Compliance Officer - Community Safety

Location: Gunnedah, NSW 

Contract Type: Full Time, 35 hours per week 

Salary Range: Grade 12 ($1489.71 - $1644.36 per week + 12% Superannuation)

Application Deadline: 5:00pm, Wednesday 22 April 2026.

A council truly passionate about community!

Gunnedah Shire Council is an integral part of the Gunnedah community, a vibrant, warm and friendly town surrounded by the expansive Liverpool Plains and framed by the Nandewar Ranges. At Gunnedah Shire Council we are committed to providing a friendly and helpful service to all stakeholders. We are dedicated to Gunnedah being a liveable and accessible community for all ages and demographics. Additionally, as a council we are proud to promote economic and business development in the region.

We are not only invested in the people of Gunnedah, we are also heavily invested in its employees and their future careers.

Are you passionate about animal and community compliance?

Gunnedah Shire Council is seeking a motivated and collaborative professional to join our Community Safety team!

• Looking for a tree change? Enjoy a rural community lifestyle!
• Fantastic opportunity to advance your career in a vibrant local community!
• Receive an attractive salary up to $85,000/year (depending on experience/qualifications) PLUS annual award increases, super and salary packaging options! 
• Additional benefits include relocation assistance for the right applicant, a paid rostered day off every three weeks, ongoing professional development opportunities and negotiable flexibility!

Our Next Compliance Officer

As a Compliance Officer, you will play a critical role in ensuring that our council's policies, procedures, and activities comply with relevant laws and regulations. You will work closely with various departments to identify potential compliance issues, provide guidance on regulatory matters, and promote a culture of compliance throughout the organisation.

Key Responsibilities:

• Within the constraints of the position, apply and enforce the relevant provisions of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979, Local Government Act 1993, Companion Animals Act 1998, Public Spaces (Unattended Property) Act 2021, Swimming Pools Act 1992, Food Act 1993, Plumbing and Drainage Act 2011, Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997, Roads Act 1993, Road Transport Act 2013, Gunnedah Shire Local Environmental Plan, all Development Control Plans and all appropriate Acts, codes, standards, controls and Council policies, assisting with issuing Notices and Orders where appropriate.
• Assist with the management of Council’s Animal Management Facility (pound).
• Seize animals in accordance with the relevant legislation and Council’s codes and policies.
• Effectively interacting with customers in an educational role.
• Effectively interacting with customers under confrontational circumstances.
• Ensuring that when enforcement action is required, steps are undertaken to initiate such action expeditiously.
• Assist with the delivery of community education programs including but not limited to, animal care and control, anti-littering and environmental issues.
• Assist to maintain all roadways and footpaths within the Gunnedah Shire, clear of unattended vehicles when necessary.
• Assist to provide visibility of compliance functions within towns and villages within the Gunnedah Shire.
• Undertake micro chipping of animals as necessary, subject to relevant training being provided.
• Assist in the provision of timely and monthly reports to the Manager Community Safety.
• Follow instructions and adhere to all safety requirements of the position.
• Attend meetings, as required.
• To provide high quality services within the agreed levels of service in a consistent and positive manner whilst exercising professional judgement within the limitations of relevant legislation, Council policy or practice or direction.
• Ability to operate Gunnedah Shire Council computer systems as required.
• From time to time, undertake other duties as directed.
• Comply with the obligations under the Workplace Health & Safety Act and the Workplace Injury Management and Workers Compensation Act 1998.
• Comply with Council’s Code of Conduct, WHS and EEO policies and procedures.

Key Requirements:

• Relevant tertiary qualifications including a Certificate IV in Local Government (Regulatory Services) or equivalent, or a willingness to complete a Certificate IV in Local Government (Regulatory Services or Investigations).
• Relevant qualifications or willingness and ability to obtain qualifications in, Plumbing and Drainage Inspection; Swimming Pool Assessments and Compliance; On-site Waste Water Management, Food Safety inspections; Implant Microchip in Cats and Dogs;  
• Relevant experience or qualifications, or willingness and ability to obtain qualifications in; investigations, evidence gathering, evidence presentation, investigative interviewing. 
• Demonstrated negotiation and conflict management skills.
• Demonstrated numeracy, written and verbal communication skills including ability to communicate effectively with people at all levels on animal control, environmental protection and compliance matters.
• Demonstrated ability to accurately interpret and apply legislative and regulatory instruments including local policies.
• Willingness and ability to undertake professional development. 
• Current Open Class C Driver’s Licence.
• Willingness to successfully complete a Criminal History Check, Pre-employment Health Screening, Working with Children Check and Council paid booster immunisation regime.
• Well-developed interpersonal skills, ability to contribute to a cohesive team environment, maintain positive relationships with internal and external stakeholders and ability to learn new skills and adapt to changing situations.
• Effective organisational skills, with the ability to work well to deadlines along with strong attention to detail and perform work with a high level of accuracy.
• Ability to recognise when support/assistance should be sought regarding the exercising of judgement.
• Ability to handle animals with a willingness to develop skills with all types of animals including but not limited to dogs, cats, horses and cattle.
• Willingness to exercise responsibility for animal control, environmental protection and development compliance and other compliance functions and activities within set guidelines.
• Willingness to work flexible hours on a regular basis over a 7 day period and limited overtime as required including call backs.

No candidate will meet every single desired qualification or skill.  If your experience looks a little different from what we have identified and you think you can bring value to the role, we would love to learn more about you!

Why Join Gunnedah Shire Council?

Some of the benefits working for Gunnedah Shire Council include:

 - Work only 35 hours per week!

 - Accrue a Rostered Day Off (RDO) every 3 weeks, helping you manage the work-life balance

 - Flexible Working Arrangements Negotiable

 - Long Service Leave after 5 years!

 - Access to 2 Health and Wellbeing days annually, allowing you to get to those important appointments

 - Receive annual award salary increases with potential for further increases during performance appraisal cycles

 - Salary packaging and salary sacrificing options available - Salary Packaging Australia

 - Supportive and dynamic work environment.

 - Professional development and career growth opportunities.

 - 4 weeks annual leave

 - Opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the community.

 - Access to employee wellbeing programs

 - Active social club

For further information regarding this role please contact Tony Krawczyk, Manager Community Safety, on 02 6740 2100 or see the Position Description

How to Apply

Please read the Position Description by clicking on the link above.  It is important to read this carefully to understand what the job involves.

No candidate will meet every single desired qualification or skill.  If your experience looks a little different from what we have identified and you think you can bring value to the role, we would love to learn more about you!

If this sounds like you, click the Apply button below, complete the application form. Please ensure you answer all questions and upload a current resume and cover letter outlining your suitability for this role, as well as any copies of relevant qualifications that support your application.

Only candidates with current Australian work rights (Australian citizens, permanent residents, NZ citizens with a current passport, valid work visa) will be considered.

Further information

As part of the recruitment process, suitable applicants will be required to complete pre-employment screening which may include relevant background checks, functional capacity assessment and drug and alcohol screening. Our recruitment process is primarily via system generated emails.  Please ensure your email is correct before submitting your application to avoid missing crucial updates and outcomes.

Email notifications may include application confirmation, interview invitations, request for references, and application outcomes.  Please check your email regularly, including your junk email.

Council is 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 candidate of all ages and from all backgrounds.

For all enquiries regarding the application and recruitment process, please contact the People and Culture team on 02 6740 2100 or peopleandculture@gunnedah.nsw.gov.au