Principal Work Health & Safety

Group and Team: People and Culture Group and Workplace Health and Safety 
Location: Town Hall
Employment status: Permanent Full-time 
Classification: Municipal Officer Level 5
Agreement: Hobart City Council Enterprise Agreement 2024
Salary range: $134,947 to $146,190 per annum (Inclusive of 13% Loading) + 13.5 % superannuation + Private use of a vehicle 

About the role

This role contributes to the success of the City of Hobart by leading the development and implementation of safe systems of work and promoting a proactive safety culture. It supports all areas of the Council by providing strategic guidance on health and safety matters, ensuring compliance with legislative requirements, and fostering a safe and healthy working environment for employees and stakeholders. 

Role accountabilities include:

• Lead the strategic planning and delivery of integrated Work Health and Safety (WHS) programs and foster a proactive safety culture across the organisation.
• Develop and implement WHS policies, procedures, and governance frameworks aligned with ISO standards and legislative requirements.
• Provide expert advice on WHS, injury management, and workers compensation, ensuring compliance and continuous improvement.
• Collaborate with People and Culture to manage WHS risks, develop a safety roadmap, and embed WHS goals into performance processes.
• Drive systemic change through WHS training, audits, and psychosocial risk management initiatives.
• Oversee incident reporting and investigations, regulatory compliance, and data analysis to inform WHS performance and improvements.
• Lead injury management and return-to-work programs, supporting leaders and employees throughout the process.

Learn more about the role in the position description: Principal Work Health and Safety

About you

We are looking for a strategic and people-focused Work Health and Safety Leader with deep expertise in safety systems, legislation, and risk management.

You will champion a culture of safety and wellbeing across the City of Hobart, using your leadership, communication, and analytical skills to deliver impactful WHS programs and initiatives. If you have great attention to detail and thrive in a high volume work environment, then this may be the role for you. 

• You hold a Bachelor of Science in Health, Safety, and Environment, or a Degree in Occupational Health and Safety with senior-level relevant experience, or significant senior-level experience in leading a Work Health and Safety function across a diverse workforce.
• Current Driver Licence.
• Current Registration to Work with Vulnerable People. 

About us

The City of Hobart offers something for everyone, with connections between nature, history, culture, businesses and each other. We are proud to provide a range of services and facilities that support the wellbeing, safety and participation of the community as well as continuously look to improve and embrace new approaches to achieve better outcomes for all. With an industrious and diversified economy, wherever your skills, talents and passions lie, we can offer you the opportunity to have a rewarding career with ongoing learning and development opportunities.

We recognise contributions to our workforce and offer:

• Above Award wages and Employer Superannuation at 13.5% with salary sacrifice options.
• Flexible work arrangements.
• A wide range of paid leave entitlements.
• Health and Wellness programs, including onsite gyms.
• Discounted membership at Doone Kennedy Hobart Aquatic Centre.
• Ability to purchase additional leave after 12 months of service.
• An Employee Assistance Program that offers onsite visits.
• Corporate Health Plan discounts with BUPA, St. Lukes and Medibank.

Learn more about what the City of Hobart can offer you.

The City of Hobart is committed to building an inclusive community and workplace. As an equal opportunity employer, we encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, abilities, ages and identities.

City of Hobart has a strong commitment to health and safety. Appointment will be subject to satisfactory pre-employment background checks. These will include reference checks, verification of qualifications, National Criminal History record check, and Medical Assessment including drug and alcohol testing.

Learn more about our vision, mission and values.

How to apply

If you're passionate about Work Health and Safety and ready to take on a role that challenges and rewards, we’d love to hear from you. Apply today!

If you require any further information specific to this role please contact Kevin Midson, Manager Workplace Relations, on 03 6238 2917 or email kevin.midson@hobartcity.com.au 

All applications must be made in the online portal, and you can save your application as you progress through the stages until you submit your final application. If you have any issues with submitting your application, please email details of the issue to recruitment@hobartcity.com.au. Please note that we do not accept applications via email or after the position has closed so if you have issues submitting your application, please contact us prior to the closing time.

Applications close 11:59 pm Sunday, 13 July 2025. 

Before you begin

You will need to read the position description prior to commencing your application as you will be required to address the key duties, skills and knowledge for this role in 600 words or less.

Please ensure you have copies of your current resume and relevant qualification/s ready to attach at the end of your application.

To protect privacy and prevent fraud, do not upload or email personal documents such as Driver’s licences, passports, or personal tax and superannuation details. Instead:

• Applicants are required to declare they hold the required documentation/licence, and
• Originals will be sighted by People and Culture on the first day of work as a condition of employment.

Selection process

Candidates are initially selected for interview based on the details provided in their application.

The City of Hobart assesses all applications based on merit.

Positions are filled, based on how well the successful candidate meets the requirements of the position.

Learn more about the selection process on our website.