Senior HR Advisor

Western Downs Regional Council; Dalby; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health & Wellbeing program and Mental

Salary Packaging Available

Leave Loading

Uniforms and PPE

Relocation Assistance

Job summary

Western Downs Regional Council in Dalby, QLD is seeking a Senior HR Advisor to provide expert industrial relations and employee relations guidance across the organisation. You will partner with leaders to manage complex employee matters, including investigations, performance management and grievances, while ensuring compliance with awards, agreements and policies.

The role requires a relevant HR degree or diploma, or substantial experience, and strong judgement, confidentiality and stakeholder

Qualifications

• Interpreting and applying industrial legislation, awards, certified agreements, policy and procedures.
• Providing high-level industrial relations advice to senior leaders and employees in a large and complex organisation.
• Preparing detailed reports, submissions, correspondence and recommendations relating to employment matters.
• Managing sensitive and confidential matters while exercising sound judgement and procedural fairness.
• Building productive relationships with unions, managers, employees and external stakeholders.
• Developing practical solutions to complex workplace issues whilst balancing operational and legal considerations.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert industrial relations and employee relations advice across Western Downs Regional Council.
• Partner with leaders at all levels to manage complex employee matters including investigations and performance management.
• Ensure compliance with industrial instruments, employment legislation, Council policies and contemporary HR practices.

Skills

Industrial relations

HR policies

Stakeholder management

Education

Degree/Diploma in HR or related field

Job description

Western Downs Regional Council – Dalby QLD

Western Downs Regional Council has been awarded the Large Employer of the Year award at the Darling Downs South West Region Queensland Training Awards for 2019, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024.

Be part of a team that make a real difference within the communities we serve. Our mission drives us, and we want you to be part of the journey.

Experience Western Downs It's the people that make it!

Job No: 1017

Location: Dalby

Level: WDRC Non-Operational Staff Certified Agreement Grade 6

Status: Permanent/Full Time

The Opportunity

The Senior HR Advisor is responsible for providing expert industrial relations and employee relations advice and support across Western Downs Regional Council. The role partners with leaders at all levels of the organisation to manage complex employee matters, including disciplinary processes, workplace investigations, performance management, grievances, organisational change, fitness for work matters and industrial disputes.

The position plays a key role in ensuring compliance with industrial instruments, employment legislation, Council policies and contemporary HR practices. The role operates with a high degree of autonomy and provides specialist advice on complex and sensitive matters requiring sound judgement, procedural fairness and risk management.

About Yourself

A person in this position will need to hold a relevant Degree or Diploma qualification in Human Resources, or relevant discipline, OR be able to demonstrate substantial relevant experience.

Suitability for this position will be based on experience, application, achievement, and potential in the following critical competencies as they link to the key responsibilities for this position.

Proven/Demonstrated experience in:

• Interpreting and applying industrial legislation, Awards, Certified Agreements, policy and procedures.
• Providing high-level industrial relations advice to senior leaders and employees in a large and complex organisation.
• Preparing detailed reports, submissions, correspondence and recommendations relating to employment matters.
• Managing sensitive and confidential matters while exercising sound judgement and procedural fairness.
• Building productive relationships with unions, managers, employees and external stakeholders.
• Developing practical solutions to complex workplace issues whilst balancing operational and legal considerations.

The Benefits of Working for WDRC:

• Work / life balance We understand the importance of balance. Enjoy flexible work arrangements and wellness programs designed to keep you at your best.
• Superannuation In addition to your annual salary, Council will contribute twelve (12) per cent, including the superannuation guarantee contribution.
• Access to Corporate Health Plan Take care of yourself and join one of our Corporate Health Plans to improve life.
• Health & Wellbeing program and Mental Health Support Change your lifestyle and live better with healthy ideas. Be your best possible self with provided support and information.
• Access to free Employee Assistance Program & confidential counselling Reach out to someone confidentially if you are experiencing any concerns or problems.
• Salary Packaging Available Restructure your salary to work for you to pay for everyday living expenses such as Motor Vehicles, Superannuation, Remote Area Housing (Rent), Fuel, Gas and Electricity.
• Allowances Available (if applicable) Allowances such as Locality Allowance may be applicable to your position.
• Leave Loading You will receive 17.5% leave loading on top of your base rate of pay, while you are on Annual Leave.
• Uniforms and PPE Uniforms and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) provided.
• Job security in a local government position Feel secure working for an organisation who believes in strong foundations of respect, balance, communication, teamwork, accountability and leadership.
• Relocation Assistance Relocation assistance of up to $5,000 may be provided to the preferred candidate if relocating to the Western Downs Region.

If you are looking to join an innovative and dynamic company, that provides staff with a work life balance and opportunities for growth with state of the art mentoring from professionals within its team, this may be the role for you. Be part of the community you serve. TOGETHER WE MAKE A REAL DIFFERENCE.

Applications close at Midnight AEST on Friday 25 September 2026

Additional Information

The recruitment process may include candidates undergoing a pre-employment medical including drug and alcohol testing.

WDRC reserves the right to close or withdraw vacancies before the advertised closing date, or extend the closing date, without prior notice.

Applicants must have the legal right to work in Australia. Applicants who hold a valid Australian work visa are encouraged to apply.