Quality and Assurance Officer - Utilities

Careers at Council; Port Macquarie; On-site; AUD 91,000 - 102,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

35-hour week + flextime

PPE and uniform provided

Fitness Passport gym membership

Welcome Experience for relocations

Career development opportunities

Job summary

Port Macquarie-Hastings Council is seeking a Utilities Quality & Assurance Officer to join the Utilities Planning & Design Section. The role blends quality assurance, compliance and continuous improvement, engaging with water, wastewater and waste operations to meet regulatory standards.

You will collect and analyse performance data, perform internal audits, review processes and work with field teams to drive safety, sustainability and environmental outcomes.

Qualifications

• Minimum Diploma level qualifications in Environmental Science, Quality Assurance or Compliance, or equivalent.
• Experience interpreting legislation, regulatory requirements and standards.
• Strong written and verbal communication with diverse stakeholders.
• Proven independence, prioritisation and initiative.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Current Class C Driver Licence.

Responsibilities

• Undertake site inspections to support compliance, assurance and improvement activities.
• Conduct audits, reviews and other assurance activities to assess compliance with legislative and regulatory requirements.
• Provide advice and feedback to Council teams on compliance requirements and actions.
• Collaborate with operational teams, professionals, service providers and the community to support quality outcomes.
• Liaise with authorities regarding Environmental Protection Licence conditions and licence reviews.
• Prepare and submit compliance, assurance and regulatory reports as required.
• Collate, analyse and report on quality and compliance performance data.
• Maintain compliance documentation, registers and databases for timely reporting.
• Support procurement and tendering for auditors/contractors and coordinate assigned works.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of processes across Community Utilities.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Communication

Initiative

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Education

Diploma in Environmental Science

Diploma in Quality Assurance

Diploma in Compliance

Job description

Quality and Assurance Officer - Utilities

At Port Macquarie-Hastings Council, every employee plays a role in helping our community thrive. We are seeking a Utilities Quality & Assurance Officer to join our Utilities Planning & Design Section within the Community Utilities Group.

This is a varied role that combines quality assurance, compliance and continuous improvement with opportunities to work closely with operational teams across our water, wastewater and waste services. This is a key role that helps ensure our water, wastewater and waste services are delivered safely, sustainably and in compliance with regulatory requirements, supporting positive outcomes for both our community and environment.

You’ll build strong relationships with stakeholders, undertake site visits and inspections, support regulatory compliance activities and help ensure our essential community services meet legislative and environmental standards. Whether you’re gathering and analysing performance data for regulatory reporting, undertaking internal compliance audits, reviewing operational processes, or collaborating with teams in the field, you’ll play an important role in protecting public health and environmental outcomes.

This is a great opportunity for someone with experience in environmental science, quality assurance, compliance or a related field who enjoys combining data analysis and regulatory interpretation with stakeholder engagement and practical problem solving. You’ll gain exposure to a diverse range of utility operations, working alongside treatment plant operators, field staff, laboratory specialists and external stakeholders to drive quality and compliance outcomes.

To be successful in this position you will have:

• Minimum Diploma level qualifications in a relevant field such as Environmental Science, Quality Assurance or Compliance, or an equivalent combination of qualifications and industry experience
• Experience interpreting and applying legislation, regulatory requirements and associated standards
• Sound analytical and strategic thinking skills, with the ability to research information and identify practical solutions
• Strong written and verbal communication skills and the ability to work effectively with a range of internal and external stakeholders
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, manage priorities and take initiative
• A proactive approach to problem-solving, continuous improvement and identifying innovative ways of working
• Strong computer skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel
• Current Class C Driver Licence

On a typical day you will:

• Undertake site inspections to support compliance, assurance and improvement activities
• Conduct audits, reviews and other assurance activities to assess compliance with legislative and regulatory requirements
• Provide advice and feedback to Council teams on compliance requirements and any associated actions
• Work closely with operational teams, industry professionals, service providers and the community to support quality and compliance outcomes
• Liaise with statutory and regulatory authorities regarding Environmental Protection Licence conditions, licence reviews and other regulatory matters
• Prepare and submit compliance, assurance and regulatory reports as required
• Collate, analyse and report on quality and compliance performance data
• Maintain compliance documentation, registers and databases to support accurate and timely reporting
• Support procurement and tendering processes for auditors, consultants and contractors and assist with the coordination of assigned works
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of processes, systems and practices across Community Utilities

Remuneration and Benefits

Employment type: Permanent, full-time role (35 hours per week plus flex time)

Salary: Starting from $90,760.14 to $101,588.51 per year depending on skills and experience plus 12% super

• 35-hour work week plus flextime
• PPE and uniform provided
• Discounted gym membership through membership to Fitness Passport
• Candidates relocating to the region have access to The Welcome Experience
• Career development opportunities OR Opportunities for learning and development and internal career progression
• Annual salary increase as per the Local Government (State) Award 2026 plus annual salary review
• Long service leave after 5 years
• Generous employee assistance program
• Salary packaging options available through Salary Packaging Australia and Maxxia
• Recognition through our annual awards ceremony celebrating and rewarding staff achievements

Questions?

If you would like to know more about this opportunity or have any questions about the role, please contact Rachel Bennett, Manager Innovation, Process and Compliance on 6581 8192.

Applications Close: Sunday 04 October 2026 at 11:30pm

Notes:

Suitable candidates may be placed on a talent pool or eligibility list for future identical, or similar positions for a period of 12 months.

We often ask our preferred applicants to complete pre-employment checks. This may include: Reference Checks; National Criminal Police Check; Medical Assessment; Qualification Verification; Working with Children Check Verification.

PMHC's recruitment notification process is primarily via system generated emails. Please ensure your email is correct before submitting an application to avoid missing crucial updates and outcomes. Email communication notifications are used for but not limited to: application received, interview booking tools, confirmation of interview, request for references/more information, delay notifications, testing/assessments (aptitude/psychometric/industry specific) and application outcomes (unsuccessful before or after interview).

Please regularly check your 'junk mail' or ensure our email address ****@pmhc.nsw.gov.au and Pulse email ********@lgss.com.au is set to 'trustworthy'.

Port Macquarie Hastings Council adheres to the principles of a child safe organisation and is committed to the care and protection of all children and young people.