Ranger

Kempsey Shire Council; West Kempsey; On-site; AUD 62,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Permanent full-time

Fortnightly RDOs

Weekly salary with super

Flexible work arrangements

Wellbeing programs

Fitness Passport

Career development

Novated Leasing

Supportive team environment

Job summary

Kempsey Shire Council is seeking a dedicated Ranger to support animal control, enforcement and community education across the Kempsey Shire. You will conduct patrols, investigations and ensure compliance with relevant legislation, while maintaining careful records and assisting in the pound’s daily operation.

The role requires a Class C licence, regulatory services qualifications, and ability to work a rotating roster with on-call, weekend and holiday duties.

Qualifications

• Certificate IV in Local Government (Regulatory Services) or equivalent
• Certificate IV in Animal Control and Regulation or equivalent
• Current Class C driver’s licence is required
• Experience in regulatory services, investigations and enforcement
• Knowledge of relevant legislation (Companion Animals Act, Impounding Act, Australian Road Rules, POEO Act, Local Government Act)
• Experience handling domestic animals and livestock
• Strong written/verbal communication and recordkeeping skills
• Ability to learn Council systems and work with confidentiality

Responsibilities

• Conduct patrols and investigations and enforce penalties
• Issue infringement notices and manage impounded animals
• Maintain accurate records of enforcement activities
• Provide education and guidance to the community
• Investigate dog attacks and enforce school zone parking
• Represent Council in court when required
• Support day-to-day operation of the pound and animal care

Skills

Regulatory compliance

Investigations

Enforcement

Communication

Organization

Time management

Computer skills

Independent work

Roster management

First aid

Education

Certificate IV in Local Government (Regulatory Services)

Certificate IV in Animal Control and Regulation

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Your New Role:

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?

• A permanent full‑time position, 38 hour work week
• Fortnightly RDO’s
• Weekly salary of $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 that Council reserves the right to close this job advertisement before the stated closing date if a suitable candidate is found. Therefore, we encourage all interested applicants to submit their applications as soon as possible.

Have questions?

Please contact Retha du Preez - Group Manager Development and Compliance, for a confidential discussion on Ph: 02 6566 3200.

Please Note: Our recruitment notification process is primarily via system generated emails. Please ensure your email is correct before submitting your application to avoid missing crucial updates.

• 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 vaccinations is a requirement of KSC’s recruitment process for this position.

If you experience any difficulties applying online, please contact the Recruitment team on 02 6566 3200 or email [e-mail] Thank you and good luck with your application.

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.