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

The opportunity

Our Natural Systems team is working busily behind the scenes to deliver exciting projects across our Local Government area and they’re excited to be seeking a Cadet to join them along this journey!

The team in Natural Systems is made up of our Environmental Operations, Environmental Strategy, and our Environmental Planning teams – consisting of Invasive Species Officers, Environmental Officers, and Biodiversity Assessment Officers – meaning you will get a diverse scope across the teams in alignment with your degree requirements and general interests.

Not only will you gain invaluable on the job work experience from the team, but also undertake a Degree in Natural Resource Management, Environmental Science, Sustainability or similar.

As our Natural Systems Cadet, you’ll have the opportunity to work alongside our collaborative and passionate team on environmental projects such as;

Coastal Management Programs

Emissions Reductions

Vegetation and Koala Mapping

Biosecurity and Natural Area Management

Environmental Assessment

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

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

Cadet Natural Systems

You might move into our Environmental Strategy or Planning teams,

or specialise in Invasive Species and Environmental Operations ,

If you’re seeking leadership, you might want to work your way into a Team Leader position across one of the specialisations,

Or a strategic leadership position such as a Natural Systems Coordinator

This is a contract opportunity – working full-time 35 hours / week + access to a flexible working arrangement + 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 development and implementation of Council’s Environmental policies, plans, and projects to promote effective environmental management in Port Stephens

Supports the Environmental Planning Team in the review of biodiversity assessments for development proposals

Supports the Environmental Operations Team in the delivery of environmental restoration and rehabilitation works, biosecurity inspections and contractor management

What does it mean to be a Cadet at PSC?

Throughout your Cadetship, 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 Bachelor in Natural Resource Management, Environmental Science, Sustainability or related

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 Natural Systems?

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: Kim Baker, Environmental Strategy Team Leader, on 4988 0557.

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

For information on the Cadetship and study requirements, contact: Tiahna Sanderson, Learning & Development Officer, on 4988 0391

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