Environment Protection Authority
Strategy and Sustainability
Division
JOB AND PERSON SPECIFICATIONS
Title of Position:
FILENAME:
Environment Protection Officer (Waste Levy)
Remuneration Level: ASO-5
Position Number: EA - IDU
Career Group:
Position Created:
Discipline:
Type of Appointment:
Ongoing
Temporary Contract
End Date:
1-5 Year Contract
End Date:
Casual Contract
Hours Per Week:
Part Time
Hours Per Week:
JOB AND PERSON SPECIFICATION APPROVAL:
All excluding Executive Positions
……………………………….
…./…./….
CE or Delegate
Executive Positions
………………………………
…./…./….
Commissioner for Public Employment
JOB SPECIFICATION
1. Summary of the broad purpose of the position, and its responsibilities/duties
The Environment Protection Officer (Waste Levy) is accountable to the Manager, Licensing
and Regulatory Services for the development, administration and review of a Statewide
program designed to monitor and audit compliance with the Environment Protection (Fees
and Levy) Regulations 1994 and the correct payment of waste levies. The position is also
required to provide expert advice and assistance to waste depot operators (and a range of
Departmental Officers) in relation to operations, policy, procedure and prosecution
activities.
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2. Reporting/Working Relationships
The Environment Protection Officer (Waste Levy) reports to the Manager, Licensing and
Regulatory Services, Regulation & Compliance Division of the EPA but works with a high
level of independence, often under field conditions. The incumbent will also have close
interaction with the following groups/personnel:

EPA licensed waste depot operators, local government and other sectors within the
waste industry;

Internal EPA personnel within the Illegal Dumping Unit, Finance branch, Waste to
Resources branch, Policy branch and the Crown Solicitor’s Office;

Other federal and state government agencies, private sector and community
stakeholders.
The EPA promotes working in a matrix manner and the occupant may, on occasions, report
to a variety of other EPA staff depending on the nature of the work involved.
3. Special Conditions


The EPA is a smoke free work place.
The EPA is committed to reducing its energy usage and contributing to the SA
Government’s greenhouse gas emission targets.
Duties outside normal working hours may be required and possession of a current
Driver’s Licence is essential. The incumbent must be suitable for appointment to be
an Authorised Officer under the Environment Protection Act.

4. Statement of Key Outcomes/Activities
Ensure the development, administration and review of a Statewide program
designed to monitor and audit compliance with the Environment Protection Act,
1993, the Environment Protection (Fees and Levy) Regulations 1994, and the
correct payment of waste levies by:
1.

Establishing and independently managing a prioritised schedule of inspections of
waste depots based on contacts with regions, the Environment Protection
Authority, the Department and Auditor-General report findings;

Analysing monthly returns and volumetric surveys;

Undertaking site visits and conducting audits of waste depots, providing
advice/assistance and negotiating improvements to ensure the requirements of the
Act and Regulations are met;

Reporting of findings and results of the audit program and providing advice and
recommendations to relevant authorities and personnel;

Developing, implementing and reviewing audit reports of all waste depots on an
annual basis;

Reviewing and analysing the effectiveness of the waste audit program on an annual
basis, developing and refining protocols for waste audit on an ongoing basis;

Participating in the development, maintenance and monitoring of
policies/procedures/guidelines and strategies to achieve regulatory compliance;

Providing expert advice and assistance to senior EPA officers and policy officers on
relevant issues associated with waste audit activities and regulatory amendment;

Providing a prompt and effective service (including problem solving) and advice to
the public, industry representatives and government agencies on issues pertaining
to waste audit, the Act and Regulations;
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
Conducting preliminary investigations into alleged breaches of the Regulations and
liaising closely with the EPA’s Investigations Unit;

Requesting, collecting and presenting evidence (attending court where necessary)
and ensuring the evidence will withstand judicial scrutiny or other appropriate
action;

Providing expert advice and collecting information, preparing statements, reports
and case notes to handover cases to EPA’s Investigations Unit for prosecutions;

Identifying where new licence conditions are required or where changes to licence
conditions are required in order to ensure effective and efficient auditing;

Preparing weighbridge approvals and conditions;

Preparing publications and managing education campaigns in order to promulgate
understanding of the regulations.

Contributing to the achievement of Risk Management Plans and strategies;

Assisting in the effective use of resources by complying with Government and EPA
systems, policies and procedures.
3. Contribute to the application of good human resource management practices by:
 Complying with Government and EPA human resource management policies and
procedures and Code of Conduct;
 Complying with the requirements for employees as specified in the EPA
Occupational Health, Safety and Welfare, and Injury Management Roles and
Responsibilities Policy; and
 Actively participating in the EPA’s Performance and Development Review program.
Acknowledged by Occupant: ……………………………………………….
…./…./….
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PERSON SPECIFICATION
ESSENTIAL MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS (Those characteristics considered necessary to
fulfil the position)
Educational/Vocational Qualifications

Nil.
Personal Abilities/Aptitude/Skills

Proven ability to collect, compile and analyse diverse and often complex information,
including those related to complex Acts and Regulations, and to effectively gather
evidence and maintain a ‘chain of custody’, and a high level of confidentiality.

Proven communication and interpersonal skills to liaise successfully with a broad range
of internal and external stakeholders, establish credibility and respectful relationships
with a demonstrated ability to develop clear and concise documents.

Proven ability to work effectively under limited direction, to identify and address
complex issues, meet deadlines under pressure, and use work-related resources and
information.
Experience (including community experience)

Demonstrated experience in the development and/or implementation of a program
that places emphasis on auditing and/or monitoring.

Proven experience in conducting audits and investigations, including interpreting
legislation of a complex nature.

Experience in contributing to the delivery of complex projects, particularly in an
environmental or sustainability field.
Knowledge

Proven knowledge of the legislation related to waste management, that is
administered by the EPA, and of relevant issues relating to waste management and
resource recovery.

Understanding of government, political and legislative processes.

A commitment to and understanding of the principles of Equal Employment
Opportunity, Managing Diversity, Performance Management, Occupational Health,
Safety and Welfare, and the Public Sector Act 2009.
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DESIRABLE CHARACTERISTICS (To distinguish between applicants who have met all
essential requirements)
Educational/Vocational Qualifications

Tertiary qualifications in a relevant discipline.
Personal Abilities/Aptitude/Skills

Computer competency in the utilisation of word processing, email, internet and data
management applications.

Outcomes orientated with a well-developed ability to negotiate, exercise significant
judgment, initiative and drive.
Experience

Experience in environmental assessment and protection and/or compliance or
financial auditing and/or investigations and evidentiary procedures.
Knowledge

Knowledge of the roles and interactions of the EPA and Zero Waste SA in waste
management.
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