About the Opportunity

At PMHC every employee plays a part in ensuring we work together to achieve positive outcomes for our community. To help us achieve this, we are seeking applications from enthusiastic and proactive individuals wishing to commence a career as an Aboriginal Cadet Environmental Health Officer.

This 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 much 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.

As part of our team, you will gain practical experience in:

• 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

This opportunity offers genuine, career-building experience in local government environmental health for cadets at any stage of their university studies.

As part of our team, you will gain practical experience in:

• 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

We are looking for individuals who are:

• 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 membership to 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 through Salary Packaging Australia and Maxxia
• 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?

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

Information Session

If you're interested in learning more about the recruitment process and what to expect, as well as hearing from current and former trainees/apprentices, we invite you to join us at the Glasshouse on September 16th at 6:00 PM. Please register for this event using the following link: Registration for Entry Pathways Information Session (2026 Intake).

Recruitment Timeline

Applications close Wednesday the 15th 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.

We often ask our preferred applicants to complete pre-employment checks. This may include: Reference Checks; National Criminal Police Check; Medical Assessment; Qualification Verification; Working with Children Check Verification.

PMHC's recruitment notification process is primarily via system generated emails. Please ensure your email is correct before submitting an application to avoid missing crucial updates and outcomes. Email communication notifications are used for but not limited to: application received, interview booking tools, confirmation of interview, request for references/more information, delay notifications, testing/assessments (aptitude/psychometric/industry specific) and application outcomes (unsuccessful before or after interview).

Please regularly check your 'junk mail' or ensure our email address [email protected] and Pulse email [email protected] is set to 'trustworthy'.

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.

At Port Macquarie-Hastings Council, we believe that diversity makes us stronger. We are committed to creating a workplace that reflects the vibrant community we serve—where everyone feels welcome, respected, and empowered to thrive. We encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, veterans, people with disabilities, culturally and linguistically diverse individuals, and members of the LGBTQIA+ community. If you require any adjustments during the recruitment process or in the workplace, please contact us at [email protected]. We're here to support you every step of the way.