Careers at Council

Environment

Local Government is committed to the protection of Australia’s environment.

From managing activities that impact our rivers, creeks and public land, to developing and enforcing policy that influences water and energy use in urban development, you’ll be protecting Australia’s bountiful natural resources.

Local Government is also responsible for waste management and environmental health; ensuring public spaces are safe and clean for all Australians to enjoy.

Environmental Management

Play a vital part in ensuring that our bountiful resources are managed, protected and enhanced for future generations to enjoy.

Director – Council Sustainability

Environment Manager

Sustainability Officer/ Coordinator

Natural Resources Coordinator

Open Spaces Coordinator

Bushland Maintenance Officer

Climate Change Project Officer

Biodiversity Officer

Biosecurity Officer

Invasive Species Planner

Team Leader Arboriculture

What we do:

  • Sustainability
  • Environmental/natural resource management
  • Tree planting and street tree maintenance
  • Water catchment management
  • Roadside weeds and pest control
  • Land rehabilitation on council-managed natural areas
  • Permits for tree removal, open air burning

Qualifications:

Tertiary qualifications in ecology, environmental science or natural resources are usually required for roles involving planning, researching, policy development and community engagement.

Vocational education and training (VET) qualifications relevant for more hands-on roles include:

  • Certificate II, III, IV or Diploma of Conservation and Ecosystem Management
  • Certificate II, III, IV or Diploma of Horticulture
  • Certificate III or Diploma of Arboriculture

Waste Management

Councils play an active role in waste management by providing disposal and recycling services for individuals and organisations in the Local Government area.

Types of roles:

Coordinator Integrated Waste Planning

Waste and Resource Recovery Coordinator

Waste Operator

Waste Education Officer

What we do:

  • Street cleaning and public place waste bins
  • Operation of waste transfer stations and landfills
  • Operation of re-sale shops to sell diverted materials
  • Kerbside waste and recycling bin collection
  • Green waste collection
  • Supply residents with worm farms and compost bins
  • Graffiti removal
  • Enforce laws relating to waste, e.g. littering, burning off, domestic sewage systems, transport and disposal of asbestos
  • Community education about waste avoidance, reuse and recycling

Qualifications:

Senior roles are likely to require university qualifications in Environmental Science, Environmental Management, Public Health or Engineering.

Vocational education and training (VET) qualifications appropriate for jobs in this field include:

  • Certificates III, IV in Waste Management
  • Certificate III in Waste Driving Operations
  • Diploma of Local Government

Environmental Health

Local Government has a responsibility to ensure the environment is clean and safe to protect public health.

Types of roles:

Environmental Health Officer/ Team Leader/ Coordinator

Health Inspector

Nurse

Regulatory Services Officer/ Team Leader/ Manager

Animal Management Officer

What we do:

  • Food safety including inspect shops, cafes and restaurants for health and safety
  • Public health education
  • Immunisation programs
  • Water quality and re-use e.g. testing and monitoring water quality
  • Waste water disposal
  • Noise control e.g. managing complaints
  • Animal control e.g. registration of cats and dogs, impounding of wandering animals, controlling feral animals
  • Control infectious diseases
  • Mosquito management
  • Environmental nuisance investigations

Qualifications:

Vocational education and training (VET) qualifications relevant for jobs in this field include:

  • Certificate II, IV and Diploma of Local Government
  • Certificate IV in Animal Control and Regulation
  • Certificate II, III, IV and Diploma of Water Industry Operations

The Universities Admission Centre

For more information about university courses visit The Universities Admission Centre.

My Skills

For more information about VET courses and training providers visit My Skills.

Environmental Health Australia

For a list of the tertiary qualifications accredited by Environmental Health Australia.

Working in Councils

The scale and diversity of work on offer in Local Government is impressive as is the direct and positive impact this work has on the communities we serve.

Is council right for you?

Local Government’s 189,000 employees have many different skills and backgrounds, but together they share certain values and attributes that enable them to succeed at Council.