skills and experience.

Ngaa waahi whakarato painga kei a maatou: What we offer 

• Flexible by choice; an award-winning flexible working policy.
• Opportunities for professional development.
• Two Wellbeing days per year.
• Free health insurance through Unimed including hospital/surgery grade cover and discounted. membership rates for family members.
• Free annual health checks and flu vaccination.
• Ability to purchase additional annual leave.
• Eye testing/glasses cost reimbursement.
• Discounted purchases from local businesses; gym memberships, cafes, dentists, hairdressers and many more.

Me Tono Inaaianei!: Apply Now! 

• View the position description.
• Click apply
• ​Complete your application.

If you wish to include a cover letter with your application, please combine this in the same file as your resume and upload as a PDF file. Alternatively, you can use the 'Write a message to the Hiring Team' text box.

Applications close on the: 24/03/2026

Note: We will be shortlisting as we receive applications.

Council is committed to honouring the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi/Treaty of Waitangi through its relationship with Kiingitanga, Waikato Tainui, mana whenua and maataa waka within Hamilton Kirikiriroa.

All candidates will be notified of the outcome on their application via email. Short-listed candidates will be required to complete an interview process, reference checks and a criminal check. If this role is Safety Sensitive a pre-employment medical including drug and alcohol test will be required. View more information about these checks and our commitment to the Privacy act here by clicking here.

This role is covered by the Children’s Act 2014, which means that shortlisted candidates will be required to undergo all safety checking requirements under the Act before commencing employment, as well as during employment.

It is important to us that we support you throughout our selection process (interview and assessments). If you have any access needs during this process, let us know in advance so we can make sure these are met.

As a council, we believe in creating a welcoming environment where everyone feels valued and belongs. We value inclusiveness (Kotahitanga) – we respect and value the unique perspectives, experiences, and talents that everyone brings. 

This role is being sourced directly. If/where Hamilton City Council requires the support of a recruitment agency, we will seek this support from our panel of selected agencies. Hamilton City Council will not be responsible for, and will not pay, any commissions, fees or other payments related to unsolicited contact.