Are you passionate about protecting our natural environment and helping local ecosystems thrive? This is a hands-on field-based role where you will play a key part in managing invasive plants, supporting biodiversity, and working with the community to improve environmental outcomes across our region. You will be part of a collaborative team delivering practical solutions that make a real difference on the ground.
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
This position reports to the Group Leader Sustainable Environment and Waste while working closely with Councils Invasive Plants Officer. This role is key to delivering Council’s responsibilities as the Local Control Authority under the NSW Biosecurity Act 2015 and assisting with invasive plant control works across the shire. You will be responsible for implementing invasive plant management programs, conducting inspections, issuing Biosecurity Directions and Undertakings where required, and supporting the delivery of the North Coast Weeds Action Program. The role also involves coordinating on-ground works, supporting contractors and community groups, undertaking invasive plant control works on council and community land and ensuring accurate data collection and reporting across weed management activities.
The ideal candidate will hold a Certificate III in Conservation and Ecosystem Management with demonstrated experience in weed management. You will also hold AQF3 Level 3 Chemical Accreditation, a current White Card and a Class C Driver Licence. Experience working within local government, regional weeds programs, or supporting bush regeneration and weed control projects will be highly regarded.
To succeed in the role, you will bring strong practical skills in invasive plant identification and control, along with the ability to collect, manage and interpret weed data using GPS and mapping systems. You will be confident working in Microsoft Office applications and producing accurate records and reports. Importantly, you will also have well-developed communication skills and the ability to engage effectively with landholders, contractors, colleagues and the broader community, including providing education, advice and managing complex conversations where required.
On offer
Some of the benefits working for Bellingen Shire Council include:
- 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 flexible work arrangements in line with Award provisions, subject to operational requirements
- Ongoing professional development opportunities
- Salary packaging options
- Annual salary of $62,118 to $71,748 (plus super).
Still Have Questions?
- For further information regarding this role please contact Sam Tate, Group Leader Sustainable Environment and Waste on 02 6655 7300.
- For enquiries about the application process, please contact the Recruitment Team at [email protected].
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
Applications close: Sunday, 14 June 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 [email protected]. You can ask for reasonable adjustments to be made at any time during the recruitment process.
Download the Position Description here
