Description:
Looking to kick-start a career that makes a difference to the environment and your community? As a Trainee Environmental Education Officer, you will combine work and study while gaining real-work experience across environmental projects, community education campaigns and sustainability initiatives.
About Us
Working with us means more than just a job – it’s an opportunity to make a real difference at a local level. We’re a small but impactful council known for innovation, collaboration, and community connection. With around 160 dedicated employees, our team is passionate about delivering services that support the people and places that make our shire special.
Bellingen Shire is a picturesque and diverse area located on the Mid North Coast of NSW, halfway between Sydney and Brisbane and just south of Coffs Harbour. Covering 1,605 square kilometres with around 10km of coastline, the region is renowned for its stunning natural beauty – from lush rainforests and pristine rivers to the World Heritage-listed Dorrigo National Park. Our towns and villages are known for their charm, creativity and strong community spirit.
Living and working here offers the perfect blend of lifestyle and purpose. With a focus on sustainability, cultural richness, and a warm, welcoming community, Bellingen Shire is an inspiring place to grow your career, enjoy work-life balance, and contribute to something meaningful.
What’s in it for you?
- A two-year paid traineeship that blends practical experience with formal study.
- Full support to complete a minimum Certificate II in Conservation and Ecosystem Management (or equivalent) through a Registered Training Organisation such as TAFE NSW.
- Valuable on-the-job experience in community education, environmental communications, signage development and campaign delivery.
- Make a meaningful contribution to projects that protect local ecosystems and promote sustainability.
- Learn in a supportive team environment that values learning, innovation and collaboration.
What will you do?
As the Trainee Environmental Education Officer, you will report to the Group Leader Sustainable Environment and Waste and work closely with Council’s environmental team. You will help bring important sustainability and environmental messages to life and your role will include:
- Supporting the development and delivery of education campaigns, signage, media and workshops.
- Assisting in the coordination of community engagement activities on topics like biodiversity, weeds, and waste.
- Helping to update website content and environmental project information.
- Working alongside Council officers on environmental compliance and education signage.
- Participating in field visits and liaising with stakeholders including First Nations organisations and community groups.
What do you need?
We are looking for someone who is ready to roll up their sleeves and grow. To thrive in this role, you will bring:
- A willingness to enrol in and complete a Certificate II in Conservation and Ecosystem Management (or similar).
- A genuine interest in environmental protection, education and working with the community to support sustainability goals.
- Confidence to speak with the public and work respectfully across diverse communities.
- A reliable and proactive attitude, with strong attention to detail.
- An interest in digital tools – including social media and websites – to support engagement
Important Information
A Group Assessment Centre will be held at Council’s Depot at 14 Alex Pike Drive, Raleigh, on Tuesday, 17 June 2025 from 8:30am to approx. 1:30pm and all shortlisted applicants must attend. Invitations will go out by email week commencing 9 June 2025. You will need to RSVP by 13 June 2025. If you progress to the next stage following the Assessment Centre, you will be required to attend a pre-employment psychometric assessment on either 19 or 20 June 2025. Please ensure that you keep checking your emails so you don’t miss any important information. The dates outlined above cannot be rescheduled, so please ensure you are available if required.
On offer
Some of the benefits working for Bellingen Shire Council include:
- Access to Fitness Passport
- Access to employee wellbeing programs
- Hybrid and flexible work arrangements
- Ongoing professional development opportunities
- Salary packaging options
- 2-year full-time position, 35 hours per week with access to a monthly rostered day off
Weekly wage is dependent on age and will range from $584.20 for a 16 year old to $803.30 for 18+ years.
Still Have Questions?
- For further information regarding this role please contact Sam Tate, Group Leader Sustainable Environment and Waste, on 02 6655 7300.
- For enquiries about the application process, please contact the Recruitment Team at recruitment@bellingen.nsw.gov.au.
Sponsorship/work rights for Australia
Please note: You must be an Australian citizen or an Australian Permanent Resident to be eligible for appointment to this apprenticeship.
How to Apply
Please read the Position Description. It is important to read this carefully to understand what the job involves.
If this sounds like you
Applications close: 4 June 2025 at 4pm
Further information
As part of the recruitment process, suitable candidates will be required to complete pre-employment screening which may include relevant background checks, functional capacity assessment, psychometric testing, and drug and alcohol screening (where relevant to the role).
Our recruitment process is managed via system generated emails. Please ensure your email is entered correctly to avoid missing important updates and outcomes.
Email notifications may include application confirmation, interview invitations, request for references, and application outcomes. Please check your email regularly, and don’t forget to check your junk/spam folder.
Bellingen Shire Council is a 2025 Circle Back Initiative Employer – we commit to respond to every applicant.
Bellingen Shire Council as an equal opportunity employer is committed to a merit-based workforce that encompasses inclusiveness and diversity in an environment of mutual respect. We invite, encourage, welcome and value candidates of all ages, from diverse backgrounds and cultures, and people who have lived experience of disability to apply to work with us.
Bellingen Shire Council is committed to the safety and wellbeing of children and creating and maintaining a child safe organisation.
If you require additional assistance to participate in the recruitment process, please contact the People and Culture team on 02 6655 7300 or recruitment@bellingen.nsw.gov.au. You can ask for reasonable adjustments to be made at any time during the recruitment process.Download the Position Description here
Trainee Environmental Education Officer - 2-year term
Government & Defence Other
Closes 4th Jun 25
Bellingen New South Wales Australia