Interim Environmental Health Officer

• 9-month Contract | Immediate Start | 9 day fortnight
• Varied and Interesting Role based in Emerald.
• Excellent Hourly Rate | Accommodation & Travel Provided

Applications will close at 10pm on Tuesday 28th January

About Council

The Central Highlands is a vibrant region with a diverse economy. Considered a gateway to the outback, the region’s central business area, Emerald, is a three-hour drive from Rockhampton on the coast and approximately 900 kilometres from Brisbane. Employing over 400 staff, Council administers more than $1.1 billion in assets, including nine library branches, six aquatic centres and seven customer service centres. 4632 km of roads. Numerous parks and gardens are maintained, including the impressive botanical gardens in Emerald, the linear parkland in Capella and the Japanese Gardens in Blackwater.

About the Role

An opportunity has arisen for a qualified, enthusiastic, and competent candidate to come out and work for Council in the role of Environmental Health Officer. This will be a temporary role for approximately 9 months.

Reporting to the Principal Environmental Health Officer, you will be able to make the role your own and hit the ground running. Given the rural regional nature of council, the EHO role requires adaptability to manage diverse environmental health challenges, including remoteness, limited resources, and varied community needs. The ability to engage effectively with a wide range of stakeholders, including Indigenous communities, is essential.

Administering public health legislation including conducting inspections to ensure an acceptable standard of environmental health is maintained; creating and promoting awareness within the community and assisting in the development, implementation and ongoing communication of the Shire’s strategic and business plans, policies, local laws and objectives will underpin your work in this area.

You will also confidently investigate, manage, and resolve public complaints and enquiries.

More specifically, day to day tasks will include:

1. Environmental Health Inspections and Monitoring

• Inspect businesses, facilities, and premises for compliance with public and environmental health regulations.
• Monitor environmental health risks such as water quality, sanitation, and general hygiene.
• Investigate complaints about environmental health issues (e.g., noise, odors, pests).

2. Compliance and Enforcement

• Issue licenses and permits for regulated activities, such as food businesses.
• Review applications and conduct follow-up compliance checks.
• Manage cases of non-compliance, including preparing notices and reports for enforcement actions.

3. Reporting and Record-Keeping

• Maintain accurate records of inspections, investigations, and actions taken.
• Draft reports and correspondence for council staff, external agencies, and community stakeholders.

4. Team Collaboration and Support

• Provide guidance and support to Environmental Health team members and to the Manager Resource Recovery & Environmental Health.
• Attend team meetings to discuss ongoing tasks, priorities, and community concerns.

5. Community Education and Engagement

• Deliver community education sessions or provide advice on environmental health matters (e.g., food safety, pest management).
• Respond to queries from the public about environmental health regulations and best practices.

6. Workplace Safety and Administration

• Follow workplace health and safety protocols during inspections and other duties.
• Organise and prioritise daily tasks to meet deadlines and community needs.

About You

Renowned for being a ‘team player’ and for being self-motivated and flexible, you are also a good communicator who easily engages with a range of stakeholders. With relevant tertiary qualifications you have sound administrative and organisational skills and will enthusiastically use your initiative to manage the diverse workload outlined above, across the Shire. 

Needless to say, you will have a sound knowledge of the Food Act and Environmental Health legislation and enjoy communicating with people from a range of backgrounds and work with pride as you represent the Council across the community.

Why this Role?

If you are motivated about the role you can play in maintaining the integrity of the local businesses and facilities, then this is a key role and an opportunity to join a progressive Council where you can truly make your mark. Importantly, you will be available at short notice to start this new contract and commit to seeing it through. 

Other benefits will include a nine day fortnight, fully self-contained accommodation and travel expenses to and from Emerald. 

A generous hourly rate will be negotiated to reflect the experience of the appointed candidate.

How to Apply

Before you apply for these positions, please read the information above carefully to assess your eligibility and suitability for the position.  You will be required to answer a few questions that relate to the criteria on the online application below.  Please note that you cannot submit your application without attaching your resume.  A cover letter is not mandatory but may be added if so desired. When uploading your Resume or documents please ensure file names should only include 'A-z', '0-9', '.' and '-' characters.

PLEASE NOTE: Once you have commenced your application you cannot save and continue at a later stage. 

For a confidential conversation, please call Rona Horsfall, Principal Consultant Recruitment, Peak Services on 0438 943 854.