_{06th May, 2025}

Biosecurity Trainee (Indigenous candidates)
Fixed-term 24-month training contract
  
Our Region
Ingham is uniquely positioned just over an hour north of Townsville and approximately three hours south of Cairns and is within the tropical paradise of the Hinchinbrook Shire. With Ingham at its centre, the region is surrounded by rugged mountain ranges, giant waterfalls, the Great Barrier Reef, wild beaches and tropical islands. It’s a place where breathtaking scenery, unique wildlife, world-class fishing experiences, delicious, locally sourced food, inspirational art and 60,000 years of culture are all weaved into one incredible story: The Hinchinbrook Way.

Our Council
Hinchinbrook Shire Council is proud to be one of the largest employers in the region, with a diverse team of around 200 people working across technical, administrative, operational, and senior management roles. We’re committed to creating a fair, flexible, and supportive workplace where our staff can thrive while enjoying the unique attractions and vibrant community life of Hinchinbrook. With benefits such as a nine-day fortnight for most roles, generous superannuation, and leave entitlements, we offer opportunities to grow your career while embracing the lifestyle you love. By joining us, you’ll be part of an organisation that values its people, promotes collaboration, and strives to make a lasting, positive impact on the Hinchinbrook community.
  
The Opportunity
As part of a Targeted Recruitment Strategy, we are seeking interest from Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people, specifically Traditional Owners from the Warrgamay, Nywaigi, or Bandjin groups, for this 24-month fixed term traineeship. This is a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in biosecurity while working towards a Certificate III in Conservation and Ecosystem Management.

As the Biosecurity Trainee, you will play an active role in protecting and managing the Hinchinbrook Shire’s natural environment. Guided by experienced team members, you will gain hands-on experience in invasive species control, environmental monitoring, and natural asset protection. This traineeship is an opportunity to build practical skills and begin a meaningful career in biosecurity and land management. The role is based within Council’s Natural Assets Department, which is dedicated to preserving the region’s unique biodiversity.
  
Key Responsibilities include (but not limited to):

• Assisting with day-to-day tasks in your designated department, gaining practical experience relevant to your field of study;
• Supporting team members in completing projects and meeting department goals;
• Actively participating in training sessions and coursework for the Certificate III or IV qualification;
• Maintaining accurate records and documentation as required;
• Providing excellent customer service and engaging positively with both internal and external stakeholders.  

Our Ideal Candidate
We are looking for a motivated Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander individual who is passionate about the environment, cultural heritage, and building a career in biosecurity. Our ideal candidate has a strong work ethic, a willingness to learn, and a desire to make a meaningful impact
  
Key Selection Criteria
If our values resonate with you ‘Integrity, People Focused, Excellence and Sustainability’ and you possess the following experience, read below about how to apply:

1. Demonstrated communication skills required for receiving technical instructions both written and verbal;
2. Basic computer skills, including word processing and data entry or retrieval;
3. Proven ability to complete training assessments or coursework within set timeframes;
4. Examples of teamwork skills in work, school, or extracurricular settings, including how you communicate in these environments;
5. Ability to demonstrate how you successfully learn and develop new skills;
6. Ability to prioritise and manage tasks to meet deadlines;
7. Physical capability to undertake manual handling duties and work outdoors in varying weather conditions; and
8. Possession of a CA class driver’s license or the ability to obtain one within three months of employment (desirable).  

General Salary Information
Wages and Conditions of employment will be determined in accordance with the Order – Apprentices’ and Trainees’ Wages and Conditions (Excluding Certain Queensland Government Entities) 2003; Training Wage Award – State 2012; Queensland Local Government Industry (Stream A) Award – State 2017 and Council’s Certified Agreement 2023.

The Selection Process
We welcome candidates to inform us of any adjustments they may need to ensure a supportive and inclusive recruitment experience and workplace environment. Hinchinbrook Shire Council is an equal opportunity employer, and we encourage Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people and disadvantaged job seekers to apply.

Celebrating the rich diversity of our community, we are dedicated to attracting and employing people who reflect the community we serve. We value and respect the unique contributions of our employees and are committed to fostering an inclusive and safe workplace where everyone is supported to reach their full potential.

Please note that only individuals with the right to work in Australia are eligible to apply. As part of the recruitment process, the preferred candidate will need to undertake a National Police Check and pre-employment medical assessments, which may include drug and alcohol testing, to confirm their ability to meet the role's inherent requirements.

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements
Applicants must be able to safely and competently carry out strenuous labouring and manual handling activities.  The position will require the employee to carry out physical tasks which may include manual handling, repetitive bending, kneeling, twisting and/or squatting, lifting, working in confined spaces, and working at heights.

How to Apply 
To apply, submit your application online by clicking 'Apply For Job' and follow the steps. Please provide:

1. A current resume
2. A cover letter addressing the ‘Our Ideal Candidate’ and Key Selection Criteria (max. 2 pages).
3. Statement addressing the selection criteria and explain why this opportunity interests you;
4. Trainee/Apprenticeship Eligibility Questionnaire
5. Most recent academic record

Please note this position is part of a targeted recruitment strategy and you must identify as a First Nations (Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander) person from a Traditional Owner group within the Hinchinbrook Shire Region. Eligibility is limited to individuals who are recognised family members of the Warrgamay, Nywaigi, or Bandjin Traditional Owner groups. Only candidates that meet these criteria will be short listed. The filling of this position is intended to constitute a special/equal opportunity measure under section 8(1) of the Racial Discrimination Act 1975 (Cth), and s 105 of the Anti- Discrimination Act 1991 (Qld).

Applications close on ‘Wednesday 21 May 2025, at 5:00pm AEST’

Applications that do not meet the above requirements may not be shortlisted. The advertisement will be closed either when a successful applicant is identified or on the application close date, whichever is sooner.

For More Information:
Thank you for your consideration and interest in this position. For a confidential discussion, contact Matthew Buckman, Biosecurity Team Leader, on Contact 07 4776 4633.

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