Senior Engagement Specialist Community and First Nations

Additionally, Urban Utilities recognises the authentic engagement with Aboriginal Traditional Custodians is integral in its commitment to reconciliation and acknowledges the benefits of bringing more than 60,000 years of culture, knowledge and experience of caring for Country. This role will also lead and advise on community engagement with First Nations communities and Traditional Owners and plays a critical role in building and maintaining trusted relationships across our service regions, while also supporting organisational growth and capability engaging with First Nations communities and Traditional Owners. 

As a senior member in a team of dedicated and experienced engagement professionals, you will lead the engagement and effective partnerships with Urban Utilities’ internal representatives and delivery partners to support the delivery of Urban Utilities’ larger capital projects or complex planning and operations and maintenance projects, including the design, development, delivery and management of communication and engagement activities. This role also leads appropriate First Nations engagement as it relates to early engagement during the design and development phases of projects and provides support for engagement during the delivery and management phases to facilitate respectful and informed engagement for the benefit of Aboriginal Peoples, our customers and the community. 

Your key responsibilities will include, but not be limited to: 

• Effective project engagement and communication – integral within projects teams to lead the development and implementation of community relations and engagement for higher profile projects, enhancing reputation and supporting project progress;  

• First Nations engagement – build meaningful connections between Urban Utilities and Aboriginal Traditional Custodians across Urban Utilities’ service territory including providing guidance and recommendations to support early engagement during planning, design and delivery of projects, and lead the understanding, support and implementation of a First Nations Human Rights approach across Urban Utilities policy, practice and engagement;  

• Internal Partnerships – partner with a range of internal stakeholders to collaborate on the development and implementation of strategies, programs, activities and solutions relevant to the delivery of Urban Utilities’ First Nations engagement, Cultural Heritage, capital infrastructure and maintenance programs/activities; and lead the Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) Working Group and Engagement Sub-Working Group to ensure progress of commitments related to First Nations engagement;  

• Strategic Community Engagement – develop and execute complex community engagement strategies for planning, delivery and maintenance projects and programs that build social licence, align with regulatory expectations and requirements and consider authentic engagement with First Nations communities and Traditional Owners;  

• Project Management and Planning – manage an integrated and coordinated engagement program including managing resource plans that align engagement activities with project requirements, timelines, workforce availability and project milestones;   

• Framework & Standards Development – ensure project engagement aligns with best practice engagement principles and internal project governance structures, including alignment with the First Nations Engagement Guide and Aboriginal and Cultural Heritage Manual; 

• Brand & Reputation – contribute to activities that protect and enhance the Urban Utilities brand and our reputation as a reliable, trusted and progressive provider of water and wastewater services; and 

• Customer/Community Advocacy – seek to understand and advocate for issues on behalf of and in the best interests of Urban Utilities’ Customers and Community members and representatives. 

Please note, this position may also require on-call duties outside of standard working hours due to the critical nature of the role. 

About you: 

If you’re passionate about what you do and are ready to join an organisation that has a genuine impact on the communities we serve, we’d love to hear from you.  Ideally you will have:  

• Tertiary qualifications in Communications, Community and/or Stakeholder Engagement, Public Relations, Community/Urban Planning, or other relevant discipline/s; 

• IAP2 Certification (highly regarded); 

• 8+ years experience in strategic community and stakeholder engagement within critical infrastructure programs, projects or organisations and/or other services industries highly regarded;  

• Strong relationship building skills grounded in respect, cultural awareness and collaboration an demonstration knowledge and experience developing and implementing engagement with First Nations Peoples; and 

• Demonstrated experience building persuasive networks success in developing and managing a complex program including accurate resource planning and management, and delivering efficiencies through standardisations and toolkits. 

At Urban Utilities, we celebrate diversity. We genuinely believe that bringing together diversity of thoughts, perspectives and expressions is key and crucial to our success as a business. You might find you meet some, but not all, of the job requirements for this role. We’d still encourage you to apply as we we’re looking for the right person for this role - it’s about so much more than ticking all the boxes! 

Why Urban Utilities? 

At Urban Utilities, the work we do is more than just about the bottom line. We're a leading provider of world-class drinking water and wastewater services to the vibrant communities of Brisbane, Ipswich, Lockyer Valley, Somerset, and Scenic Rim. As we continue to grow, we're committed to planning ahead and shaping a sustainable future around water for generations to come.  

We know the chance to thrive, and progress comes hand in hand with the support to balance work with life. So, you’ll access an increasingly diverse range of benefits and initiatives that’ll help you bring the best you.  Urban Utilities is an endorsed employer for all women. See our range of benefits and policies directly at WORK180  

Here’s just a sample of the benefits we offer our team: 

• 18 weeks of paid parental leave, 15 days personal leave including two proactive wellbeing days, and an additional day of leave each year to connect with friends and family  

• Generous Salary Packaging options, including novated leases 

• Corporate discounts across Health insurance, technology and more 

• Flexibility at UU depends on the type of work you do but could include options such as, 9-day fortnights and flexible days. Talk to us about what flexibility means to you! 

At the core of our work lies genuine CARE: for our team, our customers, communities, and the environment. From the flush of a toilet to major infrastructure projects and residential developments, we're dedicated to being there every step of the way. HQ is in Fortitude Valley, Brisbane, but you'll find us all over SEQ - working in cool places like the SAS Laboratory in Darra, field-based depots in Eagle Farm, Acacia Ridge, Bundamba, and wastewater treatment plants dotted across the region. 

How to apply 

Visit our website to learn more about us at www.urbanutilities.com.au and click on “Apply” to complete your application.  

Please note, applicants will be required to undergo pre-employment & background checks as part of the recruitment process for this role. 

This job ad reflects the high-level role Urban Utilities plays in the community, emphasising the strategic and impactful nature of the position while inviting diverse applicants.  Let us know if you need any further adjustments or additional details by contacting our friendly Talent Team at [email protected]