Executive Manager Roads, Infrastructure and Essential Services
Job No: PEAK776
* Lead major water, wastewater and essential service projects
* Flexible remote roster arrangements considered (e.g. 3 weeks onsite/ 1-week Carins office for the right candidate)
Bring your technical expertise and leadership capability to a role where you will directly influence the reliability and future sustainability of essential community infrastructure.
About Council
Kowanyama Aboriginal Shire Council serves one of the largest and most culturally significant communities on the Cape York Peninsula. With a population of more than 1,200 residents and a land area of over 4,000 square kilometres, the Council plays a vital role in delivering essential services, infrastructure, community programs, and long‑term strategic development. Guided by a vision of building a healthy, safe, and economically strong community, Council is committed to innovation, collaboration, and culturally informed service delivery. You will be joining an enthusiastic leadership team supported by a highly engaged Mayor and Councillors who are deeply invested in positive outcomes for their community.
The Position
Reporting to the CEO, this senior leadership role will oversee roads, water, wastewater, power, waste, buildings and capital works across the community. Leading a team of approximately 50 staff you will drive operational reliability, infrastructure upgrades and service delivery across a broad and diverse portfolio. With approximately $8M currently committed to essential services infrastructure upgrades, a key initial focus of the role will be progressing the design, planning and delivery of significant water and wastewater engineering projects.
You can access the Candidate Briefing DocumentHERE
The Person
Council is seeking an experienced infrastructure leader with strong technical capability in water and wastewater management/essential services operations and project delivery. You will bring demonstrated executive‑level experience, sound judgement, and the ability to lead multidisciplinary teams in a remote environment. Success in this role requires cultural awareness, resilience, and a collaborative leadership style that supports capability building amongst local staff. You will be someone who thrives in a dynamic environment, communicates with clarity and respect, and can balance strategic planning with practical, on‑the‑ground problem solving. Experience working in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities or remote locations will be highly regarded.
Why This Role?
This is a rare opportunity to make a meaningful and lasting impact in a community that genuinely values its leaders. You will work alongside a supportive CEO with deep local government experience, inherit well‑run operations, and step into a role with strong organisational momentum. Kowanyama offers a lifestyle enriched by culture, community spirit, and stunning natural surroundings, with excellent fishing and a range of local facilities. Council provides attractive remuneration, subsidised accommodation, a fully maintained vehicle, annual flights home and generous leave entitlements. Most importantly, you will join a community where 90% of residents are proud of what Council is achieving - your leadership will help continue that positive trajectory.
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