Environmental Compliance Officer

Department: Planning and Regulation

Reports to: Manager Planning and Regulation

Salary Range: $85,689 - $99,585 per annum + superannuation

Term Contract up to 3 years

Protect our community. Care for our environment. Make a difference locally.

Are you passionate about protecting public health and the environment? Do you enjoy solving problems, working with the community and finding practical ways to achieve positive outcomes?

Join our team as an Environmental Compliance Officer and play an important role in keeping our community safe, healthy and environmentally responsible.

This is a varied, hands-on role where no two days are quite the same. You will undertake environmental health inspections, investigate complaints, monitor water quality, assess potential environmental risks and ensure compliance with relevant legislation and Council requirements. Your work will span food safety, swimming pool safety, contaminated land, liquid trade waste, underground petroleum storage, illegal dumping, pollution and other environmental compliance matters. You will also provide support to our Ranger team when required, including participation in the on-call roster, contributing to a broad range of public safety, animal control and environmental protection activities across the Shire.

We are looking for someone who understands that effective compliance is about more than issuing notices. You will be positive, approachable and solutions-focused, balancing education and early intervention with appropriate investigation and enforcement when necessary. You will need confidence communicating with a diverse range of people, including when conversations are difficult, complaints are complex or compliance action is required. Strong written communication, sound judgement, resilience, attention to detail and the ability to work independently while contributing to a supportive team will be essential to your success.

This is also an opportunity to bring your ideas and initiative to the role. You will contribute to community education and environmental awareness initiatives, help improve policies and work practices, and identify opportunities to strengthen how Council delivers its services. We are seeking someone with relevant environmental health, environmental compliance or regulatory experience, who is motivated to make a meaningful contribution and keen to continue developing their skills.

If you enjoy variety, value practical outcomes and want to help protect both the community and the environment, we would love to hear from you.
Bring your expertise, initiative and community spirit to a role where your work matters.

Please click here to view the position description.

This is a full-time Term Contract position for up to 3 years

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:

• Relevant tertiary qualifications in Environmental Health, Environmental Science, or a related discipline; or equivalent relevant experience.
• Demonstrated knowledge of NSW public health, environmental protection, and local government legislation.
• Experience in regulatory enforcement, investigation, and reporting.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to engage with the community, resolve conflict, and provide education in a respectful and professional manner.
• Demonstrated ability to plan tasks, prioritise workloads, and meet deadlines.
• Proven ability to work effectively as part of a team while also exercising initiative and accountability when working independently.
• Competence in record-keeping, report writing, and use of information systems.
• Willingness to participate in an on-call roster for emergency compliance matters.
• Current NSW Class C driver’s licence.

It is a plus if you have previous local government experience, training or experience in community education and awareness campaigns, Court representation or investigation experience. Authorised Officer accreditation for relevant NSW Acts (e.g. Food Act, Local Government Act, Protection of the Environment Operations Act) is highly desirable.

Why join Warrumbungle Shire Council

Warrumbungle Shire Council offers more than just a job — we provide the opportunity to build a stable, long-term career while enjoying genuine work-life balance, strong team support, and a rewarding regional lifestyle.

As part of Council, you’ll join a workplace that values professionalism, safety, collaboration, and continuous development, while supporting the essential services and infrastructure that keep our communities thriving.

Council offers a wide range of employee benefits designed to support your wellbeing, career growth, and lifestyle, including: 

• Long service leave available after 5 years
• Flexible monthly RDO
• Paid parental and concurrent parental leave
• Generous leave provisions
• Opportunities to purchase additional leave or access deferred leave arrangements
• Ongoing training, mentoring, and professional development opportunities
• Access to thousands of free online learning courses
• Weekly pay cycle
• Salary packaging options to help maximise your take-home pay
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) available to employees and immediate family members
• Health and wellbeing initiatives including flu vaccinations, hearing tests and skin cancer checks 
• PPE and/or a generous uniform allowance provided, depending on the role 

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.

Council's normal practice is to appoint at the entry salary for the grade. A higher commencing salary may be approved where an applicant can demonstrate significant directly relevant qualifications, skills and experience.

Applications close at 11.00 pm Sunday 15 November 2026.

Interviews are expected to be held 24 November 2026. The final date will be confirmed with preferred candidates after applications have closed and shortlisting has been completed.
With the Christmas period fast approaching, we are ideally looking for a candidate to start in January 2027.

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.