At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist with recruitment, governance, and community engagement while gaining hands-on experience.
- Company: Join Bega Valley Shire Council, a vibrant and award-winning local government.
- Benefits: Enjoy paid study leave, flexible work arrangements, and salary packaging.
- Other info: Fixed-term role with excellent career growth opportunities and mentorship.
- Why this job: Combine your studies with practical experience in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Must have a Higher School Certificate and interest in business or local government.
The predicted salary is between 57401 - 57401 $ per year.
A career with Bega Valley Shire Council offers the opportunity to engage in meaningful and diverse work that supports the vibrant communities of the south-east corner of NSW. Nestled between rolling hills and some of the state’s most stunning beaches, this region is home to a variety of people who enjoy both rural and coastal living.
As an AR Bluett Award winning Council, we are proud of our dedicated and talented team, whose efforts make our success possible. With a workforce of over 350, we provide essential services to our communities, including libraries, customer service, finance, children’s services, engineering, project management, road maintenance, water management, environment, parks, gardens, and town centres.
We offer a range of employment benefits to support our staff, which may include:
- Rostered days off
- Flexible work arrangements
- Salary packaging
- Paid study leave (one paid study day per week during each university semester or trimester)
- Council-funded course fees and approved study-related expenses
The Opportunity
We have an exciting opportunity for a motivated individual to join Council's Emerging Talent Program and undertake an undergraduate qualification in Business (or a related discipline) while gaining practical experience and mentorship across Council's Organisational Services and Executive Services Directorates. As a Business Cadet, you will combine academic studies with hands-on workplace experience across a range of areas including People & Culture, Workforce Support, Work Health & Safety, Governance, Engagement and Corporate Strategy, and Digital Services.
You will gain exposure to corporate operations, people management, governance, risk management, organisational planning and community engagement while developing practical skills in a local government environment. The role may also involve travel and participation in residential study blocks associated with your academic program.
As a participant in Council's Emerging Talent Program, you will have the opportunity to develop your skills through structured learning, on-the-job experience, mentoring and exposure to a broad range of professional disciplines, building a strong foundation for a successful career in local government and beyond. Council will support your studies by providing one paid study day per week during each university semester or trimester, together with funding for approved course fees and study-related expenses.
Key responsibilities include:
- Assisting with recruitment, onboarding, learning and development, performance management, wellbeing programs and injury management.
- Support Enterprise Risk and WHS systems, risk registers, inspections and safety initiatives.
- Assisting with governance and GIPA activities, information requests and reporting requirements.
- Support community engagement initiatives, stakeholder consultation activities and corporate planning processes.
- Support Digital Services governance, assurance and compliance activities, including governance forums, contract and risk registers, invoice processing, reporting and audit support.
- Apply your university learning in a practical environment while developing the technical, analytical and professional skills required for a successful career in business and local government.
This role offers valuable exposure to a broad range of corporate services while developing practical skills and experience to support a future career in business.
About You
We are seeking an individual who holds a Higher School Certificate (or equivalent) and is eligible to enrol in a bachelor-level qualification relevant to the role. You will have the following skills and experience:
- Demonstrated interest in business, human resource management, governance, organisational development or local government.
- Good written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to liaise effectively with internal and external stakeholders while maintaining confidentiality.
- Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively as part of a team, manage competing priorities, take initiative, and contribute positively to a team environment.
- Willingness to learn and apply knowledge gained through academic studies in a practical workplace environment.
Benefits
This is a fixed term full-time position working 35 hours per week for a period of six (6) years. The total remuneration package for this position commences at $57,401.34 gross per annum, comprising of:
- $985.60 per week base salary
- $118.27 per week superannuation (calculated at 12%)
Additional benefits for this position include:
- Rostered day off scheme (nine day fortnight)
- Paid study leave, providing one paid study day per week during each university semester or trimester
- Council-funded course fees and approved study-related expenses
- Annual salary increases and performance reviews
- Salary packaging program (SmartSalary)
- Wellbeing Initiatives – Fitness Passport, Employee Assistance Program, Telus Health App, social club, health monitoring and annual flu vaccinations.
For further information on this position, please contact Rickee Marshall, Manager | Corporate Services on 02 6499 2***. Applications close 11.59pm AEDT on 22 November 2026. Applicants must have the right to work in Australia and address the advertised selection criteria demonstrating their suitability for the role.
Business Cadet in Bega employer: Careers at Council
At Port Macquarie-Hastings Council, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that values community impact and employee development. Our supportive work culture fosters collaboration and innovation, offering opportunities for career growth through continuous learning and professional development. With a focus on work-life balance, including a 35-hour work week and flexible hours, plus benefits like discounted gym memberships and recognition programs, we ensure our employees thrive both personally and professionally in a vibrant coastal location.