Western Australian Local Government Association (WALGA)

Employee Relations Advisor

Located: WALGA HQ West Leederville / on the traditional lands of the Whadjuk Noongar people.

• Provide practical ER and IR advice to WA Local Governments
• Work with WALGA members on meaningful HR, policy and workplace matters
• Enjoy sector leading 6 weeks’ annual leave per year + Anniversary leave!

Be the trusted advisor behind better workplace outcomes

Do you enjoy helping people navigate workplace challenges, interpreting employment frameworks and finding practical solutions that make a difference?

At WALGA, the work you do as an Employee Relations Advisor will directly support Local Governments across Western Australia. You'll provide clear, timely and practical advice on employee relations (ER) and industrial relations (IR) matters, helping members navigate workplace issues with confidence while building strong, trusted relationships along the way.

This is a role for someone who enjoys balancing technical expertise with a genuine focus on people. You'll work across a variety of employment matters, providing advice and guidance, supporting consultancy projects, developing practical resources and contributing to learning opportunities that help build capability across the Local Government sector.

As part of a collaborative and supportive team, you'll work alongside experienced ER professionals who are passionate about sharing knowledge, solving problems and delivering exceptional service to our Members. It's an excellent opportunity for someone looking to take the next step in their ER or IR career and further develop their advisory skills.

What does a typical week look like?

Not all weeks are typical in this team. One day, you might be responding to a member enquiry, helping them understand their obligations and options in managing a workplace matter. The next, you could be reviewing a position description classification, contributing to a consultancy project, drafting a workplace policy or developing a practical resource to support members across the sector.

A key part of the role is providing verbal and written advice that is not only technically sound, but also clear, practical and easy to apply. You'll work closely with members to understand their circumstances, identify solutions and support positive workplace outcomes.

You'll also contribute to a wide range of team initiatives, along with opportunities to assist with training, webinars and seminars.  As your confidence grows, you may present information to members and support broader sector capability-building activities.

This isn't a role where you'll simply interpret legislation from behind a desk. You'll be part of a team that works closely with members, helps them navigate complex situations and contributes to strengthening employment practices across Local Government.

Let's talk about you!

You’re someone who can work through complexity without making things more complicated than they need to be. You understand that good employee relations advice is not just technically correct, it is clear, practical and tailored to the person receiving it.

You’ll bring experience providing HR and IR advice and enjoy building relationships with stakeholders. You’re comfortable interpreting employment legislation and industrial instruments, but equally enjoy working with people, answering questions and helping others find a practical solution.

To be successful in this role you'll have:

• Demonstrated experience providing human resources and/or industrial relations advice to stakeholders.
• Experience reading, interpreting and applying legislation and awards such as the, Industrial Relations Act 1979, Minimum Conditions of Employment Act 1993 and the Fair Work Act 2009.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain complex information clearly and professionally.
• Excellent customer service skills with the ability to build rapport, manage expectations and foster positive stakeholder relationships.
• A willingness and ability to present information to groups and share knowledge with others.
• Strong problem-solving, research and analytical skills.
• Tertiary qualifications in human resources, industrial relations or a related field.

Why you’ll love working here

At WALGA, we believe success happens at The Sweet Spot, the place where big picture purpose meets local community impact, with perks that come without the trade‑offs. The Sweet Spot is our employee promise. It reflects what you can expect when you work with us: meaningful work, genuine flexibility, and an environment built on curiosity, collaboration and shared purpose.

Employees have the opportunity to work on unique and meaningful projects that deliver real benefits to Local Government and the communities they serve. We foster a culture of positive risk-taking, guided by one of our strategic pillars Explore, and underpinned by our value of Curiosity.

You’ll enjoy six weeks of annual leave plus an extra day off on the anniversary of when you started, because your journey with us is worth celebrating. Our Thrive wellbeing program runs all year and is designed to support every aspect of wellbeing. Mental, physical, and social through education, resources, and practical initiatives.

We’re committed to helping you grow, both personally and professionally, and we’re driving a tech roadmap that’s shaping a data-led future. There are plenty of ways to get involved too, with cross-organisational working groups such as Reconciliation, Artificial Intelligence, and Sustainability.

And that’s just the start. You’ll also find an active social club run by employees, end-of-trip facilities, and a centrally located modern office designed for collaboration. We’re also proud to be recently accredited as a Menopause Friendly Australia employer, because creating an inclusive workplace matters to us!

Apply now

If this sounds like the role you have been looking for, we’d love to hear from you.

• Please include a two-page maximum cover letter outlining what sets you apart and why this role represents a meaningful step for both you and WALGA.
• If you have questions that can’t be found in this ad or the position description, please contact Employee Relations Services Manager – Julie Love on (08) 9213 2592
• Applications will close 12:00pm, Thursday 20 August 2026. We may commence interviews upon receipt and reserve the right to close the position early.
• To view the position description please visit our careers page
• Applications via email will not be accepted. As this role is being sourced directly by WALGA, we respectfully request no agencies approach.

WALGA encourages people from different backgrounds to apply, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds and people with disabilities.

We are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible environment for all candidates. If you have any specific needs or require accommodations to participate fully in the interview process, please let us know. This could include, but is not limited to, accessibility requirements, assistive technologies, or any other considerations.