Warrumbungle Shire Council

Trainee WHS Officer

Department: Human Resources

Reports to: Manager Human Resources

Salary Range: $1,044 - $1,191 per 35 hour week + superannuation

Kickstart Your Career in Work Health and Safety!

If you’re looking to develop a career in Work Health and Safety (WHS), enjoy working with people, and are a motivated and eager learner, then we want you! This entry-level Trainee WHS Officer role offers you the unique opportunity to receive on-the-job training and mentorship, working alongside Council’s WHS Advisor. You will gain practical skills in WHS legislation, systems, and reporting while supporting a proactive safety culture in a local government setting.

In this role, you will assist with the implementation and maintenance of Council’s WHS Management System, help coordinate risk assessments, workplace inspections, and incident investigations, and contribute to the preparation and review of WHS policies and procedures. You’ll also be involved in organizing WHS training sessions, supporting safety campaigns, and participating in WHS Committee meetings. As you gain experience, you'll increasingly take on more responsibility, contributing to a safer and healthier workplace for all. Plus, you will undertake formal study towards a Certificate IV in Work Health and Safety as part of the traineeship.

We’re looking for someone who has completed Year 12 (or equivalent) or has at least two years in the workforce, with good communication and computer skills. If you’re organized, detail-oriented, and have a positive attitude, this is the perfect role for you to learn and grow. A Class C driver’s licence is required, and if you have a WHS whitecard, it’s a bonus!

If you’re ready to jumpstart your career in Work Health and Safety, this is your chance to work within a supportive team environment while receiving valuable hands-on experience and training. 

Please click here to view the position description.

Please click here to view the Trainee WHS Information Package.

This position is located in the beautiful town of Coonabarabran, known as the Astronomy Capital of Australia, which is midway between Melbourne and Brisbane and is known for its beautiful landscape and stunning night skies. The town has medical services, excellent schools, a variety of sporting and social clubs and a thriving tourism Industry. With the nearby Warrumbungle National Park, which is also Australia’s first Dark Sky Park, there is plenty to do and explore whether you’re looking for adventure or relaxation.

Selection criteria include:

• A genuine interest in pursuing a career in Work Health and Safety.
• Completion of Year 12 (or equivalent) or Year 10 plus at least two years in the workforce 
• Good communication and interpersonal skills, with a friendly and approachable manner.
• Good computer skills, including Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook).
• Willingness and ability to undertake formal WHS study as part of a traineeship (Certificate IV in WHS).
• Sound organisational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work as part of a team and follow instructions.
• Demonstrated commitment to confidentiality and professional conduct.
• Class C driver’s licence (P plates minimum).

It is a plus if you have your WHS whitecard.

Benefits of working for Council

Council is committed to creating a positive working environment and offer a range of benefits for staff, including

• Great leave opportunities 
  • 1 RDO every 4 weeks 
  • Paid parental and concurrent parental leave
  • Carer’s leave
  • 3 weeks sick leave per year including up to 2 days health and wellbeing leave each year
  • Purchase additional leave or cash out leave
  • Deferred leave scheme – eg work three years at 75% of your pay and have the following year off at 75% of your pay! 
• Support for training and professional development
  • Formal training opportunities
  • Access to thousands of free online training courses
• Weekly pay cycle
• Mobile phone allowance available if you bring your own device
• Salary Packaging options to maximise your take-home pay
• Hybrid work and flexible hours by agreement and subject to role requirements
• Wellness – we want you to be at your best self so you and your immediate family members have access to our employee assistance program with TELUS Health One
• Free annual flu vaccinations and bi-annual skin cancer checks available
• PPE provided
• Generous uniform allowance

About Warrumbungle Shire Council

Warrumbungle Shire is strategically positioned on the Newell Highway, a short drive from Tamworth, Mudgee and Dubbo, and just over 3 hours from Newcastle, making Warrumbungle Shire a great place to live and work. Covering an area of more than 12,000km², and with a population of nearly 10,000, Warrumbungle Shire Council is one of the larger Local Government Areas in Central West NSW, home to the townships of Coonabarabran, Coolah, Dunedoo, Binnaway, Baradine and Mendooran. 

With a rich history and stunning landscapes including spectacular mountain ranges, waterfalls, ancient sandstone caves, gorges, and beautiful plains, our scenic location amongst friendly country communities provides an ideal setting for those looking to balance a country lifestyle and career.

At Warrumbungle Shire Council we offer a broad variety of jobs with a range of benefits and career development opportunities within Local Government. The guiding principles of honesty, integrity, fairness and compassion form the spirit of the team along with respect, transparency, passion, trust and opportunity is how Warrumbungle Shire Council strengthens its working environment to deliver on the aspirations of our community. Council is proud to be an equal opportunity and child safe employer with a commitment to our staff and our vision is Excellence in Local Government. 

How to apply

Please provide sufficient detail in your answers to the questions as this information is used to assess your suitability for interview.

1. Scroll down and complete the fields below. Note: Fields marked with a red asterisk* are mandatory.
2. Click ‘Next’
3. Attach your resume, covering letter and copies of your qualifications
4. Click ‘Next’
5. Review your application and click ‘Confirm’ to submit your completed application

You will receive an email acknowledgement to confirm receipt of your application. You will receive email notifications regarding the status of your application. It is important that you regularly check your email to ensure you do not miss any notifications from Council. It is also recommended that you check your spam or junk folder and consider adding careers@warrumbungle.nsw.gov.au to your email address book to ensure you do not miss any correspondence in regard to your application.

Applications close at 11.00 pm Monday 21 April 2025.

For enquiries, please contact Human Resources on 6849 2000.

Applicants should note that Criminal History Checks, as well as alcohol and drug testing, are conditions of employment.