Position:                              Trainee - Environmental Health & Building Surveyor - Four Year Term Contract, Full Time 

Salary:                                 $1,073.40pw plus 12% Superannuation

Hours of Work:                   8am to 4:45pm, 35hour week working a nine-day fortnight

Position:                              Environmental Health & Building Surveyor - Permanent Full Time

Salary:                                 $1,792.28pw to $2,017.22pw (based on Experience) plus 12% Superannuation

Hours of Work:                   8am to 4:45pm, 35hour week working a nine-day fortnight

Closing Date:                      5.00pm Monday 9 March 2026

About Cowra & Council

Cowra is located within beautiful Central NSW on the banks of the Lachlan River. It is approximately one hour from the regional hubs of Bathurst and Orange, two hours from Canberra and four hours from Sydney. The town is situated at the intersection of three state highways: the Mid-Western Highway, the Olympic Highway and the Lachlan Valley Way, making it a central hub for travel, freight and logistics.

Cowra Council employs over 200 full time equivalent staff.  Our vision is to be a leading, innovative and creative community, proud of our place in history and offering opportunity with the best of country living. The region enjoys a range of economic, social, educational and health services with a welcoming community that embraces new members from all backgrounds. We strive to provide, maintain and extend Council services to improve the quality of life for residents throughout the Shire. We aim to actively lead, facilitate and foster sustainable development and wealth generating opportunities through agricultural, industrial, commercial and tourism growth

About the Opportunities

Cowra Council is seeking highly motivated candidates to join our Environmental Services team. The positions of Trainee - Environmental Health and Building Surveyor and Environmental Health & Building Surveyor will work closely with other staff in the Environmental Services Department in the fields of environmental protection, health, education and building compliance. The duties of the positions involve;

Trainee - Environmental Health & Building Surveyor

• Assisting staff in the Environmental Services department with the assessment of applications and inspections associated with the Local Government Act, Environmental Planning & Assessment Act, Food Act and Protection of the Environment Operations Act.
• Carrying out general administrative tasks within the department relating to the recording and processing of applications and associated work.
• Demonstrate positive public relations and rapport with all trades, developers, applicants and general enquiries.
• Assist with the inspection/registration of food premises.
• Initially assist and later perform investigations and make recommendations on development, environmental and health control.

This position will receive on-the-job training and complete an Advanced Diploma of Building Surveying (online) in order to obtain the necessary skills, knowledge and experience to apply for accreditation as an Accredited Certifier under the provisions of the Building and Development Certifiers Regulation 2020. This Traineeship is for up to 4 years or upon completion of your studies and obtaining the necessary skills and experience. Applicants must show a commitment to an Environmental Health & Building Surveyor career and possess high level computer skills along with a current drivers licence. 

Environmental Health & Building Surveyor 

• Review and approve construction certificate applications, complying development certificates, and building information certificate applications, ensuring they comply with statutory requirements and Council policies.
• Conduct mandatory critical stage inspections and assessments relevant to Council's role as the Principal Certifying Authority or Accredited Certifier.
• Process Section 68 Applications under the Local Government Act 1993.
• Inspect and assess hairdressing and beauty salons.
• Inspect food premises to ensure compliance with the Food Act 2003.
• Provide written and verbal advice to the community and staff members on Council Policy, Building Code of Australia (BCA), and other relevant legislation.
• Assist with the development and coordination of education programs related to building and environmental health issues.
• Inspect premises to ensure compliance with the Swimming Pools Act 1992.

To be eligible for this role, you should possess the following qualifications and skills:

• Eligible for NSW Department of Fair-Trading accreditation at restricted level (all classes of buildings), previously A2 Accredited Certifier.
• Knowledge of building codes, regulations, and local government legislation.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to provide guidance and education to the community and colleagues.
• Detail-oriented with the ability to conduct thorough inspections and assessments.
• A commitment to upholding public health and safety standards.

The Benefits

The appointment will be in accordance with the Local Government (State) Award and Cowra Shire Council's policies and conditions of employment. 

If you're ready to make a meaningful impact and join our team that values safety, innovation, and community, we'd love for you to apply!

Benefits of working at Council include:

• Fortnightly Rostered Day Off (RDO)
• Four weeks of Annual Leave per year
• Access to Long Service Leave after five years
• Three weeks sick leave per year
• Corporate Wellbeing Programs, including Fitness Passport and Health and Wellbeing initiatives including two (2) Health and Wellbeing days per year.
• Employee Benefits Program 
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Paid parental leave

In addition, we value work-life balance and offer opportunities for training and professional development. 

Position Description

For a copy of the position description please click on the link:

• Trainee - Environmental Health & Building Surveyor POSITION DESCRIPTION
• Environmental Health & Building Surveyor POSITION DESCRIPTION

Further Enquiries

For further enquiries please contact Manager - Building & Regulatory Services, Kane Duke on 02 6340 2045.

How to Apply

Before you apply for this position, please read the position description carefully to assess your eligibility and suitability for the position. You will be required to answer questions relating to the selection criteria on the online application below, your answers will be accessed and rated, so please ensure you take time in providing your answers and give examples of demonstrated experience when requested as well as supplying details of Certificates, Licences and Tickets.  

You will also be asked to attach your current resume which should include two employment related referees. Please note that you cannot submit your application without attaching your resume. A cover letter is not mandatory but may be added if so desired.

Cowra Council is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing a working environment that embraces and values diversity and inclusion.  If you have any support or access requirements, we encourage you to advise at time of application. 

Applications Close: 5.00pm Monday 9 March 2026

Pre-employment Screening

In the event you are shortlisted for an interview, and are then selected to progress to the next stage following interview, you must be prepared to undergo the following pre-employment screening processes as part of the selection process:

• A pre-employment physical examination, including hearing, drug & alcohol assessments.
• Please include two referees in your resume for reference checking purposes - please ensure your referee details are current.
• Council may also check authenticity of certificates and qualifications.

Privacy Statement

As part of the recruitment process, Cowra Shire Council will be collecting information about you. This information is private information for the purposes of the Privacy and Personal Information Protection Act. This information will be included in the recruitment file and only accessed by members of the Recruitment Selection Panel. 

Equal Employment Opportunity