Planner – Waste Management Planning

To support our growing consulting team, we are looking for a Planner to join our planning and approvals team to assist with resource recovery, remanufacturing and circular economy planning projects. The role is available to be based in Brisbane, Melbourne or Sydney. Options for remote working are available. Candidates should have a background in planning (town or environmental) and a strong and genuine interest in the waste and recycling, and/or development industries.

What you can expect

MRA’s success has been built on the skills and experience of a multidisciplinary team of professionals, which includes engineers, scientists, economists, planners, lawyers, social scientists, and educators. The team shares a common focus, delivering quality project outcomes for our clients. This focus has meant that MRA maintains a position at the forefront of Australian waste and recycling management practices, working on key and innovative projects. You will join a dynamic team, working closely with our Managing Director and staff on projects for the private and the government sectors.

Key capacity and skills

Required:

• Degree in Environmental Science, Urban Planning or relevant degree in Science or Environment
• Experience in Environmental Impact Assessment and/or Development Application submissions
• Interest in Waste Management Planning, sustainability, and the environment
• Profound and professional communication skills
• Strong report writing skills
• Ability to work in an innovative manner
• Ability to work in a team
• Understanding of Planning Policy and Regulation

Responsibilities

The main responsibilities of this role include, but are not limited to:

• Assisting the planning and approvals project managers on consultation and development of Waste Management plans, including:
  • Consulting on local development controls and Waste Management guidelines
  • Construction and Demolition (C&D) Waste Management across development projects, including:
    • Classification of waste material expected to be generated during construction activities;
    • Estimated quantities of material during excavation and construction activities; and
    • Identification of appropriately licensed waste contractors and facilities to manage demolition, excavation, and construction waste, with a focus on maximising resource recovery potential.
  • Operational Waste Management for ongoing operation for development projects, including:
    • Classification of waste material expected to be generated through typical operational activities;
    • Estimated waste generation;
    • Waste infrastructure and design advice;
    • Waste equipment and infrastructure;
    • On site Waste Management practices aimed at reducing waste to landfill and maximising resource recovery; and
    • Access and collection.
  • Drafting and finalising Waste Management plans and reports
  • Compiling tenders and proposals for Waste Management Planning projects
  • Research (e.g. into legislation, Waste Management, site characteristics or management of potential impacts)
• Preparation of environmental approvals, licence applications, compliance reviews and due diligence
• Project management and mentoring of junior staff
• Participating in other project activities including but not limited to:
  • Working in the field under the supervision of a project manager or audit supervisor
  • Attending meetings and note taking
  • Developing and sharing expertise in the areas of environmental reporting and Waste Management
• Working with the broader MRA team to:
  • Assist with time-sensitive projects or proposals
  • Assist with research and business development
• Training will be provided

About you:

As an MRA team member you will be expected to:

• Use your project work as an opportunity to develop a sound understanding of the waste industry (through background reading, reading current publications, attending relevant seminars etc. where advised)
• Attend fortnightly team meetings
• Show a positive attitude to taking on work, subject to your availability (and university commitments if relevant)
• Be a self-starter and enthusiastic to learn
• Be able to work independently

Method of working

You will gain experience across all the units within MRA. You will be required to undertake this work through:

• Liaison with MRA staff either over the phone or face to face or via email
• Summarising qualitative and quantitative research in text documents
• Writing, editing and formatting documents in Microsoft Word
• Use of Microsoft Excel to assist with project management and basic calculations
• Active participation in project activities

What MRA can offer you:

• Excellent experience to assist with career progression
• Opportunity to learn from industry experts
• Challenging and interesting projects in Waste Management and resource recovery
• Autonomy within the parameters of the workplace environment
• A committed, professional team 
• A career in sustainability
• Access to flexible working arrangements

MRA Consulting Group values employees and their health and wellbeing. All of our employees are entitled to:

• Parental leave equal opportunity for both partners
• Flexible Work

MRA Consulting Group value diversity, equality and inclusion, we are committed to providing working environments where everyone is included and treated fairly and with respect. This is supported by our:

• Diversity and Inclusion Policy
• Mental Health and Wellbeing Policy
• Bullying and Harassment Policy

This is a great opportunity for someone who is able to work independently and who wants to make a real difference improving resource efficiency and Waste Management systems.