Work, Health and Safety Coordinator

A career with Council comes with job flexibility and benefits to help you grow. The city of Port Lincoln is seeking a qualified WHS leader that can provide specialist advice to the CEO, Executive and Council’s leadership team on WHS & Risk Management and operational oversight of Council’s Work Health and Safety (WHS) and Return to Work (RTW) functions. Full-time, Permanent Position Estimated start July - August 2026 Relocation support available $100,071.66 per annum Salary package includes: Council vehicle for commuter use Laptop Phone Allowance Uniform Allowance Plus 12% Superannuation Additional 3% Council superannuation contribution How does this Position contribute to our Community? Leading the development and implementation of systems that eliminate or minimise risks to health and safety across the organisation and community. Influencing organisational capability and culture to achieve proactive risk management and safety outcomes. Delivering regional shared WHS services that contribute to sector-wide performance and sustainability. What does this Position do? As part of the Governance, Risk and Communications team, the position provides specialist advice to the CEO, Executive and Council’s leadership team on WHS & Risk Management. The WHS Coordinator provides strategic leadership, specialist expertise, and operational oversight of Council’s Work Health and Safety (WHS) and Return to Work (RTW) functions. The position is responsible for planning, directing, controlling, and evaluating WHS systems and programs to ensure organisational compliance, continuous improvement, and achievement of Council’s corporate objectives. Operating under limited direction, this role exercises a high level of professional autonomy and coordination responsibility for Council’s WHS function. The position: Leads a significant organisational function with accountability for outcomes, performance, and compliance. Provides expert advice to Executive and Council on complex WHS, RTW and risk matters. Develops, implements and reviews systems, procedures and frameworks that impact Council-wide operations. Exercises delegated authority in decision-making and negotiation relating to WHS risks, compliance and performance. Subject to the terms of a shared Services Management Agreement, this position is also required to provide Work Health and Safety system support to the District Council of Tumby Bay through a Shared Services Agreement (2 days per week). Key Objectives Accountable for organisation-wide WHS and Return To Work performance, systems, functions and compliance outcomes, ensuring alignment with legislative requirements and corporate objectives. Develop and implement WHS strategy, frameworks and systems to support organisational performance and continuous improvement. Establish and monitor WHS performance outcomes, including KPIs and reporting frameworks. Ensure organisational compliance with the Work Health and Safety Act 2012 (SA), Return to Work Act 2014 (SA), and associated standards. Act as Council’s primary liaison with WHS regulators, insurers and external oversight bodies. Influence and negotiate outcomes with internal stakeholders, regulators, insurers and external providers. Accountable for the effective performance and supervision of Council’s WHS and Risk Officer. Provide functional leadership across all departments to ensure consistent application of WHS systems and standards Provide expert advice to Executive and Council on complex WHS, risk and compliance matters. Oversee auditing, benchmarking and evaluation of WHS systems and performance. Apply high-level judgement to resolve complex WHS risks and organisational issues. Exercise delegated authority to make decisions impacting WHS systems, practices and outcomes. Plan and oversee WHS programs, including injury management, training and workplace emergency management. Lead the development and review of WHS policies, procedures and frameworks. Ensure WHS systems are effectively integrated across all operational areas. Provide specialist WHS consultancy and support across the organisation. Build organisational capability through coaching, guidance and professional advice. Support leaders to fulfil their WHS responsibilities and accountabilities. Engage with key stakeholders, including Executive, committees, LGAWCS and regulators. Support the effective operation of the WHS Committee. Deliver WHS shared services to partner councils. Provide technical leadership and oversight of WHS functions and roles. Monitor organisational performance and drive continuous improvement in systems, processes and culture. Apply contemporary best practice and methodologies to WHS service delivery. Essential Qualifications, Experience, Knowledge & Skills Tertiary qualifications in WHS, behavioural science or related discipline. Extensive experience in WHS leadership, including responsibility for organisational systems and outcomes. Demonstrated Experience in managing transition to individual responsibility for WHS. Demonstrated ability to operate autonomously and exercise high-level judgement in complex environments. Proven ability to influence, negotiate and provide expert advice at Executive level and with wide variety of stakeholders. Advanced knowledge of Work Health & Safety Act 2012 (SA) and Return to Work Act 2014 (SA) Unimpeded Class C Drivers Licence Highly regarded but not essential Qualifications, Experience, Knowledge & Skills Demonstrated experience in enterprise risk management Knowledge of Performance Standards for self-insured Employers Experience in implementing systems for Risk Management, contractor management, emergency management and change management. Using the position description as a guide, your application should be addressed to Tamara Charman, Manager Governance, Risk & Communications and include, a brief cover letter addressing the key criteria of the position and your most recent resume including details of at least three employment referees . If you would like to learn more, please reach out to our People and Culture team at [email protected] or by telephone 08 8621 2377. Applications will be assessed throughout the recruitment process and the opportunity to apply closes 5:00pm Saturday 4th of July 2026. The City of Port Lincoln is an Employer of Choice, Equal Opportunity Employer and a Smoke Free Workplace