HSEQ Officer

Help improve the systems and practices that support safe, compliant and environmentally responsible work across Council. Join us as an HSEQ Officer in a varied role combining office and field-based work.

About Us

Working with us means more than just a job – it’s an opportunity to make a real difference at a local level. We’re a small but impactful council known for innovation, collaboration, and community connection. With around 160 dedicated employees, our team is passionate about delivering services that support the people and places that make our shire special.

Bellingen Shire is a picturesque and diverse area located on the Mid North Coast of NSW, halfway between Sydney and Brisbane and just south of Coffs Harbour. Covering 1,605 square kilometres with around 10km of coastline, the region is renowned for its stunning natural beauty – from lush rainforests and pristine rivers to the World Heritage-listed Dorrigo National Park. Our towns and villages are known for their charm, creativity and strong community spirit.

Living and working here offers the perfect blend of lifestyle and purpose. With a focus on sustainability, cultural richness, and a warm, welcoming community, Bellingen Shire is an inspiring place to grow your career, enjoy work-life balance, and contribute to something meaningful.

The Opportunity

Bellingen Shire Council is seeking an HSEQ Officer to maintain, review and improve Council’s Integrated Management System (IMS) and associated documentation, ensuring it meets relevant quality, work health and safety, and environmental standards and legislative requirements. The position offers a variety of office and field-based work, working with staff across Council to support the application of the IMS to construction and maintenance activities.

In this role, you will undertake audits, workplace inspections, incident investigations, identify and assess risks, manage non-conformances and monitor corrective actions. You will also review and update IMS documentation, develop procedures and provide advice and assistance to staff on quality, safety and environmental requirements. An important part of the role is working with supervisors and employees to identify opportunities to improve existing systems and work practices.

To be successful in this role, you will have tertiary qualifications in Work Health and Safety, Environmental Science, Civil Engineering, or a related discipline. You will have demonstrated experience in quality assurance, environmental compliance or work health and safety, together with experience in implementing and improving management systems, preferably within construction and maintenance environments. You will also have knowledge of relevant legislation and standards, good communication and organisation skills, and the ability to work independently and collaboratively with others. A current NSW Class C Driver Licence and WHS Construction Induction (White) Card are essential.

On offer

Working for Bellingen Shire Council provides access to a range of benefits and employment conditions, including:

• Permanent full -time role, 35 hours per week with access to monthly rostered day off
• Access to Fitness Passport
• Access to employee wellbeing programs
• Access to hybrid and flexible work arrangements in line with Award provisions, subject to operational requirements
• Ongoing professional development opportunities
• Salary packaging options
• Annual salary of $87,687 to $99,961 (plus super). 

Still Have Questions?

• For further information regarding this role please contact Joshua Corlis, Group Leader Technical Services, on 02 6655 7300.
• For enquiries about the application process, please contact the Recruitment Team at recruitment@bellingen.nsw.gov.au. 

Sponsorship/work rights for Australia

Please note that visa sponsorship is not available.  To be eligible for a continuing role, you must be an Australian or New Zealand citizen or hold Australian permanent residency.

Temporary visa holders may be considered for a fixed-term appointment aligned with the duration of their visa, depending on the needs of the role and the business unit.

How to Apply

Please read the Position Description by clicking the link at the bottom of this page to gain a full understanding of the responsibilities and requirements of the role. 

No candidate meets every single desired qualification or skill.  If your experience looks a little different from what we have outlined but you believe you could add value to the role, we would love to learn more about you!

If this sounds like you, click the ‘Apply for this job’ button at the top of the page.  You will need to complete the application form and upload your current resume and a cover letter outlining your suitability for the role.  Please ensure you follow the application instructions and provide all requested information, as the application forms part of the assessment process.  Applications that do not meet these requirements may not be progressed to interview.

Applications close: Sunday, 22 November 2026 at 4pm

Important information

As part of the recruitment process, suitable candidates will be required to complete pre-employment screening which can include relevant background checks, functional capacity assessments, psychometric testing, and drug and alcohol screening (where relevant to the role).  We may also review publicly available information (such as social media) and, with your consent, contact previous employers not listed on your application.

Our recruitment process is managed via system generated emails.  Please ensure your email address is entered correctly to avoid missing important updates and outcomes.  Notifications may include application confirmation, interview invitations, reference requests, and application outcomes.  Remember to check your email regularly, including your junk/spam folder.

Bellingen Shire Council as an equal opportunity employer is committed to a merit-based workforce that encompasses inclusiveness and diversity in an environment of mutual respect. We invite, encourage, welcome and value candidates of all ages, from diverse backgrounds and cultures, and people who have lived experience of disability to apply to work with us.

Bellingen Shire Council is committed to the safety and wellbeing of children and creating and maintaining a child safe organisation.

If you require additional assistance to participate in the recruitment process, please contact the People and Culture team on 02 6655 7300 or recruitment@bellingen.nsw.gov.au. You can ask for reasonable adjustments to be made at any time during the recruitment process.