At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead exciting civil infrastructure projects in a stunning remote environment.
- Company: Join the Shire of Derby/West Kimberley, a vibrant community embracing diversity.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous leave, and free pool access.
- Other info: Experience a fulfilling work-life balance with outdoor adventures at your doorstep.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while exploring breathtaking landscapes and rich Indigenous culture.
- Qualifications: Tertiary qualification in Civil Engineering and strong project management skills required.
The predicted salary is between 140000 - 160000 ÂŁ per year.
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!
About the Role:
This role is for an engineer who wants more than a desk, more than micro management, and more than city congestion. Based in Derby in the heart of the Kimberley, this position offers the chance to take real ownership of major civil and infrastructure works, from concept through to delivery, in one of Australia’s most remote and spectacular regions. You will work with a high level of autonomy, supported by the Director Technical Services, and be trusted to apply your technical expertise, judgement and initiative to deliver outcomes that genuinely matter to the community.
What You'll Be Doing:
- Leading the design, delivery and monitoring of civil infrastructure projects, including roads, drainage, pavements, culverts and related assets.
- Managing tenders, contracts, consultants and contractors across capital and maintenance works.
- Providing hands‑on technical advice and practical engineering solutions in a remote environment.
- Contributing to asset management planning and long‑term infrastructure programs.
- Overseeing works from field inspections through to completion, ensuring quality, safety and value for money.
- Working independently in a role where problem‑solving, adaptability and initiative are essential.
This is a role where decisions are made on the ground, not lost in layers of bureaucracy.
This position is ideally suited to an engineer who:
- Is comfortable working independently and taking ownership of projects.
- Enjoys practical, site‑based engineering as much as design and planning.
- Thrives in regional or remote environments.
- Values variety, responsibility and real‑world impact over routine office work.
- Wants their engineering expertise to be trusted and visible.
Why Work With Us?
We offer a generous cash salary package of $160,000 – $183,000 including generous allowances, plus housing and a fully maintained vehicle, making this an exceptional opportunity for experienced engineers seeking both professional and lifestyle rewards. This role provides genuine work/life balance, high levels of autonomy, and the chance to live and work in one of Australia’s most iconic regions. Outside of work, enjoy fishing, camping, four‑wheel‑driving, boating, waterfalls, gorges and outback adventures that most people only experience on holidays right on your doorstep.
To Apply:
If you’re ready to step into a role where your skills matter, your judgement is trusted, and your weekends are spent exploring the Kimberley rather than sitting in traffic, we’d love to hear from you. To apply submit a cover letter of no more than two (2) pages, addressing the selection criteria and a current resume with two relevant professional references through the Shire of Derby/West Kimberley career portal. Please note shortlisting may occur sooner, so don't wait to apply!
Skills And Experiences:
- Tertiary qualification and extensive experience in Civil Engineering or closely related discipline (e.g. Surveying).
- Strong civil engineering planning, estimating and delivery skills.
- Advanced time management and organisational leadership.
- Expertise in tendering, contract administration, supervision and negotiation.
- In-depth knowledge of WHS requirements and procedures.
- Familiarity with plant operations, maintenance and earthmoving.
- Comprehensive grasp of engineering standards and practices.
- Previous extensive experience in public works design, construction and maintenance activities, particularly rural roads.
- Demonstrated project management success.
Qualifications and/or Training:
- Current “C” Class Driver’s Licence.
- Accredited Traffic Management Training.
Engineer in Derby employer: People & Culture
Contact Detail:
People & Culture Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Engineer in Derby
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the local community! Attend events or meet-ups in Derby and Fitzroy Crossing. This not only helps you understand the culture but also shows your genuine interest in the area, making you a more appealing candidate.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current employees at the Shire of Derby/West Kimberley on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for landing the engineering role you're after.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your technical skills and local knowledge. Be ready to discuss how your expertise can contribute to the community's infrastructure needs and show that you’re excited about the unique challenges of working in a remote area.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team and contributing to the amazing work we do in the Kimberley.
We think you need these skills to ace Engineer in Derby
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself: When writing your cover letter, let your personality shine through! We want to get to know the real you, so don’t be afraid to share your passion for engineering and what excites you about this role.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to address the selection criteria in your cover letter. Highlight your relevant experience and skills that match what we’re looking for. This shows us you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in the position.
Keep It Concise: Stick to the two-page limit for your cover letter. Be clear and to the point, focusing on your key achievements and how they relate to the role. We appreciate brevity and clarity!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our career portal! It’s the easiest way for us to receive your documents and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it helps us keep everything organised!
How to prepare for a job interview at People & Culture
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your civil engineering knowledge, especially around infrastructure projects. Be ready to discuss your past experiences and how they relate to the role. Familiarise yourself with local projects or challenges in the Kimberley region to show your genuine interest.
✨Showcase Your Independence
This role values autonomy, so be prepared to share examples of when you've taken ownership of a project. Highlight situations where you've worked independently, solved problems on-site, and made decisions that had a real impact.
✨Embrace the Community Spirit
The Shire values diversity and community involvement. Be ready to talk about how you can contribute to the local community and engage with Aboriginal culture. Showing that you understand and appreciate the local lifestyle will set you apart.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions about the role and the community. This could include inquiries about ongoing projects, community engagement, or the work-life balance. It shows you're genuinely interested and have done your homework!