People & Culture Officer - Fixed-Term Contract

Champion People, Culture & Systems Where the Outback Meets the Coast

The People & Culture Officer is responsible for delivering comprehensive human resources and work, health and safety services across the organisation, assisting in the developing and maintaining of the human resources and WHS framework, with a strong focus on supporting people-first principles. The role champions a positive safety culture by empowering leaders and employees through training and ongoing capability development.  

This includes but isn't limited to providing generalist HR support, including end-to-end recruitment (advertising, shortlisting, interviewing, onboarding, and induction), training coordination (both internal and external programs), and Work Health and Safety (WHS) support that assists in the compliance with relevant WHS legislation, risk assessments, safety audits and incident investigations, and drives continuous improvement across safety systems and practices. In addition to this, the role will also provide general support in the end-to-end functions of payroll and will backfill People & Payroll functions as required. 

The incumbent also contributes to developing and maintaining HR systems, records, and processes, ensuring the delivery of high-quality, compliant, and efficient HR and administrative services that support a positive workplace culture and operational effectiveness across the organisation.

What You’ll Do

As our People & Culture Officer, you will:

• Review and action tasks received from Safety Champion and the WHS framework. 

• Manage incident reports as they're received and implement actions relevant to those reports, following all relevant procedures in a timely manner to ensure the completion of all investigations. 

• Provide training and coaching on a regular basis to increase safety and hazard awareness across the organisation. 

• Compile and submit regular payroll, workforce, and compliance reports; assist with internal and external audits.
• Assess training needs, coordinate training sessions, and monitor completion of both internal and regulatory training.
• Keep training logs up to date and ensure all employees complete required training on time.
• Assist with incident reporting, maintain WHS records, and monitor compliance with WHS policies and procedures.
• Support end-to-end recruitment, onboarding, induction, and performance management processes.
• Prepare workforce analytics, assist with policy review and updates, and maintain compliance documentation.
• Respond to employee and management queries regarding pay, leave, and HR policies, ensuring advice aligns with legislation and internal standards.
• Draft, issue, and maintain contracts, extensions, and position changes in accordance with Shire procedures.
• Contribute to workforce analysis, turnover monitoring, and skill development planning.
• Maintain privacy and confidentiality in all HR and payroll matters, ensuring secure record management.
• Maintain employee records, respond to queries, assist with HR documentation and data entry.
• Assist with customer service, respond to general inquiries, support sales and procurement functions, and provide records management assistance and reporting as required
• Identify opportunities to streamline systems and workflows, contribute to process improvement initiatives.
• Provide accurate documentation, respond to audit queries, and ensure corrective actions are implemented.
• Support staff engagement activities, recognition programs, and community initiatives that align with Shire values.

About You

You’ll bring:

• Highly developed ability to uphold a values-based approach in the workplace. 

• Experience in payroll processing and HR functions.

• Strong understanding of payroll legislation, superannuation, and taxation.

• Experience with payroll reconciliation and reporting.

• High level of confidentiality, discretion, and attention to detail.

• Ability to deliver and coordinate training programs.

• Understanding of WHS legislation and workplace culture initiatives.
• Strong communication and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in payroll software and Microsoft Office Suite.

• Alignment with our CARECHIP values — Courage, Authenticity, Respect, Excellence, Cohesion, Humility, Inclusion, Passion.

Why Join Us

We value people who want to build their skills and contribute to a purpose-driven team.

Your package includes:

• Salary: $77,723.74 p/a plus superannuation, district allowance: $1,201.11p/a & housing allowance $4,592.47p/a (if eligible)(pro-rata for part-time).

• $3,500 retention bonus after 3 years’ service.*

• 5 weeks annual leave + 2 Local Government public holidays.

• Training and professional development opportunities.

• Annual leave travel assistance, gym and club membership subsidies, and aquatic centre access.

• Additional allowances and subsidies under our Attraction & Retention Policy.*

• A supportive workplace focused on safety, wellbeing, and community impact.

*Subject to corporate policy.

How to Apply

If you’re ready to help maintain the financial practices, we’d love to hear from you. To view the full position description: PD. PEOPLE & CULTURE OFFICER

Applications close:  14 April 2026 at 4pm

For more information, please contact Max Tangi, Acting Manager People, Culture & Wellbeing on (08) 9941 0008.

The Shire of Carnarvon reserves the right to close applications early and/or commence the shortlisting and interview process prior to the advertised closing date. The position may be filled at any time upon identification of a suitable applicant.