Osborne Richardson is assisting Southern Downs Regional Council in its search for a strong, confident leader for its Local Laws team — someone who combines hands-on people leadership with deep technical and legislative expertise.

You'll supervise, coach and develop a team of officers, providing clear direction and performance feedback, while drawing on your knowledge of legislation, investigation practice and evidence-based decision making to guide compliance and enforcement across animal management and biosecurity.

This is a genuine opportunity to make your mark. You'll bring the resilience and people skills to build trust and shape a positive, cohesive team culture, all while fostering a collaborative approach to education and information sharing across Council teams and with external stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

- Supervise, lead and support Local Laws Officers, including training, coaching, mentoring and performance feedback
- Allocate and prioritise work, and monitor timeframes to achieve agreed outcomes
- Interpret and apply legislation including Council's Local Laws, the Animal Management (Cats and Dogs) Act 2008 and the Biosecurity Act 2014
- Provide operational oversight of compliance, investigation and enforcement activities
- Liaise with agencies including Queensland Police Service, RSPCA and neighbouring councils
- Oversee delivery of projects and contracts, including wild dog fence maintenance and pest management activities
- Oversee development of key strategic documents, including the Biosecurity Plan
- Oversee management of Council's animal pounds
- Monitor team budget, including expenditure and income
- Prepare and present reports, including recommendations to Council

About You

- Demonstrated effective leadership skills with a strong emphasis on people and performance management, including supervising staff, coaching, and allocating and prioritising work
- Resilience and confidence as a people leader, with a genuine ability to build trust and instil a positive, collaborative team culture




- Comprehensive knowledge of legislation, statutory regulations and guidelines relevant to Local Laws compliance, investigation and enforcement, including procedural fairness and evidence-based decision making
- Comprehensive knowledge of best practice biosecurity management
- Highly effective written communication skills, including experience writing investigation reports for prosecution and strategic planning documents
- Experience with QCAT and court proceedings is highly regarded
- Skills in procedure and policy development, and identifying business improvement opportunities
- Highly developed interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage a diverse range of clients and manage stressful situations
- Robust computer literacy, including Microsoft Office and case management/reporting systems
- A proven team player who fosters a positive team culture
- Sound understanding of workplace health and safety requirements

What's on Offer

- A key leadership position within a supportive Environmental Services team
- Competitive salary package
- On-the-job training and support for ongoing professional development
- The opportunity to shape strategic direction across Local Laws and biosecurity for the region

Living in the Southern Downs Based across the Southern Downs, you'll enjoy a genuine country lifestyle with city convenience. The region takes in Warwick, Stanthorpe and the Granite Belt, offering national parks, granite outcrops and orchards right on your doorstep. Warwick and Stanthorpe both offer well-serviced regional hubs with quality schools, medical facilities and shopping, while Toowoomba and the coast are just a short drive away.

It's a welcoming, close-knit community with a relaxed pace of life and plenty of space to breathe — all while staying close to everything you need.

How to Apply

Please note applications will be shortlisted as they are received, so we encourage you to apply promptly.

To apply, click the link below or contact Rebecca at Osborne Richardson on [0473 825 278](tel:0473 825 278) or at [email protected] for a confidential discussion.

📌 Local Laws Coordinator (Brisbane)
🏢 Osborne Richardson
📍 Brisbane