Senior Work Health and Safety Advisor

Lead the way in creating a safer workplace and help embed a Safety-First culture across Council.

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced WHS professional to lead the development, implementation and continuous improvement of Council’s WHS strategy, programs and management system. Working collaboratively with leaders and employees across the organisation, you’ll provide practical, contemporary WHS advice and drive initiatives that strengthen risk management, support legislative compliance and embed a positive, Safety-First culture.

With a strong focus on continuous improvement and proactive risk management, you’ll identify emerging WHS risks and opportunities, support effective consultation and worker engagement, oversee incident management and investigations, and lead the development and review of WHS policies, procedures and systems. You’ll also support the delivery of targeted WHS training, education and awareness initiatives across Council.

Drawing on your WHS expertise, sound judgement and ability to influence and engage others, you’ll help build organisational capability, strengthen the application of Council’s WHS management system and drive meaningful, sustainable improvements in WHS performance across Council’s diverse workplaces, services and operations.

What We Are Looking For

We’re looking for someone with demonstrated experience in WHS, but you’ll also bring a customer focused approach and can-do attitude to engage and influence key stakeholders to champion a Safety-First Culture.  

• Tertiary qualification in Work Health & Safety, or related relevant field, or significant experience in a similar role
• Demonstrate detailed and comprehensive understanding of current Work Health & Safety, Worker’s compensation and Rehabilitation legislation, regulation codes, standards and guidelines
• Sound working knowledge in leading investigations, audits, policy development, systems management and strategy objectives
• Proven customer focused approach and can-do attitude to engage and influence key stakeholders to champion a Safety-First Culture with management and staff
• Advanced interpersonal, facilitation, negotiation skills as well as excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Experience providing a client focused service and business outcomes while managing multiple projects and issues to deadlines

 Who You are

More important than experience, we’re looking for someone with the following characteristics: 

• You’re known for your effective and proactive leadership style with an ability to mentor and develop all staff in safety
• You can quickly build trust-based relationships with key stakeholders
• People come to you for advice, they trust your advice and they value your expertise
• You have the ability to engage and work with the business and assist in driving the Safety Strategy with visibility, initiative and energy
• You put safety and staff at the forefront of your decisions

 What We Offer

• Permanent, full-time role
• Competitive Salary ranging from $117,866.11- $136,565.60 per annum plus 12% superannuation 
• Enjoy flexible working options, including flexible start and finish times, hybrid work (after probation), and the option of a 9‑day fortnight by working additional hours across the fortnight
• Generous leave entitlements, including annual leave, personal leave, additional MyLeave, and enhanced parental leave
• Access to the Fitness Passport Program, offering discounted gym memberships for you and your family
• Long service leave after five years
• An Employee Rewards Program recognising your contributions and achievements
• Ongoing education, training and resources to support your professional development and career growth

If you have made a positive commitment to further your career and you possess the attributes located in the Position Description essential criteria, then please submit your application today. Applicants are asked to ensure that they provide responses to the targeted questions, failure to do so may result in your application not being considered.

For any further information on this role, please contact David Heslop, Head of Work Health and Safety on 02 9330 6***.

Applications must be completed and submitted via our website. Closing Date:  Friday, 11 September 2026 at 11:59 pm.

Offers of employment at Georges River Council are contingent upon satisfactory results of a thorough background check.

Georges River Council is a progressive, people-focused organisation with 600 dedicated staff delivering exceptional services to our diverse and vibrant community. Our vision is to be 'naturally connected to place, community, and Country'. We are committed to creating accessible green, and liveable spaces, nurturing creativity, protecting the natural environment, and building a thriving local economy.

We foster our values of Accountability, Professionalism, Unity and Honesty and take pride in promoting the image of Council in the community.

We are committed to building a workplace culture that values diversity and inclusion, and welcome applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, workers of all ages, people with disabilities, people who identify as LGBTQIA+ and those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

At Georges River Council we are committed to putting children first and championing child safety within our community. We actively advocate for the rights of children and young people and will uphold our commitment as a child safe organisation.

Please note you must be an Australian or New Zealand citizen or a permanent resident or have unlimited working rights (with no Visa restrictions) to apply for this position.