The Opportunity
We’re looking for a natural communicator who is passionate about helping the community and thrives in dynamic situations. You’ll need to be calm under pressure, have a knack for resolving conflicts, and be confident working both independently and as part of a team. If you enjoy problem-solving, have strong negotiation skills, and are committed to maintaining the safety and wellbeing of the community, this role is perfect for you. A positive attitude, attention to detail, and a genuine interest in upholding local laws will ensure your success as a Community Laws Officer!
As a Community Laws Officer, you will:
- Resolve enquiries, complaints, and problems from the public.
- Respond to animal control complaints, conduct inspections, and educate the community on best practices. This includes the handling of animals from cats and dogs to large livestock.
- Investigate, enforce, and administer Council’s General Local Laws and relevant legislation.
- Patrol parking areas, issue infringement notices, and review signage for compliance.
- Keep accurate records of investigations and attend court as a witness when required.
Why do our Community Laws Officers love where they work?
“I love getting out in my Community and helping to solve problems, from negotiating a reasonable outcome in a dispute through to getting a lost dog back to its owner, no day is the same.”
“One of the key things that attracted me to becoming a Community Laws Officer (Ranger) was the investigation side of the role – understanding the law, regulations, gathering evidence and working with the community and other services to resolve the many tasks we respond to.”
This is a full time, ongoing position. Your main offices are in Bairnsdale and Lakes Entrance but you will travel across East Gippsland as required. You’ll also join an on-call roster, which includes an additional allowance on top of your salary, responding to calls of an urgent nature after normal business hours and on weekends.
Things You’re Proud Of (Key Selection Criteria)
1. Technical Capability
- Demonstrated ability to interpret and apply relevant Acts and Regulations, supported by a working knowledge of legal principles and legislative responsibilities.
- Hold a relevant qualification and experience in Law Enforcement or have the ability to complete a Certificate IV or Diploma course in statutory compliance or related discipline
- Proven experience in handling animals safely and effectively with a focus on animal welfare.
- Resilience: Works effectively under pressure. Responds constructively to feedback and challenges.
- Collaboration: Builds rapport and supports team outcomes. Addresses conflict constructively.
- Influence and Persuasion: Influences decisions and builds support through tailored communication and trusted relationships. Demonstrates empathy and motivates others effectively.
- Interpersonal Skills: Builds collaborative relationships, resolves conflict constructively, and adapts style to different people and situations.
- Customer Focus: Delivers consistent, high-quality service. Anticipates needs, resolves issues effectively, and identifies improvement opportunities
If successful, you will need to undertake a police check, pre-employment medical check and hold a current Working with Children Check. You must also be legally entitled to work in Australia.
Why you’ll love EGSC
Work-life Balance:
- Monthly ADOs
- Discounted memberships to our recreation centres
Competitive salaries:
- Banded salaries with built in yearly increases
- Annual leave loading paid as a lump sum in December
A supportive workplace:
- 17 weeks paid parental leave
- Additional special leave available for chronic health conditions and other special needs
- Learning and Development team to keep your skills up to date and give you the opportunity to develop your career!
- Employee Assistance Program offering counselling support when you need it
- Staff consultative committee - management consult staff on big decisions
Excited about this role? We’d love to hear from you! To apply, please include:
1. Your resume detailing your qualifications, experience, and referees.
2. A cover letter explaining why you're excited about this role.
3. A document addressing each of the key selection criteria.
We can’t wait to see how you’ll contribute to our team!
Applications close at 11.59pm on 9 October 2025
Questions? For a confidential discussion about the position or to learn more, please contact Karen MacDonald, Community Laws Coordinator, on (03) 5153 9***.
East Gippsland Shire Council is committed to being a diverse and inclusive organisation that supports flexible and accessible working arrangements for all. This includes people with a disability, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people who identify as LGBTIQA+, gender diverse people, religiously, culturally and linguistically diverse people and people of any age.
East Gippsland Shire Council is committed to upholding the Child Safe Standards and has a zero tolerance for child abuse and harm. To uphold these standards a valid working with children check is required to be held for applicable positions.
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📌 Community Laws Officer
🏢 Nameless
📍 Bairnsdale