Aboriginal Environmental Health Field Support Officer in Derby

The Shire of Derby/West Kimberley encompasses the towns of Derby, Fitzroy Crossing, Camballin, and 54 Aboriginal Communities throughout the region. Living in Derby and Fitzroy Crossing offers a relaxed and vibrant lifestyle, with a wide range of leisure activities such as exceptional fishing, boating, sightseeing, community events, and sports. The locals are known for their warm and welcoming nature, making it easy to feel at home. This region is also home to breathtaking and untouched wilderness areas, including the iconic Buccaneer Archipelago, Gibb River Road, Fitzroy River, and Geikie Gorge. If you’re eager to experience the beauty of the wet season and immerse yourself in the rich Indigenous culture, this is the perfect opportunity.

At the Shire, we value the unique backgrounds, experiences, and contributions that each person brings to our community. We encourage and celebrate diversity, welcoming applications from Aboriginal people, those identifying as LGBTQIA+, women, individuals of all ages, people with disabilities, and culturally and linguistically diverse individuals. Our aim is to create a workforce that reflects the community in which we live.

Benefits of Working in the Shire:

• Work-Life Balance: Enjoy a relaxed lifestyle with access to nature and outdoor activities, allowing for a fulfilling work-life balance.
• Cultural Enrichment: Gain a deeper understanding of Aboriginal culture by working closely with local communities and participating in cultural events.
• Natural Beauty: Be surrounded by stunning landscapes and explore some of Australia's most pristine wilderness areas during your time off.
• Community Spirit: Join a close-knit, welcoming community where you can form lasting friendships and feel a strong sense of belonging.
• Personal Growth: Experience living and working in a unique environment that fosters both personal and professional development.
• 5 Weeks Annual Leave: Benefit from an extended leave package, giving you more time to relax and recharge.
• Up to 7% Council-Matching Super Contributions: Boost your retirement savings with generous employer contributions.
• Novated Leasing: Enjoy the convenience and tax advantages of novated leasing for your vehicle.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Access professional support for your mental health and well-being.
• Free Pool Entry: Enjoy free access to the local pool following your probation period, encouraging an active lifestyle.

If you're ready to embark on a rewarding adventure in one of Australia’s most beautiful and culturally rich regions, apply now!

Job Description – Aboriginal Environmental Health Support Officer

The Aboriginal Environmental Health Support Officer works under the direction of the Team Leader Aboriginal Environmental Health to help deliver high‑quality environmental health services across Aboriginal Communities within the Shire of Derby/West Kimberley. The role supports the Shire’s obligations under the Department of Health contract and contributes to improving community health, wellbeing, and environmental standards.

Key Objectives:

• Provide advice and assistance to Aboriginal Communities on environmental health matters, including dog health and control.
• Support community-based Environmental Health Workers to ensure effective performance.
• Conduct regular site visits to accessible Aboriginal Communities to monitor, support, and deliver environmental health programs.

Key Responsibilities:

• Customer Service: Build respectful, professional relationships with community members, colleagues, and stakeholders. Respond to enquiries promptly and courteously, demonstrating initiative and cultural awareness.
• Workplace Health & Safety: Follow all safety procedures, report hazards and incidents, and use equipment safely.
• Compliance: Assist with clinical referrals and routine community visits. Maintain accurate records and ensure compliance with legislation, policies, procurement guidelines, and the Shire’s Code of Conduct.
• Administration: Support documentation, reporting, and preparation of required reports. Maintain accurate records and represent the Shire at meetings when required.
• Service Delivery: Liaise with Aboriginal Communities, leaders, government agencies, and relevant bodies to support health initiatives. Work respectfully within community cultural protocols. Deliver environmental health education, health promotion activities, and assist with Environmental Health Worker training. Participate in on‑site programs such as dog health and breeding control, healthy home assessments, mosquito and pest control, clinical referral support, and the Sentinel Chicken Program.

Capabilities:

• Strong teamwork, communication, and customer service skills.
• Ability to plan, organise, and manage tasks effectively.
• Demonstrated professionalism, integrity, and problem‑solving ability.
• Capacity to work collaboratively and respectfully with Aboriginal Communities.
• Understanding of compliance, safety, and organisational procedures.

Extent of Authority: Works under regular direction within established policies, legislation, and organisational guidelines.

Organisational Relationships:

• Responsible to: Team Leader Aboriginal Environmental Health
• Supervision of: Nil
• Liaises with: Shire staff, Councillors, contractors, government agencies, community members, and other stakeholders.

Skills And Experiences:

Essential:

• Good verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills, including basic report writing skills, and willingness to work closely with community.
• Ability to deliver engaging and interactive Environmental Health presentations to children and adult audiences in Aboriginal Communities.
• Demonstrated ability and willingness to work as part of a team and independently; show a high level of self-motivation, ability and willingness to travel, work away from home and camp when required.
• Problem solving and analytical skills, with proven ability to organise work and meet deadlines.
• Working knowledge of relevant Safety and Health legislation.
• Working knowledge of environmental health.
• Awareness of Aboriginal cultural issues and basic knowledge of Aboriginal Health issues.
• Computer literacy and data entry skills.
• Current 'C' class licence.
• Current National Police Clearance.

Desirable:

• Demonstrated experience working in the environmental health field.
• Certificate II in Indigenous Environmental Health.
• Training and experience in mosquito management.
• Senior first aid certification.
• 4WD training certification.

Why Work With Us?

We offer a competitive salary $80,195 (including allowances), plus superannuation together with salary packaging benefits and conditions designed to support a genuine work–life balance. This role provides the opportunity to enjoy a rewarding career while maintaining balance and wellbeing, within a supportive and values‑driven local government working environment.

If you require a copy of the position description, please contact the recruitment team at recruitment@sdwk.wa.gov.au.

To Apply: To apply submit a cover letter of no more than two (2) pages, addressing the selection criteria (listed below) and a current resume with two relevant professional references through the Shire of Derby/West Kimberley career portal here. To be appointed to a permanent position, you must be an Australian citizen, or have permanent residency status, or a visa permitting you to work in Australia permanently. If you have a visa permitting you to work temporarily in Australia, you may be appointed to a temporary or casual position, providing the work complies with the conditions of your visa.