Sustainability Engagement Officer
Great Southern Wine Producers Association (GSWPA)
Contract | Part-Time (0.4 FTE – 2 days per week)
12-month contract | Home-based within the Great Southern region
The Great Southern Wine Producers Association is seeking a passionate and proactive Sustainability Engagement Officer to help drive the region's transition toward more resilient and sustainable wine production.
If you're committed to helping growers and winemakers adopt best-practice sustainability methods – and you enjoy working directly with producers to build capacity, solve practical problems, and support certification – this is a rewarding role with real regional impact.
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About the Role
As the Sustainability Engagement Officer, you will play a central role in supporting Great Southern wine producers to adopt sustainable practices and achieve certification through the Sustainable Winegrowing Australia (SWA) program.
Working within the broader WA Wine Sustainability Advancement Program (WAWSAP), you will deliver education, one-on-one support, and regional initiatives that contribute to the GSWPA's goal of achieving 50%+ certified sustainable production.
This is a flexible, home-based contractor role with regular travel across the Great Southern region.
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Key Responsibilities
Sustainability Certification Support
* Assist wine businesses to enrol in the SWA program.
* Provide guidance on Sustainability Action Plans and Freshcare AWISSP audit requirements.
* Support producers with pre-audit preparation and ongoing compliance.
Capacity Building & Education
* Deliver at least two technical workshops each year.
* Produce case studies showcasing best-practice sustainability in the region.
* Provide one-on-one consultations with vineyards and wineries.
* Coordinate field days and demonstration activities.
Regional Program Delivery
* Support the implementation of WAWSAP activities, including biodiversity assessments and climate resilience approaches.
* Work with NRM partners on water security and biodiversity initiatives.
* Facilitate access to natural capital and sustainability pathways.
Data Collection & Reporting
* Track certification progress and regional adoption of sustainability practices.
* Contribute to quarterly newsletters and annual sustainability reporting.
* Manage data aligned with the resilience capitals framework.
Stakeholder Engagement
* Represent GSWPA in statewide sustainability working groups.
* Build strong relationships with producers, government agencies, researchers, and industry bodies.
* Advocate for Great Southern businesses in sustainability program development.
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About You – Selection Criteria
Essential
* Tertiary qualification in viticulture, oenology, environmental science, sustainability, or a related field.
* Minimum 3 years' experience in sustainability within agriculture or the wine industry.
* Strong workshop facilitation and adult education skills.
* Excellent communication and relationship-building abilities.
* Knowledge of sustainability certification systems (preferably SWA or Freshcare AWISSP).
* Current driver's licence and willingness to travel across the region.
* Ability to work independently and manage a flexible workload.
Desirable
* Certificate IV in Training & Assessment.
* Experience in project coordination and data analysis.
* Existing networks within the Great Southern wine industry.
* Understanding of climate adaptation and carbon accounting.
* Experience working with government, NRM groups or industry associations.
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Contract & Working Conditions
* Independent contractor arrangement.
* Contractor provides own vehicle, computer and mobile equipment.
* Travel reimbursed at agreed per-kilometre rate.
* Professional indemnity and public liability insurance required.
* Quarterly performance reviews; potential for annual renewal based on funding and performance