Community Development Officer 

The Community Development Officer – Programs and Events is a pivotal role within the Lifestyle and Community Department, responsible for supporting the successful delivery of a wide range of community events, programs, and activities. This dynamic position combines behind the scenes logistics with on the ground action, including proactive planning, administration, and hands-on support tailored to each initiative. A significant portion of the work delivered through this role is funded by external grants. As such, the officer is required to plan, implement, and evaluate grant-funded programs, ensuring compliance with funding agreements, meeting reporting requirements, and adapting delivery based on available funding. Overall, this role plays a key part in ensuring seamless execution of community initiatives while fostering community growth, participation, and engagement.

Key role outcomes:

• Demonstrate successful leadership through the application of the Shire's core values by promoting a work culture of sustainability, quality improvement, efficiency, and excellent customer service that corresponds to our Code of Conduct and Customer Service Charter.  
• Ensure compliance with the Local Government Act (WA) 1995 and any relevant legislation.
• A commitment to a safe work environment and WHS legislation, policy and processes. 
• Develop and deliver community events, programs, and activities for all age groups, from early years to seniors, including promotion, setup, pack down, equipment installation, and overall event coordination. A significant portion of these initiatives are funded through external grants, requiring adherence to funding agreements and flexible delivery based on available resources.
• Develop strong relationships and enhance collaborations with stakeholders, community organisations and non-for-profit clubs.
• Work closely with the broader Lifestyle and Community Department to provide comprehensive support for a range of community events, programs, and activities, most of which are grant-funded.
• Provide efficient administrative support, including document preparation, data entry, and coordination of schedules and appointments.
• Maintain organised records of community programs, events, and participant information.
• Create marketing materials to promote community programs and events, ensuring consistency with the Shire of Carnarvon's branding guidelines.
• Support the development, sustainability and success of local sporting clubs and organisations by providing guidance, developing partnerships, and facilitating access to resources and opportunities.
• Drive initiatives to activate public spaces, enhancing community vibrancy and fostering a sense of place.
• Effectively complete all duties as directed and provide support across all Shire locations as required, contributing to the successful delivery of programs, events, and operational activities.

Work, Health & Safety Responsibilities

• To take reasonable care for their own safety and health and to avoid harming the safety and health of other people through any act or omission at Shire workplaces.  And as relevant:
• Proactively comply with all Shire WHS Policies, Procedures, and Guidelines, Practice, duties and other relevant conditions. As well as with the WA WHS Act 2020, WHS (General) Regulations 2022, all other relevant Regulations, Codes of Practice and Australian Standards
• As far as reasonably possible comply with instructions given by their employer or an authorised person in the interests of safety and health and in accordance with the WHS Act.
• Must report to their manager, supervisor, WHS Representative, PC&S and/or other relevant contact person work related injuries, near misses and any hazards at the workplace that they cannot correct themselves.
• Must use, store and maintain personal protective equipment as properly instructed, and not damage or misuse any equipment or facilities provided in the interests of safety and health.
• Participate in and where possible provide leadership for a continuous improvement culture of safety where best practice initiatives are entrenched in daily business activities.

Essential Criteria:

• Highly developed ability to uphold a values-based approach in the workplace. 
• Highly effective communication skills (written and verbal) including ability to prepare initial reports, letters, emails and assist with applications. 
• Sound understanding of budgeting with experience in grant applications and acquittals. 
• Strong organisational and multitasking abilities.
• Experience working with diverse cultural and religious communities and recreational groups in a similar role. 
• Demonstrated ability to work within time constraints and assist the team in achieving the completion of projects. 
• Developed interpersonal, oral, and team-working skills to facilitate liaising with team members across the organisation and various external stakeholders. 
• Proficient in Microsoft 365 with experience using these tools for document management, communication, reporting, and supporting program and event planning, including grant-funded initiatives.

Desirable Criteria:

• Knowledge of the traditional owners in the Shire of Carnarvon region.  
• Previous Experience in Local Government.
• Previous experience in a similar role.

Pre-employment screening required for this role: 

• National Police Clearance - Less than 6 months old
• Pre-employment Medical Screening
• Alcohol and Other Drug screening
• Working with Children's Check

Remuneration and Benefits:

The successful applicant will join the Infrastructure Services Team with a starting salary from $77,723.75 per annum, plus allowances (if eligible) and superannuation. 

Other cash benefits include but not limited to: 

• $1,201.11 p/a District Allowance*
• $4,592.48 p/a Housing Allowance*
• $1,307.85 p/a Annual Leave Loading 17.5%
• $10,022.08 p/a Superannuation (Statutory)
• $1,670.35 p/a Superannuation additional 2% (Optional, subject to employee salary sacrifice)*
• $3,500.00 Retention bonus upon completion of 3 years of service*
• $440.00 p/a Annual Leave Travel Assistance 
• Salary Continuance Insurance

Leave entitlements* 

• 5 weeks Annual leave
• 2 Local Government Public Holidays
• 10 days of paid Personal Leave
• 10 days of paid Pandemic Leave
• 38 hours of paid Volunteer Emergency Services Leave

Additional Allowances and Subsidies as per Attraction and Retention Policy*

• Salary Sacrificing for a range of benefits
• Local Club Membership Subsidies
• Annual Leave Travel Assistance Payment
• Gym Membership Subsidy
• Annual Pass for Aquatic Centre

*Subject to Corporate Policy

It is not the intention of the position description to limit the scope or accountabilities of the position but to highlight the most important aspects of the position. The aspects mentioned above may be altered in accordance with the changing requirements of the role. A copy of the position description can be obtained by following this link: 43PD_NOV2025_COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT OFFICER

For further information about the role please telephone People and Culture Services on (08) 9941 0000 or email hr@carnarvon.wa.gov.au

To apply for the position, please submit your application by following the prompts below and clicking on "Submit Application". Please ensure you provide an up-to-date Resume and a Cover Letter that addresses the Essential and Desirable Criteria. Applications close 4pm Friday 9 January 2026.