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 looking for a Cadet Engineer to join our team at Dungog Shire Council. In this role, you will be responsible for supporting the engineering team in the design, development and delivery of civil projects. Working under supervision you will apply your knowledge of engineering principles and practices to complete assigned tasks and contribute to planning, design and construction activities within our Shire.

Contributing to the overall function of the Infrastructure and Assets directorate, our Cadet will be provided the opportunity to develop valuable skills and relevant industry experience whilst completing their tertiary qualification.

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

• Currently enrolled in the final, or second to final year of a degree qualification in Civil Engineering or other related discipline.
• Ability to interpret and apply engineering drawings, specifications and relevant legislation.
• High level computer literacy and competency in using engineering software (e.g. AutoCAD or Civil 3D).
• Well-developed organisational and time management skills with a proven ability to prioritise tasks and work to deadlines.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to work effectively in a team environment.
• Class C Drivers Licence.

Be rewarded

This position is placed T8 - T10 of Council's salary system. The full-time equivalent salary offered is in the range of $58,494 to $63,980 per annum plus 12% Superannuation, dependent upon competency level and in accordance with Council's Salary Policy.

The cadetship is a temporary position providing you with the opportunity to complete your qualification whilst you learn on the job. We are offering a flexible work arrangement with the option to work either full-time or part-time hours, allowing you to combine your study commitments with our operational needs.

Other Council benefits:

• Extra leave between the Christmas and New Year period (additional to your annual leave)
• Flexible work arrangements
• Outstanding team environment
• 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

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: Damian Morris on 4995 7777

Applications close: Sunday, 16th November 2025 AEST 11:59 PM

Click here to view the Position Description