About Boomerang Alliance

The Boomerang Alliance (www.boomerangalliance.org.au) was formed in 2003 with the aim of a zero-waste society. We are a national community-based organisation advocating for waste reduction and resource recovery. Our campaign work has covered issues such as beverage and plastic bag litter, toxic tyres, electronic waste, plastic packaging, recycling and circular economics. Our network includes 51 national and state environment groups and many community organisations.

A key current focus is on litter, particularly plastic pollution. Previously our aim has been the introduction of container deposit schemes for beverage containers in each state, and the phase-out single use plastic bags. With the announcement and implementation of these now in most Australian states and territories, Boomerang Alliance is addressing other single-use, fossil-fuel based plastics, commonly found in the waste and litter stream.

Plastic Free CQ

Boomerang Alliance’s Plastic Free Places (PFP) program was established in 2017 as a community-focused program to promote the switch from single-use, ‘disposable’ plastic takeaway products to better practices and alternatives. By taking a whole-of-community approach, working with businesses and suppliers, and with the support of state and local government - we work to reduce single-use plastics, demonstrating how this can be effectively achieved and receive acceptability.

Boomerang Alliance is undertaking a PFP program in Rockhampton and Livingstone in 2021. Utilising extensive experience gained through six PFP projects already in operation in Noosa Byron Bay, Adelaide, Perth, and Cairns and Townsville, the ‘Plastic Free CQ’ initiative will directly engage with food retailers in Rockhampton and Livingstone to facilitate the transition away from key single-use plastic food service items. To learn more about how our programs operate, visit http://www.plasticfreeplaces.org/.

About the role

The Coordinator will be employed for 30 – 37.5 hours per week on a 47-week contract to deliver on the goals of the program. The position is home-based and flexible with days, but the majority must be conducted Mon-Fri to fit in with suitable hours for business engagement. Some weekend work may be occasionally necessary. The position will commence by February 15th, 2021, and the contract will run until December 31, 2021 (46 working weeks) with the possibility of extension if further funding is secured.

With support from the BA National team, the Coordinator will focus on the practical implementation of the project Action Plan, with specific tasks including but not limited to:

• Coordination of on-ground engagement with café/food retail/product suppliers and any other identified sectors.
• Media and public spokesperson representation of the project where required.
• Production of copy for newsletters/media releases.
• Production of regular social media content.
• Liaison with the PFP Program Manager, local councils and other stakeholders to ensure project objectives are being met.
• Content management of member database.
• Data collection and reporting.

For information on conditions and salary, please see the supporting document attached below.

Selection Criteria

Essential

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent time management skills.
• Self-starter with the confidence to work independently.
• Proficiency with social media.
• Confidence with public speaking.
• Confidence working with a range of business and government stakeholders.
• An interest in waste and plastic pollution issues.
• Familiarity with the local area and culture.

Desirable

• A bachelor’s degree qualification, preferably related to an environment or communications field.
• Experience within the food retail / hospitality sector (management experience would be well regarded).
• A skillset in marketing, graphic design, photography, videography or copywriting.
• Knowledge of the issues surrounding waste, recycling and plastic pollution.

Applications will be accepted until January 31st, but please get in early as shortlisting will occur from January 27th and online (Zoom) interviews for the position will commence the week of Feb 1st.

If you have any questions, please direct them to [email protected] using the subject line: Plastic Free Community Coordinator enquiry via EthicalJobs.