Team Leader Community Response

About the Role:

Some days it's a wandering dog and a resident in tears. Some days it's taking a statement, preparing a brief and an afternoon in Court. Every day it's a team of Community Safety Officers who take their standard from yours.

You'll lead Council's Community Response team where we cover complex investigations, embrace the opportunity for education, undertake compliance and enforcement across parking, animal management and local nuisance and the day-to-day deployment of officers across our City.

Much of it isn't in a procedure. You'll be the one people call when the situation doesn't fit the manual, and the one who has to decide, then explain why.

What we're looking for:

Our community is made up of diverse neighbourhoods with vibrant people and places. When our neighbourhoods feel safe, and when our residents and businesses experience consistent processes, are heard and feel listened to, and when we take the time to work in partnership, our City thrives.

You'll bring a leadership style that's as comfortable responding to today's challenges as it is preparing for tomorrow's, helping your team adapt, evolve and continue delivering great outcomes for our community. You'll build trust, back your people when things get tough and create an environment where they feel valued, supported and empowered to do their best work.

You'll bring:

• Experience leading an operational team in compliance, regulatory, emergency services, or another environment where your people deal with conflict as a matter of routine.
• The judgement to make decisions in the grey.
• Experience leading complex investigations, preparing notices and orders, and seeing matters through to court.
• The ability to interpret legislation and apply it fairly, weighing statutory obligation against what the situation in front of you actually needs.
• A commitment to exemplary customer experience and to coaching your people.
• The instinct to improve how the work is done, rather than defend how it's always been done.
• The resilience to navigate competing priorities and high-pressure situations without losing perspective, and the foresight to prepare your team for what's next.
• The communication skills to navigate difficult conversations, build trust and bring people with you.

Formal qualifications in regulatory services are desirable.  Demonstrated experience will be equally considered.

About Our Organisation:

The City of Charles Sturt is a vibrant community home to around 130,000 people across 105 different cultures. We champion unity in diversity and strive to reflect our community within our workforce. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, experiences and identities. Wherever you're from, you're home in the City of Charles Sturt.

We prioritise customer and employee experience and foster a supportive environment where everyone belongs. With over 500 employees, our people and our community "Means the World" to us, highlighting the importance of our places, our people and our service to the community.

We work flexibly and support one another. Visit our Careers Page to learn more about our employee benefits and explore what flexibility could work for you.

About Our Team:

The Community Safety Team is focused on adopting a proactive and contemporary approach to effectively deliver a broad range of regulatory related activities while ensuring a positive customer experience. Actively engaged within the community, the team builds strong relationships with key stakeholders and customers by offering accurate information and guidance to support compliance with legislative requirements. 

The Details:

The position is offered on a full-time, permanent basis and is classified at Level 5, with a salary range of $106,912 to $111,513 per annum + Super + Annual Leave Loading.

The position is identified as a prescribed position and therefore requires the successful candidate to maintain a current unprohibited National Police Clearance for Regulatory Requirements.

You will also be required to hold a current driver's licence and be available to respond to after-hours-call outs as required.

To be considered for this opportunity, you must have current and ongoing work rights in Australia. We are unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position. 

How to Apply:

Click ‘Apply for this job’ to submit your application by 9.00am, Wednesday, 23 September 2026.

Please note that we review applications as they are received and may commence interviews prior to the closing date. We encourage interested candidates to apply as soon as possible.

For further information about the vacancy, please view the attached Position Description and enquiries may be directed to:

Laura Watson, Manager Community Health and Safety

lawatson@charlessturt.sa.gov.au        

0447 806 816