People and Safety Administration Assistant (Trainee)
Are you looking to start a rewarding career in Human Resources while gaining a nationally recognised qualification?
Kempsey Shire Council is seeking a motivated and enthusiastic People and Safety Administration Assistant (Trainee) to join our supportive People and Safety Team. This is an exciting opportunity to gain practical, hands-on experience in a professional HR environment while completing a Certificate IV in Human Resource Management.
This 24-month traineeship is ideal for someone at the beginning of their career who is organised, people-focused, and eager to learn about the many ways HR and workplace safety support a successful organisation.
You will work closely with our People and Culture Team while also providing occasional support to our Work Health and Safety Team, giving you exposure to a broad range of people and safety practices across Council.
About the Role:
The People and Safety Administration Assistant (Trainee) will provide essential administrative support to the People and Safety Team, contributing to the smooth and efficient delivery of HR and safety functions.
While the primary focus is supporting the People and Culture function, the role will also assist the Work Health and Safety Team from time to time with tasks such as data entry, document preparation, and coordination activities that support safety compliance and reporting.
Throughout the traineeship you will develop practical skills, build professional experience, and gain valuable insight into human resources and workplace safety within Local Government.
The role reports to the Senior People and Culture Advisor.
What You Will Be Doing:
People & Culture Administration:
* Provide general administrative support to the People and Culture Team.
* Maintain HR system records, databases and employee registers, ensuring accuracy and confidentiality.
* Assist with recruitment processes including scheduling interviews and preparing documentation.
* Support employee onboarding activities.
* Assist with the coordination of training sessions, meetings, projects and staff events.
* Prepare basic letters, forms and HR documentation under supervision.
* Respond to general employee enquiries or refer them to the appropriate team member.
Work Health & Safety Administration:
* Provide general administrative support to the WHS Team as required.
* Assist with system data entry.
* Help prepare safety communications and documentation.
* Assist with coordinating safety training, meetings or WHS initiatives.
* Maintain filing systems for safety records and documentation.
* Provide logistical support for safety training or toolbox talks when required.
* Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives within the People, Culture and Safety functions.
Study Commitment:
* Successfully complete a Certificate IV in Human Resource Management during the 24-month traineeship in accordance with the Training Contract and Training Plan.
For a full list of the Key Accountabilities of the role, please refer to the Position Description.
What We Are Looking For:
We are looking for someone who is eager to learn, is reliable, and has a genuine interest and desire to build a career in Human Resources.
Qualifications
* Higher School Certificate (highly regarded).
Skills and Attributes
* Strong organisational and time management skills.
* High attention to detail and accuracy.
* Willingness to learn and develop new skills.
* Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information appropriately.
* Positive attitude and proactive approach to tasks.
* Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
* Competent computer skills including the use Microsoft Office programs such as Outlook, Word and Excel.
About Us:
Kempsey Shire Council (KSC) is located on the Mid North Coast of NSW, known for its genuine hospitality, pristine beaches, sub-tropical rainforests, mountain ranges, rock river gorges, sprawling farmland and peaceful villages.
We are a progressive, proactive and dynamic organisation, and we pride ourselves on the respectful and supportive workplace we have cultivated. With 360+ dedicated staff managing $1.8 billion worth of assets across many sites throughout the Shire, KSC work closely with our community to build an inspired, connected Macleay Valley.
Why Join Us?
This traineeship offers a fantastic opportunity to begin your career in HR while gaining meaningful workplace experience.
You will benefit from:
* A supportive and experienced team environment.
* Hands-on exposure to HR and workplace safety practices.
* The opportunity to complete a Certificate IV in Human Resource Management.
* Practical experience within a professional local government organisation.
* The chance to develop skills that can lead to a long-term career in Human Resources.
As the successful candidate, you’ll also enjoy:
* A 35-hour work week (for the duration of your temporary contract).
* Opt-in to work 37.5 hours per week to accrue monthly RDO’s.
* Weekly salary of between $601.70 - $827.40 (plus superannuation) (Award-set Trainee rates).
* Generous leave entitlements.
* A working environment focussed on wellbeing, including flexible work arrangements, rostered days off, EAP access, social club, and health and wellbeing programs.
* Access to Fitness Passport for discounted access to a range of gym and pool facilities.
* A supportive, collaborative working environment designed to help you grow!
* A fantastic lifestyle and work life balance, on the beautiful Mid-North Coast.
Interested?
Please apply via Council’s website http://careers.kempsey.nsw.gov.au/. Note that you will be required to prepare and submit:
* A short statement (maximum 2 pages) outlining how your experience, abilities, knowledge and personal qualities will enable you to achieve the key accountabilities of the role (as listed in the Position Description); and
* Your current resume.
Applications Close: 4.30pm on Wednesday 25 March 2026.
Please note that Council reserves the right to close this job advertisement before the stated closing date if a suitable candidate is found. Therefore, we encourage all interested applicants to submit their applications as soon as possible.
Have questions? Please contact Elise Mahler - Acting People and Culture Manager for a confidential discussion on Ph: 02 6566 3200.
Please Note:
* Our recruitment notification process is primarily via system generated emails. Please ensure your email is correct before submitting your application to avoid missing crucial updates.
* This role is a full-time temporary opportunity for the duration of the Traineeship. By applying for this role, you understand and acknowledge that there is no guarantee of ongoing employment with Council beyond the conclusion of the temporary employment period.
If you experience any difficulties applying online, please contact the Recruitment team on 02 6566 3200 or email
Thank you and good luck with your application.
Kempsey Shire Council is an equal opportunity employer and we celebrate our diverse, inclusive and values-led workforce. We welcome and encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with diverse culture and linguistic backgrounds and people with a disability. In addition, Kempsey Shire Council will provide reasonable adjustments for suitably qualified individuals with disabilities. If you require additional assistance to participate in the recruitment process, please discuss with the advertised contact person. You can ask for reasonable adjustments to be made at any time during the recruitment process.