Ranger

Careers at Council; Kempsey; On-site; AUD 62,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fortnightly RDOs

Flexible work arrangements

Long Service Leave after five years

Novated Leasing and salary packaging

Job summary

Kempsey Shire Council is seeking a Ranger to enforce regulations, patrol public spaces, and investigate issues across the Kempsey Shire. The role balances enforcement with education and customer service in a hands-on community setting.

Responsibilities include issuing notices, managing the pound, maintaining records, and supporting on-call and weekend duties on a rotating roster. A Class C licence and relevant certificates are required.

Qualifications

• Experience in regulatory services, investigations and enforcement.
• Sound knowledge of relevant legislation including Companion Animals Act, Impounding Act, Australian Road Rules, Protection of the Environment Operations Act and Local Government Act.
• Current Class C driver’s licence.

Responsibilities

• Conduct patrols and investigations in the Kempsey Shire.
• Respond to customer requests and complaints and issue penalty infringement notices.
• Manage impounded animals and livestock and maintain records of enforcement activities.
• Provide education and guidance to the community on compliance.
• Represent Council in court when required.

Education

Certificate IV in Local Government (Regulatory Services)

Certificate IV in Animal Control and Regulation

Tools

Microsoft Office

Council systems

Job description

As our new Ranger, you will play an important role in maintaining community safety, protecting public spaces and ensuring compliance with legislation and Council policies across the Kempsey Shire.

Working within Council’s Development and Compliance team, you will undertake a diverse range of regulatory activities, including animal control, impounding, parking enforcement, public space compliance and investigations. You will engage with the community to promote compliance, resolve issues and support a safe, clean and well-managed environment for residents and visitors.

Your responsibilities will include conducting patrols and investigations, responding to customer requests and complaints, issuing penalty infringement notices, managing impounded animals and livestock, and maintaining accurate records of enforcement activities. You will also provide education and guidance to the community, investigate dog attacks, enforce school zone parking requirements and represent Council in court when required.

You will contribute to the day-to-day operation of Council’s pound, ensuring appropriate animal care, facility maintenance, record keeping and compliance with relevant standards and procedures.

This is a varied, hands-on role suited to someone who enjoys working in the community, applying legislation fairly and balancing enforcement responsibilities with education and customer service.

The position operates on a rotating roster and requires availability for on-call duties, compliance patrols and occasional weekend, after-hours and public holiday work.

For a full list of the Key Accountabilities of the role, please refer to the Position Description.

About You:

You are a confident, community-minded professional with a strong understanding of regulatory compliance and a commitment to fair, consistent enforcement. You bring experience in investigations and enforcement, sound judgement and the ability to interpret legislation, manage challenging situations and communicate effectively with a diverse range of people.

You are organised, resilient and detail-oriented, with strong communication and problem-solving skills. You can work independently and collaboratively, balance enforcement responsibilities with a respectful, customer-focused approach, and manage competing priorities in a busy environment.

You will also bring:

• A current Class C driver’s licence and a Certificate IV in Local Government (Regulatory Services), Certificate IV in Animal Control and Regulation, or equivalent relevant experience.
• Experience in regulatory services, investigations and enforcement, including knowledge of court procedures and evidentiary requirements.
• Sound knowledge of relevant legislation, including the Companion Animals Act, Impounding Act, Australian Road Rules, Protection of the Environment Operations Act and Local Government Act.
• Experience handling domestic animals and livestock.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including report writing, recordkeeping and managing difficult customer interactions.
• Well-developed organisational, time management and computer skills, including Microsoft Office and the ability to learn Council systems.
• The ability to work independently, maintain confidentiality and contribute effectively to a team.
• Flexibility to participate in a rotating roster, undertake on-call and weekend duties, and provide relief for other Rangers as required.

First aid certification and training in handling and managing dangerous dogs will be highly regarded.

About Us:

Kempsey Shire Council (KSC) is located on the Mid North Coast of NSW, known for its genuine hospitality, pristine beaches, sub-tropical rainforests, mountain ranges, rock river gorges, sprawling farmland and peaceful villages.

We are a progressive, proactive and dynamic organisation, and we pride ourselves on the respectful and supportive workplace we have cultivated. With 360+ dedicated staff managing $1.8 billion worth of assets across many sites throughout the Shire, KSC work closely with our community to build an inspired, connected Macleay Valley.

Why Join Us?

As the successful candidate, you’ll enjoy:

• Fortnightly RDO’s
• Weekly salaryof $1,361.37 to $1,532.21 (plus superannuation).
• Generous leave entitlements, including access to Long Service Leave after five years
• A working environment focussed on wellbeing, including flexible work arrangements, rostered days off, EAP access, social club, and health and wellbeing programs.
• Fitness Passports for discounted access to a range of gym and pool facilities.
• Career development and learning opportunities.
• Novated Leasing and salary packaging options.
• A supportive, collaborative working environment designed to help you grow!
• A fantastic lifestyle and work life balance, on the beautiful Mid-North Coast.

Applications Close: COB Wednesday, 11 November 2026

Please Note:

• Completion of a pre-employment medical assessment is a requirement of KSC’s recruitment process for this position]
• Current immunisations against tetanus, Hepatitis A & B and Q Fever or willingness to obtain these vaccinationsis a requirement of KSC’s recruitment process for this position.

Kempsey Shire Council is an equal opportunity employer and we celebrate our diverse, inclusive and values-led workforce. We welcome and encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with diverse culture and linguistic backgrounds and people with a disability. In addition, Kempsey Shire Council will provide reasonable adjustments for suitably qualified individuals with disabilities. If you require additional assistance to participate in the recruitment process, please discuss with the advertised contact person. You can ask for reasonable adjustments to be made at any time during the recruitment process.