Join Richmond Valley Council and start your career!

Our YES program is open to people of all ages; whether you are leaving school, looking to re-enter the workforce or are wanting a change of career. We are now welcoming applications for our 2026 intake.

We are committed to creating employment opportunities in our community and are proud of the people we have brought through the YES program. We have had over 120 school-based trainees, trainees, apprentices and scholars.

Local government has a variety of exciting industries to work in and provides an opportunity for you to kick-start your career.

A bit about the role:

WHS Trainee - People & Culture – This trainee opportunity offers a rewarding pathway into the world of Workplace Health & Safety (WHS) within the Local Government sector.

As a WHS Trainee, you’ll gain hands-on experience across a wide range of safety practices and environments. You’ll be actively involved in identifying and managing workplace hazards, supporting risk assessments, and contributing to incident investigations and compliance activities and grow a strong understanding of safety management systems.

This role is ideal for someone who’s eager to learn, grow, and develop administrative and practical skills in safety, risk management, and WHS legislation. You’ll be supported by experienced professionals and have the chance to make a real impact while building a strong foundation for a future career in safety and wellbeing.

What we look for:

• Good planning, organisational and analytical skills
• Good literacy and numeracy and sound computer skills
• Good interpersonal skills to form effective working relationships
• Flexibility and reliability
• Positive attitude and a good communicator

What you can learn:

• Assist in the preparation of documents
• Create, input and retrieve data using MS Office, TechOne and our internal safety systems
• Operate office equipment
• Coordinate arrangements for employee appointments
• Hands on safety inspections and incident investigation skills
• Data entry

About the role

The WHS Trainee - People & Culture is full time employment for two (2) years, and the proposed study will be a Certificate IV in Work Health & Safety.

Fixed term: 70-hour fortnight (Term Contract - 2 years)

Salary: Based on the Local Government Award + 12% super

Closing date: 11:30pm Sunday, 9 November 2025

Contact: Luke Fleming, Manager People & Culture - 0400 261 322