Apply now to be Shire's new CEO

Consultants managing the recruitment process for the Shire of Augusta Margaret River’s new Chief Executive Officer last week released the role for public advertising.

The vacancy was created by the departure of Chief Executive Officer Gary Evershed, who is taking a period of leave before officially retiring on 25 January 2019.

Shire President Pam Townshend said Councillors worked with WA Local Government and a consultant to review the position description, scope the required recruitment process, consider the legal requirements for the appointment and identify priority skills sets for the incoming officer.

“This is obviously very significant role for the organisation, but it’s also an important appointment for the whole community,” she said.

“This person needs to have the right skill sets to manage a range of competing priorities, and have considerable experience in, and knowledge of, environmental issues.

“We are aiming to ensure we are advertising the position to the right people and that we receive strong interest from highly-qualified candidates.

“We are taking the process very seriously and we are being very thorough and considered in our approach.”

An excerpt of the job advertisements, placed by consultants Lester Blades, reads as follows:

“Council is interested in applicants who can demonstrate the full suite of competencies normally expected of someone working at CEO level in an organisation of this size and complexity.

“Equally important will be the CEO’s skills in developing a positive, meaningful and ethical organisation culture, one which reflects Council’s vision for connected communities, social justice and climate action, together with a strong focus on the natural environment.

“We seek a CEO who is perceptive to, and can accurately assess, community expectations and proactively engage with our diverse community in positive and meaningful ways.

“Commitment to sustainability (balancing environmental, social, cultural and economic values) and protecting the fragile natural environment are critically important. The CEO must also understand climate change and the need for urgent climate action at a local level.”

A condition of employment will be that the CEO must resides within the Shire.

People interested in considering this position should contact Geoff Blades at Lester Blades on 08 9221 0744 to obtain a copy of the Position Description.

Confidential applications should be made in Word format to Lester Blades at [email protected] Reference LB302195.

Applications close Monday 17 December 2018 at 5.00pm WST.