Graduate Engineer

Bellingen Shire Council; Bellingen Shire Council; Hybrid; AUD 73,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fitness Passport

Employee wellbeing programs

Hybrid and flexible work arrangements

Salary packaging options

Job summary

Bellingen Shire Council is seeking a Graduate Engineer to support the delivery of capital and operational projects across the full project lifecycle. You will work under the Civil Project Engineer, assisting with scoping, design, procurement, construction and contract administration for local infrastructure.

The ideal candidate is finishing or has completed an engineering degree recognised by Engineers Australia, with exposure to GIS, CAD and survey operations.

Qualifications

• Candidate must be pursuing or holding a relevant engineering qualification recognised by Engineers Australia.
• Experience with GIS databases and CAD software is preferred.
• Strong analytical, investigative and written/verbal communication skills are essential.

Responsibilities

• Assist delivery of major capital and operational projects across the full project lifecycle.
• Support project scoping, design, procurement, construction and contract administration.
• Contribute to site inspections, handover, and defects liability period with a focus on quality and safety.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem solving

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Engineering degree in progress

Tools

GIS

CAD software

Survey equipment

Job description

Are you a recent engineering graduate, or are you currently completing your engineering degree, and ready to gain practical experience delivering infrastructure projects for the local community?

We are seeking a Graduate Engineer to join our team. Applications are encouraged from undergraduate students currently studying towards a relevant engineering qualification.

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.

The Opportunity

Reporting to the Civil Project Engineer, this position will assist with the delivery of major capital and operational projects across the full project lifecycle. The role will support project scoping, design, procurement, construction, contract administration, site inspections, handover and the defects liability period, helping to ensure projects are delivered safely, on time, within budget and to the required quality standards.

The ideal candidate will hold, or be studying towards, a relevant tertiary qualification in Engineering recognised by Engineers Australia. They will have experience using computer-based information systems databases, Geographic Information Systems and computer-aided design software. Exposure to survey equipment, survey design or civil construction operations would be advantageous.

To succeed in the role, you will need strong analytical, investigative and problem-solving skills, together with well-developed written and verbal communication skills. You will demonstrate initiative, a flexible approach to your responsibilities and the ability to work collaboratively with Council staff, contractors, consultants and other stakeholders.

On offer

Working for Bellingen Shire Council provides access to a range of benefits and employment conditions, including:

• Maximum Term full-time role, 35 hours per week with access to monthly rostered day off
• Access to Fitness Passport
• Access to employee wellbeing programs
• Access to hybrid and flexible work arrangements in line with Award provisions, subject to operational requirements
• Salary packaging options
• Annual salary of $73,269 to $99,961 (plus super and 3.5% Civil Liability Allowance).

Still Have Questions?

• For further information regarding this role please contact James Power, Civil Project Engineer, on 02 6655 7***.
• For enquiries about the application process, please contact the Recruitment Team at ***********@bellingen.nsw.gov.au.

Sponsorship/work rights for Australia

Please note that visa sponsorship is not available. To be eligible for a continuing role, you must be an Australian or New Zealand citizen or hold Australian permanent residency.

Temporary visa holders may be considered for a fixed‑term appointment aligned with the duration of their visa, depending on the needs of the role and the business unit.

Applications close: Sunday, 4 October 2026 at 4pm

As part of the recruitment process, suitable candidates will be required to complete pre-employment screening which can include relevant background checks, functional capacity assessments, psychometric testing, and drug and alcohol screening (where relevant to the role). We may also review publicly available information (such as social media) and, with your consent, contact previous employers not listed on your application.

Our recruitment process is managed via system generated emails. Please ensure your email address is entered correctly to avoid missing important updates and outcomes. Notifications may include application confirmation, interview invitations, reference requests, and application outcomes. Remember to check your email regularly, including your junk/spam folder.

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 7*** or ***********@bellingen.nsw.gov.au. You can ask for reasonable adjustments to be made at any time during the recruitment process.