Clarence Valley Council

Graduate position – Career path to Governance Officer

Are you looking for a rewarding career where you can grow and develop while having the benefit of living in an idyllic North Coast location? Here at Clarence Valley Council, we strive to be a progressive employer that offers a rewarding and flexible work environment. Our vision is to create a community full of opportunity and our workforce is where we start to achieve our community aspirations.

Located in the Northern Rivers of NSW, we cover 10,441 square kilometres with the three major community hubs of Grafton, Yamba and Maclean. We are one of the biggest employers in the Valley and can offer you a rewarding career and a new lifestyle. Our goal is to be the employer of choice in the Valley, creating opportunities for those who live here already and for those who want to move here.

We are in an exciting period of transformation with a focus on employee engagement, satisfaction and delivering exceptional services and facilities for the community.

We strive to lead with openness and courage and want you to be part of that journey.

So come and join the team while enjoying all that Clarence Valley has to offer you and your family.

Learn more about living in the Clarence Valley here.

What you need to know...

• Graduate-level entry (salary Grade 7) on a career pathway OR suitable experience (salary Grade 11)
• permanent full time - 70 per fortnight 
• location: Grafton or Maclean (negotiable)
• flexible work options for a healthy work/life balance 
• enjoy the benefits of flex time 
• access to fitness passport

About the role 

We have an exciting opportunity for a values-driven professional to join us as our Governance Officer.

Our ideal candidate will have :

• Skills and knowledge to effectively manage governance responsibilities and support legislative compliance across the organisation
• Knowledge in governance, local government compliance legislation, council procedures would be beneficial
• The ability to interpret and apply legislation, local laws, and policies, and the ability to work independently The position will be responsible for administrating key activities such as managing GIPA requests, quarterly reporting and liaising with internal and external stakeholder

What you’ll need to succeed

• Able to effectively communicate and work well with others
• Excellent eye for detail
• Continually look at ways to improve operations
• Think strategically and anticipate operational pressures and needs

OPTION 1 :  Graduate entry on a career pathway. If you have recently completed, or are in the final year of studies towards a Bachelor's degree in law, policy, government or a governance related field, we would like to hear from you! As a graduate, you will commence the position at a salary grade 7 and progress to salary grade 11 over a two-year timeframe, supported by a training plan. Grade 7 package: $64,296 to $76,674 plus superannuation per annum.

OPTION 2 :  Candidate with suitable experience - If you are not a recent graduate but hold a Tertiary qualification (minimum Certificate level) in law, policy, government, business  administration, or local government disciplines; or if you have equivalent relevant industry experience, we would like to hear from you! A suitably experiences candidate will commence the position on salary Grade 11. Grade 11 package: $81,855 to $97,613 plus superannuation per annum.

Download the position description here.

To be considered for this position you will need to:

• Address the essential criteria
• Attach a cover letter (2 pages maximum) and an up-to-date resume (5 pages maximum) that clearly details your skills & experience as relevant to this position. You will need to demonstrate how you meet the focus capabilities and how your skills will enable you to achieve the key accountabilities.
• Target questions - answer the 2 target questions - maximum 300 words each question
  Q1. Often it is easy to blur the distinction between confidential information and public knowledge. Can you give me an example of when you were faced with this dilemma? What did you do?
  Q2. Tell us about a time when you faced conflicting priorities. How did you determine the top priority? 

Contact

Amanda Brien, Coordinator Governance and Risk on (02) 6643 0255.

Closing date

Tuesday 1 April 2025 at 11.30 pm (NSW time).

Other important information

This position is located at Council's Grafton or Maclean office, however, this may change should business needs identify other work locations to be more appropriate to deliver our services in the future.

A probation period applies to this position.

How to apply:

• All applications must be lodged online via Council's website www.clarence.nsw.gov.au.
• Attachments such as certificates and licences must be combined into one document before you attach them to your application.
• For further information about the selection process including tips on how to address the selection criteria please refer to the Careers page on the Clarence Valley Council website. 

For this application you will be required to supply a resume and relevant certificates and licences.

Do you want further information on how to apply under the Capability Framework? Please read our How to apply for a job guide.

Council is an EEO employer and First Nations people are encouraged to apply.

Council also recognises the skills and attributes of veterans and welcomes applications from ex-service personnel.