* Reference number2026 005
* Job TypeFull Time
* PackageStarting at $39.06
Opportunity This Way
About Hindmarsh Shire
Located in western Victoria's beautiful Wimmera region, Hindmarsh Shire sits between Melbourne and Adelaide on the Western Highway, bordered by the Little Desert and Wyperfeld National Parks. Here, you can enjoy a rural lifestyle with the benefits of a regional city nearby.
Our shire is home to friendly communities across Nhill, Dimboola, Rainbow, and Jeparit, offering great local schools, safe neighbourhoods, and a relaxed pace of life. Explore scenic walking and cycling trails along rivers, lakes, and wetlands or enjoy vibrant local cafés, bakeries, and boutique shops – there is something for everyone.
Join our small, values-driven team delivering services to over 5,500 residents across 7,500 km2 - and discover a place where community, opportunity, and lifestyle come together.
Recruitment Focus Statement
Hindmarsh Shire Council is committed to getting the right people in the right jobs – people who contribute to a positive workplace culture by working collaboratively with their teammates and the wider organisation; innovative, solution focussed thinking; and rock-solid work ethic.
Due to the retirement of a longstanding employee, Hindmarsh Shire Council currently has the following vacancy:
Local Laws Officer
Permanent Full Time
Salary commencing at $77,178 p.a. (plus superannuation)
Are you calm under pressure, confident with animals, and passionate about helping people, even in challenging situations? We're looking for a capable, community‐minded professional to join our team in a hands‐on role that truly makes a difference every day.
You'll work at the intersection of animal welfare, public safety, and customer service, applying sound judgement, and professionalism in everything you do.
About the Role
In this role, you will:
* Safely handle and control domestic animals and livestock, using approved equipment and best‐practice handling techniques
* Apply and enforce relevant legislation and local laws, including the Hindmarsh Shire Council Municipal Local Law and applicable State Acts
* Engage with a diverse cross‐section of the community, delivering high‐quality, respectful and solution‐focused customer service
* Respond confidently to complex or sensitive situations, using conflict‐resolution and de‐escalation techniques to achieve fair outcomes
* Prepare clear, accurate notes, statements, reports and correspondence to support operational and legislative requirements
About You
To be successful in this role, you must be confident working with animals while consistently prioritising safety, welfare and compliance. You understand the importance of legislation and are able to interpret and apply regulatory requirements consistently, fairly and in accordance with Council policy.
You recognise that regulatory decisions can have a significant impact on individuals and the broader community, and you approach each matter with sound judgement, professionalism and integrity. Clear and professional communication is essential, and you are expected to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing, ensuring information is accurate, concise and appropriate to the audience.
You are committed to balancing education and enforcement outcomes, maintaining a calm, solution‐focused approach while upholding legislative and welfare obligations.
If this sounds like you, we can't wait to hear from you!
To apply, please submit your cover letter, resume and a response specifically addressing the key selection criteria to :
* Ability to safely handle and control domestic animals and livestock, using appropriate equipment and safe‐handling techniques.
* Ability to understand, interpret and apply legislation, including the Hindmarsh Shire Council Municipal Local Law and relevant State Acts.
* Ability to deliver high‐quality customer service and engage a diverse range of people, including those from varied social, cultural and economic backgrounds in a respectful, helpful and solution‐focused manner.
* Demonstrated conflict‐resolution skills, including the ability to de‐escalate situations and apply sound mediation and negotiation techniques.
* Strong verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to prepare clear notes, statements, reports and correspondence.
* Current Driver's Licence and Firearms Licence, or the ability to obtain a Firearms Licence within required timeframes.
* Willingness to undertake a pre‐employment medical, police check and Working with Children Check as a condition of employment.
Applications that do not address the key selection criteria may not be considered for shortlisting to the interview stage.
Applications close Wednesday 29 April 2026 at 12:00noon.
For enquiries on this position, please contact Cherylee Shandley, Manager Planning and Environment, on 03 5391 4444.
Hindmarsh Shire Council is committed to increasing diversity across the organisation. We encourage anyone to apply for our vacancies regardless of their gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, or disability status.
You must have the right to live and work in Australia to apply for this job.