Trainee Civil Construction Labourer

About us

Dungog Shire Council supports a growing rural community of almost 10,000 residents in the vibrant and picturesque Hunter region of NSW. We are committed to ensuring the ongoing and consistent delivery of local services that are valued by our community and will be for generations to come.

It is anticipated that our population will grow by 1.9% per annum over the next 20 years as per the Hunter Regional Plan, higher than the state growth average. With an additional 2,400 dwellings to be provided over the term of the Hunter Regional Plan, Dungog will be the second fastest growing LGA in the Hunter Region.

Dungog is ideally located just over an hour north of Newcastle and within close proximity to a range of other regional hubs in the Hunter Valley, such as Maitland and Raymond Terrace. We have an enviable lifestyle with easy access to World Heritage listed sites, such as Barrington Tops National Park.

Your next opportunity

We are seeking motivated and enthusiastic individuals to join Dungog Shire Council as Trainee Civil Construction Labourers. You will receive mentorship and training to perform all tasks associated with a Civil Construction Labourer with the aim of gaining both experience and confidence through on-the-job training. This will involve general manual labour and equipment-assisted construction and maintenance tasks.

We currently have three fixed-term opportunities available for up to 2 years' duration. As part of this position, you will commit to undertaking all relevant training including the successful completion of a Certificate III in Civil Construction - Road Construction and Maintenance.

Essential selection criteria include (full criteria in the Position Description below):

• Class C Driver Licence
• Proven interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills
• Proven ability to work as part of a self-managed work team
• Literacy and numeracy to Year 10 level or equivalent
• Working knowledge of the Work Health and Safety Act and practices
• WorkCover WHS Induction Training for Construction Work (White Card)

Be rewarded

This position is offered on a fixed-term full-time basis as a 38-hour, 4-day working week.

The position is placed at Trainee - Operational Band 1 of Council's salary system. The salary offered is in the range of $36,800 to $55,816 dependent on age and completed years of schooling.

The salary is paid in accordance with the Local Government (State) Award and Council's Salary Policy.

Other Council benefits:

• 3 weeks annual sick leave
• Ongoing opportunities for professional development:We have annual assessments for all Council employees to put plans in place for training and career progression so that you can broaden your horizons during your time with us
• Access to Long Service Leave after 5 years rather than 10
• Access to Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

How to apply

Thank you for your interest in working with Dungog Shire Council.

You can apply now using our simple online application form. You are able to start an application and complete it at a time that suits you by selecting the Save For Later button.

To submit your application, please follow the below steps:

1. Fill out the required personal details and online questions below
2. Attach the requested documents (e.g. resume, cover letter, qualifications, licences)
3. Review your application and select Confirm

What happens next?

You will receive an automated acknowledgement email once you have submitted your application. We will be in touch once we have reviewed your application. Please note that Council reserves the right to review applications before the close date, so we recommend you apply as soon as possible if you are interested in this position.

Please be aware that Council is required to complete pre-employment checks on recommended candidates prior to an offer of employment. These may include: reference checks, a pre-employment medical assessment, a criminal history check and/or a psychometric assessment.

For further information, please contact:  Nigel Atkins, Works Manager on

Applications close: Sunday 28 September 2025 AEST 11:59 PM