Recruitment information

At Central Highlands Regional Council we have a diverse range of employees and a large breadth of opportunities to help deliver our vision for the Central Highlands.

Our people are genuinely passionate about serving the community. When you join us you are not just part of an organisation, you are part of a future that thousands of people depend on every day.

Employees benefit from a values-based culture within a supportive, inclusive, collaborative and progressive work environment.

Employee benefits

Training and development is available regardless of your role as we have a genuine commitment to developing our people.

We provide a comprehensive package of employee benefits:

  • Comprehensive induction program
  • Flexible working arrangements
  • ‘Growth’ program – reach your full potential
  • Comprehensive learning and development program
  • Education assistance
  • Career development via secondment opportunities
  • Employee assistance program (also extended to immediate family members)
  • Rostered days off
  • Reward and recognition program
  • Paid parental leave and paternity/partner leave options
  • Corporate uniforms and personal protective equipment supplied
  • Generous 14.25% employer contribution to superannuation
  • Five weeks annual leave with 17.5% loading
  • Salary sacrificing options
  • Wide variety of roles and work tasks
  • Locality allowance

Our recruitment process

This page will help you understand our recruitment process, and the stages that are involved to select our valued employees. We hope that this will let you know what to expect from us and what we’ll expect from you.

When applying for a position with Central Highlands Regional Council you can gain a lot of information about the opportunity by looking at the advertisement and viewing the Position Description provided. This will give you an outline of the responsibilities of the position and the experience needed to be successful in the role.

It is highly recommended that you also take the time to understand the great work achieved by Central Highlands Regional Council. Viewing our strategic documents, management structure, and mission, vision and values will help you gain a better understanding of the organisation and position.

For further information, please email recruitment@chrc.qld.gov.au or phone the recruitment team on 1300 242 686.

  • Will I receive confirmation that my application has been received?

    Yes, you will receive an email notification confirming the receipt of your application.

  • How long does the recruitment process usually take?

    This can vary for each position. The process from beginning (position being advertised) to end (all applicants being advised of the outcome) will generally be from 4 to 6 weeks.

  • How do you choose suitable applicants?

    Selection for positions is based on merit.

    Our position descriptions outline all necessary requirements of the position. Mandatory requirements must be clearly met to progress through the initial screening stage of the recruitment process. ‘Key selection criteria’ may also be included within the position description. A written response to each criterion must be provided as part of your application. These criteria outline the critical aspects of the role that a potential candidate will need to demonstrate to be successful in a particular position.

    A selection panel is required to assess each application on merit in terms of how well it meets the key selection criteria as well as council’s core competencies. Ensure you highlight how your qualifications, skills, knowledge, abilities and experience meet each of the specific criteria.

    Your application should include the following:

    • Cover letter
    • Resume
    • Responses to the key selection criteria (if required)

    *Please note: mandatory and desirable requirements should be clearly addressed within you cover letter and/or resume. Templates for a cover letter, resume and selection criteria responses have been provided for your convenience. 

    We are proud of our vision, mission and values and expect all employees to uphold our values. Please refer to our vision, mission and values and the competency handbook for further guidance.

  • What is involved in the pre-employment checks?

    The initial pre-employment check undertaken is reference checks with your nominated referees.

    The second stage is confirming your right to work in Australia and the relevant medical assessment for the position.

    There may be other pre-employment checks to be undertaken (these are identified in the position description) and may include a criminal history check, qualification/membership check and working with children (Blue Card) check.

  • What happens if I’m the successful applicant?

    If you are the preferred candidate for the position, you will be notified by phone as soon as possible after the decision is made.

    Our recruitment team will then commence the pre-employment check process with you.

    Once you have successfully completed all pre-employment checks, we will confirm a commencement date with you and a formal employment letter of offer detailing the terms and conditions of your employment will be mailed to you.

  • Is there a probation period?

    Yes, all employees are subject to a minimum three month probation period, in line with our Certified Agreement.

  • I am currently employed by a council. Will Central Highlands Regional Council recognise my current council service?

    Central Highlands Regional Council recognises periods of Council service, with respect to long service leave and sick leave, in accordance with the Queensland Local Government Act 2009.

  • What are the conditions of employment?

    Conditions of employment for employees of Central Highlands Regional Council are governed by the provisions of the Queensland Local Government Act 2009, the Queensland Local Government Industry Award and relevant stream (A,B or C), our policies and procedures and the Central Highlands Regional Council Certified Agreement 2021 – 2023.

  • How do I prepare for an interview?

    It is advised that you take a few moments to peruse our website to gain an understanding of council services as well as our vision, mission and values to assist your preparedness for interview.

    The position description is a great tool to guide you in preparing for questions that may be asked at interview. Take the time to read through the responsibilities, position requirements and core competencies of the position and think of some examples where you have previously demonstrated or had experiences in these areas. This will help you have a few examples at the forefront of your mind that you can elaborate on at interview.

    There is no need to hire or buy special clothes for the interview. Dress as you would usually do for work, that is, neatly and appropriately.

    It is recommended to arrive at your interview at least 10 minutes prior to your scheduled interview time. Please also allow enough time to find a car park, as parking around our offices is often busy.

    Please remember the purpose of an interview is for the panel to find out more about you and your fit for a particular role, there are no trick questions so try to relax so you are able to put your best foot forward.

    Good luck!