Coordinator Health Protection

Permanent Full-Time | Band 8 Healthy Communities | Infrastructure and Environment

Are you a passionate and experienced Environmental Health professional who wants to make a meaningful impact on community wellbeing?

Colac Otway Shire Council is seeking a skilled and proactive Coordinator Health Protection to lead our Health Protection Unit and help safeguard the health, safety and wellbeing of our community. This leadership role combines environmental health expertise, strategic thinking and people management to deliver important public health programs and regulatory services across the Shire.

Working closely with the Manager Healthy Communities, you will coordinate environmental and public health operations, lead a dedicated team, and ensure compliance with key legislation while fostering positive outcomes for residents, businesses and visitors.

About the Role

As Coordinator Health Protection, you will:

• Lead and coordinate the delivery of environmental and public health services across the municipality.
• Oversee compliance and regulatory activities under relevant legislation including the Public Health and Wellbeing Act, Food Act, Tobacco Act and Environment Protection Act.
• Manage Council's immunisation, communicable disease and health protection programs.
• Coordinate environmental sampling, monitoring and onsite wastewater management initiatives.
• Provide specialist advice to Council, the community and key stakeholders on environmental and public health matters.
• Lead, mentor and develop Health Protection Unit staff.
• Contribute to strategic planning, policy development, business planning and continuous improvement initiatives.

About You

To be successful in this role, you will bring:

• A tertiary qualification in Applied Science (Environmental Health) or equivalent.
• Significant experience as an Environmental Health Officer, including leadership or supervisory experience.
• Strong knowledge of environmental health, public health and wellbeing legislation and regulatory practices.
• Experience developing and delivering public health programs, policies and community education initiatives.
• Excellent communication, stakeholder engagement and report writing skills.
• The ability to exercise sound judgement, manage competing priorities and deliver high-quality outcomes.
• Eligibility for membership with Environmental Health Professionals Australia (EHPA).
• A current Victorian Driver Licence and Working with Children Check.

Why Join Colac Otway Shire?

At Colac Otway Shire Council, we are committed to creating a healthy, vibrant and sustainable community. We value people who are supportive, inclusive, respectful, accountable and proactive.

In return, you'll enjoy:

• The opportunity to positively influence community health and wellbeing.
• A supportive and collaborative workplace culture.
• Professional development and leadership opportunities.
• Meaningful work that contributes to the future of our region.
• The chance to live and work in one of Victoria's most beautiful regions, with the Otway Ranges and Great Ocean Road on your doorstep.

Ready to Apply?

If you're an experienced Environmental Health professional looking for a rewarding leadership opportunity where you can make a genuine difference, we'd love to hear from you.

Join Colac Otway Shire Council and help protect and enhance the health and wellbeing of our community.

For further information regarding the duties and requirements of the role, please refer to the position description.

Salary information: $114,715.66 to $128,044.21 per annum plus superannuation

For further information and how to apply:

1. 1. Download and review the Position Description including the Key Selection Criteria.
   2. Information to be included with your application:
      • Letter of application 
      • Current resume
      • Key Selection Criteria Responses
   3. Submit your application

Applications close on Tuesday 11 August 2026 at 11.59pm. 

Please note: we reserve the right to conduct interviews with suitable candidates prior to the closing date.

Colac Otway Shire Council is a child safe organisation and is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.