HUMAN RESOURCE OFFICER

Best suited for: Australian citizens, Permanent Residents, New Zealand citizens, and Subclass 485 / 491 / 191 visa holders who seeking an exceptional regional sector job experience in Katherine, Northern Territory. This location is designated under NT DAMA program.

About this opportunity

An exceptional operational opportunity is available for a motivated Human Resource Officer to join the close-knit People and Culture team at Katherine Town Council. Working on a permanent basis, this diverse Level 5 role reports directly to the Manager People and Culture within the Office of the CEO. The position acts as a central pillar for corporate support, balancing the execution of end-to-end fortnightly payroll with full employee lifecycle activities—including recruitment coordinating, staff induction, training administration, and workplace health and safety compliance. If you are an organized professional who thrives on data precision, maintains absolute confidentiality, and wishes to influence a positive workplace culture while serving a vibrant regional community, this role offers an ideal career platform.

Job Summary

• Employer Name: Katherine Town Council
• Employment Type: Permanent / Full-Time
• Required Education & Experience: Desirable qualification of Certificate IV or higher qualification in Human Resources, Business Administration, Payroll, Finance or a related discipline with minimum of 1–2 years of practical experiences.
• Work Arrangement: On-site
• Employment Location: Katherine, Northern Territory (NT), Australia
• Salary: Competitive salary and generous leave entitlements will be offered for this position
• Application Deadline: 30th September 2026

Key Responsibilities

• Execute accurate end-to-end fortnightly and ad-hoc payroll workflows, including adjustments, tax increments, salary packaging deductions, and master file updates.
• Interpret and apply employment frameworks, including Enterprise Agreements, relevant industrial awards, contracts, and workplace legislation to ensure absolute regulatory compliance.
• Coordinate corporate recruitment actions by refining position descriptions, placing vacancy advertisements, organizing selection panels, and managing new hire onboarding loops.
• Administer Council’s central training and professional development registry, maintaining the training calendar and conducting regular skills gap analysis activities.
• Maintain all physical and digital HR documentation, ensuring employee master logs are systematically audited and stored with maximum data confidentiality.
• Deliver front-facing customer service and clear guidance to staff and managers regarding internal HR policies, system usages, and payroll inquiries.
• Support Workplace Health and Safety (WHS) administration by helping record site hazards, processing incident documentation, and participating in risk management programs.
• Provide operational backing during local municipal emergencies by assisting with the implementation of the Council’s Emergency Sub Plan.

Skills & Requirements

• Technical Knowledge: Demonstrated thorough knowledge of payroll infrastructure, leave provisioning, and employment contract structures.
• Analytical Skills: Highly developed data analysis and auditing capabilities to prepare compliance logs, review report metrics, and track trends or anomalies.
• Problem Solving: Competency to solve operational puzzles by assessing options, exercising sound judgment, and delivering advice within standard policy parameters.
• Interpersonal Strengths: Persuasive and approachable communication style to handle sensitive discussions, explain statutory policies, and coordinate outcomes across teams.
• Time Management: Strong organizational capacity to manage competing administrative priorities, adapt to changing timelines, and meet strict fortnightly deadlines.
• Mandatory Licensing: Must possess and maintain a current, valid Northern Territory (NT) Driver’s Licence.
• Desirable Backgrounds: A Certificate IV or higher qualification in Human Resources, Business, Payroll, or Finance; experience operating Xero software; or previous experience within a Local Government framework will be highly regarded.

Benefits

• Competitive base salary matching Level 5 local government benchmarks, supported by generous annual leave frameworks.
• Access to rewarding, flexible Salary Packaging layout models to maximize your take-home pay.
• Ongoing professional upskilling, funded training courses, and dedicated employee development pathways.
• A highly supportive, collaborative, and communicative workplace team culture under the direction of the Office of the CEO.
• Holistic workplace benefits, including access to Council's customized Corporate Health and Well-being initiatives.
• Excellent regional work-life balance within Katherine, one of the Northern Territory's most iconic and culturally vibrant inland hubs.

Important Applicant Information

• Application Method: Click "Apply" on the recruitment portal and upload an up-to-date resume listing at least two current work-related referees, along with a focused cover letter (maximum two pages) highlighting your previous workplace successes and suitability against the essential criteria.
• Work Authorisation: Please note that a valid, current Australian work authorization is a strict, non-negotiable prerequisite to be considered for evaluation.
• Role Queries: For job-specific questions, data clarifications, or position structure inquiries, you are invited to contact the Manager of People and Culture directly at (08) 8080 3402.

Eligible applicants include:

• Australian citizens
• Permanent Residents (PR)
• New Zealand citizens
• Subclass 485 / 491 / 191 visa holders

About The Employer

Katherine Town Council serves an expanding and beautifully diverse regional hub in the Northern Territory. Guided by the organizational mission, "Together, we will work effectively today to shape our exceptional future tomorrows," Council operates around three core values: Acceptance of diversity, maintaining a strong sense of community, and showing deep respect for people, environment, and culture. The administration fosters a customer-focused, safe environment that celebrates unique backgrounds. Applications are highly welcomed and encouraged from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, individuals from culturally diverse roots, and professionals living with a disability.

Applicant Safety & Screening Reminder

• Mandatory Clearances: Final confirmation of employment is strictly subject to passing a comprehensive Pre-employment Medical examination, a formal National Police and Background Check, and thorough Reference Checks.
• Security Warning: Valid local government hiring pathways will never prompt candidates for uniform payment bonds, processing setup cash advances, or technical onboarding deposits. Do not include your Tax File Number (TFN) or private banking details in your initial screening files.

Original Source: Katherine Town Council Careers Portal — Position: Human Resource Officer