Officer Illegal Dumping

• Competitive annual salary commencing at $86,250 plus up to 13% superannuation
• Great range of additional benefits, including health & wellness programs, salary sacrifice of super available, salary packaging arrangements and a fortnightly RDO

About the Region

Gympie is at the heart of a rapidly expanding region which stretches from rural valleys in our western reaches to the Cooloola Coast. Bordering Noosa and Fraser Coast Local Government areas, we are uniquely positioned to grow whilst still retaining our country charm. Our borders with North and South Burnett, and the Somerset Local Government areas link with our rural lifestyle, where you can enjoy our picturesque smaller townships, or our abundant local history. Our local festivals such as the Gympie Music Muster are renowned both nationally and internationally.

For someone seeking a high quality of life, with pristine natural areas and spectacular beaches, all within reach of Noosa, the Sunshine Coast and Brisbane, we are offering this unique opportunity.

Officer Illegal Dumping (9 months Fixed Term)

Remuneration: Annual salary commencing at $86,250 plus up to 13% superannuation

Closing Date: Sunday 12th October 2025 at 11.00pm AEST

No late applications will be accepted. Only applications received via Council's online application system will be considered. Unsolicited applications from agencies will not be considered.

What we are looking for:

To identify, investigate, and respond to instances of littering, illegal dumping, prescribed contaminant incidents, and other relevant local laws within the Gympie Region in accordance with relevant legislation, regulations and Council policies. The role involves conducting proactive patrols and surveillance of illegal dumping hotspots, gathering evidence to support enforcement action, and promoting community awareness and education around lawful waste management practices.

The Officer Illegal Dumping plays a critical role in protecting environmental values, public health and amenity through the timely investigation and enforcement of substantiated breaches.

This position is a fulltime fixed term role through to June approx 9 months

To be considered, you must have experience in:

• Conduct regular overt patrols and manage Council's illegal dumping surveillance systems to detect, deter, and reduce unlawful waste disposal, supporting long-term behavioural change.
• Respond to community complaints regarding illegal dumping and waste-related offences with professionalism, empathy and timeliness, ensuring resolution in accordance with Council policy and legislation.
• Identify, investigate, report on, and take action to rectify substantiated instances of littering and illegal dumping under the Waste Reduction and Recycling Act 2011.
• Collect and compile accurate and admissible evidence to support enforcement action, conduct interviews with persons of interest, and capturing photographic and surveillance footage.
• Research and interpret relevant legislation to determine appropriate enforcement pathways and ensure Council decisions are lawful, reasonable, and proportionate.
• Prepare and issue enforcement documentation in accordance with legislative requirements and Council's enforcement standards.
• Provide plain-language advice and education to members of the public, landowners, businesses, and other stakeholders about waste compliance obligations and Council expectations.
• Assist in the delivery of illegal dumping education campaigns and preventative strategies, including the development of community signage, promotional materials, and targeted patrol initiatives in partnership with internal and external stakeholders.
• Maintain detailed, professional, and contemporaneous records of all investigations, including field notes, file histories, GIS tagging, and digital evidence in Council's recordkeeping and compliance systems.
• Utilise Council's technology and software systems to document, track, and manage compliance cases efficiently and effectively.
• Collect and assist in completing detailed and accurate witness statements from complainants and other cooperative participants to ensure sufficient evidence for effective and well-founded enforcement actions.

• Use the 'SELF' method to guide appropriate action in response to substantiated offences, including prosecution of serious and recidivist offenders, and issuing infringement notices, cautions and corrective advice to offenders for lesser offences.

• Scrutiny – will my actions stand up to the scrutiny of my peers, management, Councillors and the public?

• Ensure Compliance – will my actions ensure legislative and procedural compliance?
• Lawful – are my actions lawful?

• Fair – are my actions fair and in line with community expectations?

• Compile quality briefs of evidence to management for consideration of matters determined suitable for prosecution.

• Attend court or tribunal proceedings and give evidence to support successful enforcement outcomes, where required.
• Build and maintain relationships with internal teams, external industry professionals, and relevant stakeholders to support compliance initiatives.
• Contribute to continuous improvement by identifying process enhancements for compliance systems and procedures.
• Undertake post-enforcement compliance checks and follow-up patrols to verify cessation of illegal dumping and adherence to any corrective actions imposed.
• Maintain strict confidentiality by safeguarding sensitive information and ensuring that all investigations, reports, and interactions comply with privacy laws and Council policies.
• Undertake any other duties, projects or services as reasonably directed within the scope of the employee's skills, competence and training

Mandatory Licence Requirements:

• Queensland 'C' Class drivers' licence that is current and maintained

Essential Knowledge/Skills/Qualifications:

• Demonstrated experience in conducting field investigations for regulatory compliance.
• Ability to interpret and apply relevant legislation and make decisions concerning enforcement actions.
• Proficiency in report writing, evidence gathering, and the preparation of legally defensible documents.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with the public and stakeholders, including during difficult or conflict situations.
• Demonstrated ability to work autonomously in the field and as part of a team.
• Sound computer skills, including experience using Microsoft Office and corporate information systems.
• Demonstrated conflict-management skills and commitment to Council's Safe Work procedures for field officers.

Highly regarded will be:

• Certificate IV in Government Investigations (Regulatory Compliance)
• Training in Asbestos Awareness or equivalent

Who to Contact

For information regarding the requirements of this role, please contact the Council's Coordinator Development Compliance, Luis Larrarte via email

For assistance lodging your application using Council's online system, please contact Council's Officer Recruitment, Sue Rossi on or email

What we offer?

• Nine-day fortnight
• Access to employee health and well-being programs
• Fitness Passport: work out at over 25 local gyms for you and your family at a subsidised rate
• Long service leave after seven years
• Generous superannuation scheme of up to 13 per cent
• Access to salary sacrificing and salary packaging arrangements
• Employee assistance program offering free confidential counselling services for employees and their families.

Successful applicants will be required to undertake various checks such as skills, qualifications, reference, medical and national police.

Please note before continuing: It is advisable that you prepare your responses in a separate word or text document, saving your work as you go and that you then copy and paste this prepared information in the form before completing the application process. Please keep your responses to a maximum 300 words for each question.

Applications close on Sunday 12th October 2025 at 11.00pm AEST. No late applications will be accepted. Only applications received via Council's online application system will be considered.

Gympie Regional Council is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer, and our people represent the community which we service. We invite all suitably qualified applicants to apply, including First Nations People, and people from diverse social, cultural and gender backgrounds.