Job No: WASC588
Location: Coonabarabran
Department: Human Resources
Reports to: Manager Human Resources
Salary Range: $89,559 - $104,081pa + superannuation
Warrumbungle Shire Council is seeking a proactive and practical Work Health & Safety Advisor to lead our WHS function and help foster a safe, supportive, and prevention-focused workplace across all Council operations. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys variety, meaningful work, and the satisfaction of helping teams go home safely each day.
As our WHS Advisor, you will play a central role in strengthening Council's safety culture and ensuring compliance with the Work Health and Safety Act 2011, associated regulations, and relevant Codes of Practice. You'll partner closely with leaders, supervisors and staff across diverse worksites—from depots and waste facilities to community services and corporate offices.
This role is typically based two days per week in Council's Coolah office and three days per week in Coonabarabran, although you'll frequently be out in the field across various locations within the Warrumbungle Shire to support inspections, audits, training and workplace engagement.
You will also provide day-to-day oversight and development support to the Trainee WHS Officer, helping build capability within the team and supporting their progress through the traineeship.
Your key responsibilities will include:
* Leading the coordination, implementation and continuous improvement of Council's WHS management systems.
* Providing expert advice on risk management, incident prevention, regulatory compliance, and safe systems of work.
* Undertaking site inspections, audits and safety observations, and support corrective actions.
* Assisting managers and staff with hazard identification, incident investigations, and return-to-work processes.
* Delivering and supporting WHS training, toolbox talks and awareness programs.
* Maintaining WHS records, reporting and documentation in line with legislative requirements.
* Mentoring and supporting the Trainee WHS Officer in developing their skills and knowledge.
You'll succeed in this role if you bring a practical mindset, strong communication skills, and the confidence to build trust with staff at all levels. You'll enjoy helping others, solving problems, and finding realistic ways to make work safer. A qualification in WHS or a related discipline is desirable, along with experience in a safety-focused role—ideally within local government, construction, civil operations or a similar environment.
.
This position is located in Coonabarabran, although will be in the Coolah office 2 days per week, so you can be located in either Coolah or Coonabarabran.
Coolah is situated on the picturesque Coolaburragundy River and nestled in a valley of the Liverpool Range. The town is surrounded by undulating hills and fertile river flats and is an attractive service town for the surrounding agricultural district. Only an hour south-east of Coonabarabran, close to major centres of Dubbo and Mudgee, and with the nearby Coolah Tops National Park offering rugged natural beauty and adventure, Coolah delivers the best of country living.
Coonabarabran, known as the Astronomy Capital of Australia, which is midway between Melbourne and Brisbane and is known for its magnificent 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:
Demonstrated commitment to work health and safety (WHS) in the workplace
Tertiary qualification in Work Health and Safety, Occupational Health, or a related field
Demonstrated experience in a similar WHS advisory role, ideally within local government or a public sector environment
Strong knowledge of WHS legislation, standards, and codes of practice in New South Wales
Excellent communication skills with the ability to engage and influence stakeholders at all levels
Proven ability to conduct risk assessments, develop safety programs, and coordinate incident investigations
High level of organisational and time management skills, with the capacity to prioritise tasks effectively
Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and experience with WHS management systems
Current NSW Class C Driver Licence
WHS Whitecard or abililty to obtain before commencement
It is a plus if you have WHS Auditor or Lead Auditor certification, experience in delivering WHS training and conducting workplace inspections and membership in a relevant professional body (e.g., Australian Institute of Health and Safety).
Benefits of working for Council
Council is committed to creating a positive working environment and offer a range of benefits for staff, including
Great leave opportunities
Long service leave after 5 years
1 RDO every 4 weeks
Paid parental and concurrent parental leave
Carer's leave
3 weeks sick leave per year including up to 2 days health and wellbeing leave each year
Purchase additional leave or cash out leave
Deferred leave scheme – eg work three years at 75% of your pay and have the following year off at 75% of your pay
Support for training and professional development
Formal training opportunities
Access to thousands of free online training courses
Weekly pay cycle
Mobile phone allowance available if you bring your own device
Salary Packaging options to maximise your take-home pay
Hybrid work and flexible hours by agreement and subject to role requirements
Wellness – we want you to be at your best self so you and your immediate family members have access to our employee assistance program with TELUS Health One
Fleet vehicle available for work purposes
Free annual flu vaccinations and bi-annual skin cancer checks available
PPE provided
Generous uniform allowance
About Warrumbungle Shire Council
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.
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 to your email address book to ensure you do not miss any correspondence in regard to your application.
Applications close at 11.00 pm Sunday 4 January 2026. Interviews are expected to be held around 12 January 2026.
For enquiries, please contact Human Resources on
Applicants should note that Criminal History Checks, as well as alcohol and drug testing, are conditions of employment.