Aboriginal Cadet Environmental Health Officer

About the Opportunity

At PMHC every employee plays a part in ensuring we work together to achieve positive outcomes for our community. This Aboriginal Cadet Environmental Health Officer opportunity is an identified position for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples. The cadetship is supported by NSW Health and provides hands-on, practical experience while you complete your university degree, supporting the delivery of key public and environmental health initiatives that directly impact community wellbeing.

You will work alongside experienced Environmental Health Officers, gaining exposure to food safety, public health, pollution control, on-site sewerage management, compliance activities, community education programs and more. This is a unique opportunity to undertake studies and practically apply them in a real-world environment while contributing to the health and safety of our community.

This full-time cadetship offers a structured development pathway, paid study time, and on-the-job mentoring designed to complement your formal education and fast-track your transition into a career in environmental health.

Becoming an Aboriginal Trainee Environmental Health Officer (EHO) / Working as an Environmental Health Officer (EHO)

Applicants for this position must be of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent through parentage, identify as an Aboriginal person and/or Torres Strait Islander and be accepted in the community as such.

Practical Experience You Will Gain

• Supporting public and environmental health programs and initiatives
• Conducting inspections, surveillance, and compliance activities
• Assessing development applications and providing health-related advice
• Contributing to pollution control and on-site sewerage management
• Participating in community education and engagement initiatives
• Maintaining accurate records and preparing reports, correspondence, and documentation

Qualifications and Requirements

• An Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person by descent and identity who is recognised as such by the Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander community
• Eligible to enrol in the Bachelor of Science (Environmental Health) | Western Sydney University (supported by prior education, training, or relevant experience)
• Keen to apply theoretical knowledge in practical, real-world situations
• Strong communicators, proactive, and willing to learn
• Organised, able to manage work and study commitments effectively
• Committed to promoting community health and environmental wellbeing
• Hold a current Class C Driver's Licence
• Willing and able to travel for university workshops, training, and work-related activities

Remuneration and Benefits

Employment type: Full-time, fixed-term cadetship (up to 6 years, 35 hours/week)

Salary (exclusive of super): Starting from $1,150.82 to $1,257.42 per week depending on year of study

Benefits

• Paid study time to support your university commitments
• On-the-job technical training and mentoring from experienced environmental health officers
• Flexible work arrangements - hybrid working and flexi-time
• Discounted gym membership through Fitness Passport
• Career development opportunities
• Annual salary increase as per the Local Government (State) Award 2023 plus annual salary review
• Long service leave after 5 years
• Generous employee assistance program
• Salary packaging options available
• Recognition through our annual awards ceremony celebrating and rewarding staff achievements

Why Join Us

This is more than just a student job; it's your first step into a meaningful career. Get paid while you study, gain invaluable real-world experience, and contribute to projects that make a difference in your community. Grow your future with Port Macquarie Hastings Council

You must be an Australian/NZ citizen or an Australian Permanent Resident; no visa or work permit support can be provided for this role.

Questions & Information Session

If you'd like more information about this opportunity, please contact Matthew Rand, Health & Building Regulation Coordinator on 02 6581 8661.

If you're interested in learning more about the recruitment process and what to expect, join us at the Glasshouse on September 16th at 6:00 PM. Please register for this event: Registration for Entry Pathways Information Session (2026 Intake).

Recruitment Timeline

Applications close Wednesday 15 October 2025 at 11:30pm. To apply, please answer the application questions and attach your resume.

Suitable candidates may be placed on a talent pool or eligibility list for future identical or similar positions for a period of 12 months. Please upload documents in PDF format.

Pre-employment & Additional Information

We may require pre-employment checks including: Reference Checks; National Criminal Police Check; Medical Assessment; Qualification Verification; Working with Children Check Verification. Port Macquarie Hastings Council uses system-generated emails for recruitment notifications. Ensure your email is correct and monitor spam/junk folders.

Port Macquarie Hastings Council adheres to the principles of a child-safe organisation and is committed to the care and protection of all children and young people.

Note: This section about diversity is maintained to reflect the organisation's commitment to an inclusive workplace. If you require adjustments during the recruitment process or in the workplace, please contact us at jobs@pmhc.nsw.gov.au.

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