Walgett Shire Council

Manager Urban Services

• Lead the strategic and day-to-day operations of parks, public spaces, cemeteries, bore baths, and aerodromes across Walgett Shire.
• Deliver high-quality town presentation, open space maintenance, and compliance-focused airport management.
• Make a real impact in a regional leadership role with a broad scope and strong operational focus.
• Attractive salary of up to $130,940 PA plus housing allowance and lease-back vehicle.
• Generous benefits including 5 weeks of annual leave, long service leave after 5 years, flex leave arrangements, and more!

About us:

Walgett Shire Council proudly serves a diverse and unique region in the heart of outback New South Wales. Covering over 22,000 square kilometres, the Shire includes the towns of Walgett, Lightning Ridge, and Collarenebri, along with the villages of Carinda, Cumborah, Rowena, and Burren Junction, as well as expansive rural areas. With a population of approximately 7,000, the Shire supports key industries such as agriculture, grazing, grain handling, opal mining, and tourism.

Nestled at the junction of the Namoi and Barwon Rivers, Walgett is rich in history and natural beauty. Once a bustling paddle-steamer port, it is now the northern gateway to the iconic Darling River Run, offering breathtaking landscapes and a deep connection to Australia’s heritage.

Just an hour north, Lightning Ridge is famed for its vibrant opal mining culture and distinctive outback charm. Whether it’s fossicking for opals, exploring underground art galleries, soaking in naturally heated artesian springs, or enjoying the tranquillity of river fishing, the region offers a truly one-of-a-kind experience.

Life in Walgett Shire offers the best of outback living—open skies, a strong sense of community, and endless opportunities to explore. For more information about Walgett and the Lightning Ridge area, please click here.

About the role:

Walgett Shire Council is seeking an experienced and proactive Manager Urban Services to lead a broad and critical portfolio that includes parks and open space management, recreational facilities, cemetery operations, bore baths, street presentation and the day-to-day management of Council’s airports.

This role is responsible for overseeing both strategic direction and operational delivery through the leadership of multidisciplinary teams. You will ensure towns and villages are well-presented and maintained, airport and aerodrome facilities remain safe and compliant, and all services meet Council’s performance, safety, and customer service standards.

The Manager plays a key role in workforce planning, procurement oversight, asset management, reporting, and the coordination of on-ground services to support livable, attractive communities across the Shire.

About you:

• Demonstrated experience in managing urban services, open space or infrastructure maintenance teams.
• Strong leadership, staff supervision, and performance management skills.
• Experience coordinating town presentation activities and parks maintenance across multiple locations.
• Proven capability in managing daily airport and aerodrome operations, including compliance with CASA and WHS obligations.
• Strong reporting, budgeting, planning, and project coordination skills.
• High-level communication and stakeholder engagement experience, including with community members, contractors, and government agencies.
• Tertiary qualifications in Horticulture, Civil Construction, Environmental Services, or similar; plus required certifications in airport operations and WHS.
• An organised, accountable, and solutions-focused approach to delivering public services in a regional context.

At Walgett Shire Council, we understand that not every candidate will meet every criterion, and that is perfectly fine—your passion and potential matter most to us.

The full position description can be viewed by clicking here.

For further information or discussion about the position, contact our Interim Director Assets and Infrastructure, Leon Kruger, on 02 6828 6100 during business hours.

What we offer:

• A highly competitive salary of between $1,863 - $2,254 per week plus superannuation.
• Relocation assistance and subsidised housing to support your transition to the region.
• Access to a leaseback vehicle and essential tools of the trade.
• Salary Packaging options to maximise your take-home pay
• Generous benefits, including 5 weeks of annual leave and long service leave after 5 years.
• Flex-time arrangements, promoting a healthy work/life balance.
• Professional development opportunities to support your growth and success.
• Employee Assistance Program available to support you and your family through all life’s challenges.
• Exceptional working conditions within a family-friendly and supportive environment.

How to apply:

To apply, follow the instructions below, where you will be diverted to our website and requested to complete the selection criteria and attach your resume and cover letter. All correspondence regarding your application status and interview will be forwarded via email.

A failure to answer selection criteria and to attach your resume will result in your application being rejected.

Further information regarding the online application process may be obtained by contacting Council’s People and Culture Team via email jobs@walgett.nsw.gov.au 

Please Note: All correspondence regarding your application status and interview will be sent to you via email.

Closing date for applications:

Applications close at 9.00am on Monday, 12 May 2025.

Council reserves the right to close, withdraw or extend vacancies without prior notice.

Walgett Shire Council is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, committed to fostering diversity and inclusion in our workplace. We encourage applications from people with disabilities, culturally and linguistically diverse persons, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, veterans, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.