Own your future with a Traineeship at Port Stephens Council (PSC) – ready for commencement in January 2026!

The opportunity

With our Vibrant Places team thriving behind the scenes, working on some exciting upcoming projects, they’re ready to welcome a Trainee into their team!

Not only will you gain invaluable on the job work experience from the team, you will also undertake a Certificate IV in Community Services / Development.

As our Trainee Community Development Officer, you will gain practical experience and structured training to support community initiatives across the Port Stephens local government area. This hands-on role includes community consultation, event support, communications, and project coordination.

What does a career at PSC look like for me post-traineeship?

Whilst we can’t guarantee a permanent position post-traineeship, this is what a career path could look like with a qualification behind you:

Community Development Officer

Community Engagement Officer

Vibrant Places Officer

Youth Worker

Or move into a leadership position such as a Senior Community Program Coordinator

This is a temporary opportunity – working full-time 35 hours / week + access to flexi-time + access to study leave to attend courses at your formal education provider during work hours

Base Hourly Range: $26.70 to $34.16 (T4 - T7) + 12% superannuation + $2,464 retention allowance

Under 18 years of age: $19.85 (T2) + 12% superannuation + $2,464 retention allowance

You will be working from PSC Administration Building, Raymond Terrace

Some of the key responsibilities within this role are listed below however you can view the full list here – view the position description.

Assist in the planning, delivery, and evaluation of community development programs, projects, and events

Prepare and distribute communication materials, including newsletters, social media content, website updated, and promotional resources

Collaborate with internal teams and external stakeholders to achieve positive community outcomes

What does it mean to be a Trainee at PSC?

Throughout your Traineeship, you’ll receive;

Financial support in a paid role, including full payment for your studies

Time in your work week to attend your formal training

Progression through your salary levels with each year of successful completion

You will also have the opportunity to participate in our internal networking events, where you can meet and socialise with other Apprentices, Cadets and Trainees at PSC

Opportunities to develop your own professional and social networks through collaborating with other teams across PSC

We’re all about putting the right people, in the right role! Here’s what we’re looking for:

Demonstrated commitment to the completion of a Certificate IV in Community Services / Development

Drivers Licence preferred. Access to reliable transport for attendance at both work and external training providers

Ability to work in a team environment

This is life at PSC!

Work/Life balance with generous leave entitlements, flexible work options and leave in lieu

Long service leave when you’ve been with us for just over 5 years

Health & Wellbeing leave to recharge when you need it

Industry leading Paid Parental Leave accessible for all employees – regardless of how you became a parent, we offer 14 weeks that can be taken within 2 years from the birth, adoption, or long-term foster care of your child.

PSCare Day available to all employees to take in addition to your regular leave entitlements

Confidential support (including mental health) through our employee assistance program

Award winning health and wellbeing program PSCare, Workers Health Initiative with access to a broad range of gyms in the area, and discounted health insurance

Free parking on site and a convenient local shopping centre

Coffee and food to keep you sustained at our on-site café

And lots more…

Enough about us, we want to hear about you! So tell us about…

Why you want a career in Community Development?

Ready to Apply? Here’s what you need to know

To complete your online application, you will be asked to upload;

a copy of your resume

provide responses to questions outlined above

Applications Close: Midnight, Sunday, 21 September 2025

For position related enquiries, contact: Stephen McAllister, Community, Economy and Place Team Leader, 4988 0340

For Application enquiries, contact: Brooke Tisdell, Talent Acquisition Advisor, 4988 0589

For information on the Traineeship and study requirements, contact: Nicky Bates, Learning & Development Specialist, 4988 0470

For information on our recruitment process, and what we look for in an application, please visit our Careers page on our website for ‘How to Apply’

We’re a 2024 Circle Back Initiative Employer – we commit to respond to every applicant

We’ve partnered with the Veterans Employment Program to support veterans finding suitable, sustainable and meaningful employment

Port Stephens Council adheres to the principles of a child safe organisation and supports children and young people having safe and welcoming experience in our community, accessing our facilities and in our care

We acknowledge the Worimi as the original Custodians and inhabitants of Port Stephens. May we walk the road to tomorrow with mutual respect and admiration as we care for the beautiful land and waterways together