Walgett, Lightning Ridge or Collarenebri

$71,432.76 to $87,177.60 p.a. + superannuation + overtime

Have you spent a few years working in ranger or regulatory services and developed some strong views about what works, what does not, and how the job could be done better?

Good. We want to hear them.

Walgett Shire Council is building a new, quality driven Regulatory Compliance team and we are looking for an experienced Regulatory Compliance Officer to join us.

We are looking for someone who brings more than an ability to apply legislation. We want someone with practical experience, sound judgement and ideas. Someone who is willing to share what they have learned, listen to the experience of others and help us build a regulatory service we can all be proud of.

This is an opportunity to join a team while it is developing, rather than simply fitting into the way things have always been done.

About the role:

Walgett Shire Council is looking for an experienced Regulatory Compliance Officer to become part of a new and developing regulatory compliance team.

We want to build a team that is known for the quality of its work, good judgement, professionalism and the way its people support one another.

This is not a role where we expect you to simply follow the way things have always been done. Your experience matters. If you have spent time working as a ranger or compliance officer, you will have developed views about what works, what does not work and how regulatory services can be delivered better. We want you to bring that experience with you.

You will work alongside another Regulatory Compliance Officer and a broader team that values different perspectives, shares knowledge and expects its people to contribute ideas. The officers doing the work are often the first to see where a process could be improved, and we want you involved in shaping how the service develops.

The role provides plenty of variety, including:

- Companion animal management, animal welfare, impounding, pound operations and rehoming.
- Investigating illegal dumping, unauthorised camping, abandoned vehicles, littering, noise and environmental nuisance.
- Undertaking regulatory investigations, gathering evidence and preparing matters that can withstand scrutiny.
- Issuing notices, orders and infringements where necessary.
- Using education, negotiation and practical problem solving to achieve compliance before moving to formal enforcement where appropriate.
- Working with NSW Police, NSW Health, animal welfare organisations, rescue groups and other government agencies.
- Delivering community education and building better relationships between Council and the communities we serve.
- Contributing your experience and ideas to operational planning, policies, programs and improvements across the regulatory service.
- The position can be based at Walgett,



Lightning Ridge or Collarenebri, giving you the chance to live and work in the part of the Shire that best suits you.

About you:

We are looking for someone who knows that good regulatory work is about more than issuing fines.

You will be comfortable making decisions in the field, talking to people from all walks of life and deciding when education, negotiation or enforcement is the right approach.

You will ideally bring:

- Experience in regulatory compliance, ranger services, companion animal management or a similar field.
- Sound knowledge of relevant legislation, including the Companion Animals Act 1998, Impounding Act 1993, Local Government Act 1993 and Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997.
- Experience conducting investigations, gathering evidence and making sound and defensible decisions.
- Confidence handling companion animals safely and professionally.
- Strong communication skills and the ability to deal respectfully with people, including when situations become difficult.
- The confidence to put forward your ideas and qualified views, while also being prepared to listen to and learn from your colleagues.
- A willingness to share what you know, help others develop and contribute to building a strong team.
- The ability to work independently in the field while recognising that the best regulatory services are delivered by people who communicate and back each other as a team.

A Certificate IV in Local Government (Regulatory Services), similar qualification or equivalent demonstrated experience is required, together with a current Class C driver's licence.

What we offer:

- Salary from $71,432.76 to $87,177.60 p.a., depending on skills and experience.
- Superannuation in addition to your salary.
- Overtime payments where applicable.
- 5 weeks annual leave each year.
- An additional week of My Leave, Council's wellness and wellbeing leave.
- Relocation assistance to help you make the move.
- Subsidised Council housing, subject to availability and your work location.
- Your choice of being based at Walgett, Lightning Ridge or Collarenebri, by negotiation.
- Training and professional development opportunities.
- A varied role covering regulatory compliance, investigations, animal management and community engagement.
- The opportunity to be part of a new team and help influence how that team operates, rather than simply stepping into an established way of doing things.
- Most importantly,



we want to create a workplace where good people enjoy working together. We value experience, different perspectives, practical ideas and people who are prepared to share what they know.
- You will have room to exercise professional judgement, an opportunity to influence how we deliver our service and colleagues who are expected to support one another.

The overall value of the package extends well beyond the advertised salary. Housing assistance, relocation support, additional leave and the opportunity for overtime provide a significant financial and lifestyle benefit.

Council is also prepared to recognise exceptional technical capability and relevant experience. A market premium may be considered for a candidate who has demonstrated success in a comparable operational environment and who can bring strong technical knowledge, practical leadership and an understanding of the challenges associated with delivering services across a large rural or remote area.

About us:

Walgett Shire Council serves a large, diverse and unique region in northwestern New South Wales. We provide a broad range of services across multiple communities and are committed to improving service delivery, strengthening long term sustainability and delivering practical outcomes for our residents.

At Walgett Shire Council, our people make a real difference. We offer varied and meaningful work, the opportunity to contribute across a complex organisation, and the chance to be part of a Council that is actively improving how it operates. We are guided by our core values of Respect, Integrity, Ethical Conduct, Courage, Honesty, Accountability and Responsibility.

This is an opportunity to join an organisation where the work is varied, the challenges are real, and the right person can make a genuine impact.

How to apply:

To apply, complete the online application form and attach your current resume. A cover letter is highly regarded. All correspondence regarding your application will be sent via email.

Applications must include responses to the questions and a current resume. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Further information regarding the online application process may be obtained by contacting Council’s People and Culture Team on 02 •••• •100 during business hours or via email [email protected]

Closing date for applications:

Applications close at 9.00am on Monday, 24 August 2026.

Council reserves the right to close, withdraw or extend vacancies without prior notice.

Walgett Shire Council is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, committed to fostering diversity and inclusion in our workplace. We encourage applications from people with disabilities, culturally and linguistically diverse persons, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, veterans, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

📌 Council Ranger / Regulatory Compliance Officer (Walgett)
🏢 Walgett Shire Council
📍 Walgett