Work Health and Safety Officer

• Be at the forefront of shaping a proactive and innovative safety culture
• Implement practices that go beyond traditional compliance
• Support major projects, scientific breakthroughs, and technological innovation.
• Full time fixed term position for 6 months

At the University of Newcastle, we are committed to fostering a safe and healthy environment for our staff and students. Join us in this critical role where you’ll help shape the future of health and safety across our innovative laboratories, workshops, and technical spaces.

The Role

As a Work Health and Safety Officer, you will work closely with Lab Managers and stakeholders to deliver expert WHS advice and services across the College of Engineering, Science and Environment (CESE). Your role will focus on supporting the safe and compliant operation of technical services, ensuring the highest standards of safety and wellbeing.

What you’ll bring

As an experienced WHS professional who thrives in dynamic technical environments, you’ll bring a strong understanding of laboratory and workshop safety, excellent attention to detail, and a passion for promoting health, safety, and wellbeing. Your ability to collaborate, advise, and drive compliance will help shape a safer, stronger CESE community.

This fixed term position is full time at a HEW 5 Higher Education Level until the end of December 2025 located at Callaghan Campus.

About our University

The University of Newcastle stands as a global leader distinguished by a commitment to equity and excellence. Our vision is to be a world-leading University for our regions and creating a better future for our regions and the globe. Underpinned by this vision and our values of excellence, equity, engagement and sustainability, the University of Newcastle’s Looking Ahead Strategic Plan 2020-2025 outlines the University’s commitment to delivering an exceptional student experience and serving our communities. 

For more information click here – Our Uni. 

About the Unit  

The College of Engineering, Science and Environment, teaches exciting degree programs that reflect industry best practice and research outcomes to ensure graduates are resourceful, innovative and well prepared for the careers ahead of them. We offer a diverse array of programs and research opportunities across the key areas of architecture, construction, engineering, information technology, cyber security, disaster risk and resilience, data science, science, maths, psychology, sport and exercise, environmental science, food and nutrition, and development studies.

What we offer

In addition to working for a university that is breaking boundaries, discovering new ways of thinking and cementing a place as a global leader, we offer a range of benefits to our employees to ensure you balance your commitments, stay healthy and work effectively. 

These include: 

• The remuneration for this position is from $80,972-$ 93,929 p.a. + superannuation and is commensurate with skills and experience
• Flexible working arrangements (in line with the University’s Flexible Work Policy
• 17% super and salary packaging
• Additional University Holiday days, generous personal leave and parental leave, annual leave loading and additional purchased leave scheme
• Discounts in private health insurance, gym memberships, software, travel and more
• Wellbeing programs

Your next steps 

Please visit here for a guide on how to apply for a role. 

If viewing this on a job board other than the University's please click ‘Apply’ to reach the University's website, where a copy of the Position Description can be accessed. Please download a copy before commencing your application. 

Your application must include: 

• Your resume
• A cover letter outlining your motivation to apply for this opportunity
•  A statement addressing the Essential Criteria listed below demonstrating your qualifications and experience with examples.

1. Completion of a degree without subsequent relevant work experience; or completion of an associate diploma and at least 2 years subsequent relevant work experience; or an equivalent combination of relevant qualifications and work experience.
2. Demonstrated knowledge of NSW Work Health and Safety Legislation.
3. Knowledge of best practice systems for effectively managing health and safety and the ability to promote a strong health and safety culture including demonstrated ability to guide and influence staff and students to engage with improving WHS.
4. Demonstrated computer literacy with the ability to produce reporting, investigative documents, audit reports and proposals.
5. Highly developed interpersonal skills including the ability to participate in a team environment demonstrating clear communication and mutual respect.
6. Knowledge of, and experience in adhering to workplace policies and procedures in the areas of work health safety, equity, diversity and promoting a respectful workplace culture.

To ensure that your application receives full consideration, it's important to structure and address the selection criteria outlined in the application process. This helps us better understand your experience and suitability for the role. We appreciate your attention to this matter and look forward to reviewing your application.

Please upload your Cover Letter and response to the requested Criteria as one PDF document.

Your Cover Letter and Response to the Essential Criteria should not exceed 4 pages (approximately 2,000 words).

For specific position enquiries, please contact Chris Neenan, Senior Manager, Technical Services on (02) 4921 7285 or via email Chris.Neenan@newcastle.edu.au

Having Difficulties? Please reach out to us: employment@newcastle.edu.au

Closing date: Sunday 25th May, 2025 11:59pm AEST

We are excited to be Looking Ahead with you