Working with us

Location: Cessnock offers stunning landscapes, from charming countrysides, to lush vineyards, all surrounded by state forests and national parks.

Cessnock is located within the oldest wine region in Australia, which offers fine wines, gourmet food experiences and plays host to several music festivals throughout the year.

The sandy beaches of Newcastle are just 50 minutes away, and daily flights operate from Newcastle Airport. 

Working week: Full-time employees work a standard 35 or 38 hour week.

Annual leave: Four weeks of paid annual leave/year, with pro-rata available for part-time employees.

Long service leave: This is payable after five years of service in NSW Local Government.

Rostered days off: Rostered days off (19 day month) are available for all full time employees. 

Flexible working arrangements: Council has a range of generous flexible work arrangements available for staff such as part-time work arrangements, job-share arrangements, variations to ordinary hours and phased retirement scheme.

Paid maternity leave: We offer nine weeks at full pay or 18 weeks at half pay for employees with 12 or more months service.

Dad and Partner Pay: Dad and Partner Pay is available to eligible working dads and partners, which provides up to two weeks of government-funded pay at the rate of the National Minimum Wage. In conjunction with this, an eligible employee may also utilise Concurrent Parental Leave to extend their leave up to an additional 10 days paid leave by Council, deducted from their accrued sick leave balance.

Health & wellbeing: Council is committed to ensuring the continued health and wellbeing of all its employees by promoting and supporting a number of initiatives for its employees and their families. Council's Wellbeing Contact Officers are trained in Mental Health First Aid, Domestic and Family Violence and Bullying and Harassment matters, and are always available to provide support and assistance.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP): We have partnered with AusPsych to provide employees with the EAP service, giving employees and their families access to a short-term independent counselling program with a trained Psychologist.

Fundraising/charity initiatives: We have a number of fundraising and charity initiatives every year including Australia Biggest Morning Tea and Out of Uniform days supporting numerous charities.

Work, health and safety: We maintain a strong focus on the health and safety of all our employees. We celebrate safety champions in all areas of Council and encourage healthy work environments with a range of initiatives throughout the year.

Fitness Passport: Discounted gym and pool memberships in multiple locations for eligible employees.

Career growth: We develop a multi-skilled and flexible workplace whereby employees are provided professional development, career progression and training opportunities related to their role as well as future aspirations. 

Council undertakes annual performance appraisals which assist in identifying development opportunities and career paths for our employees. Council also offers a generous Study Assistance program for our employees to undertake further education. 

Rewards & recognition: We take the time to celebrate staff on their individual and team achievements. Rewarding loyal and dedicated staff members on an annual basis.