Trainee People and Culture / Payroll

About the opportunity

Ready to kick-start your career and explore the exciting world of People and Culture and Payroll? Here’s your chance to get started!

Join our friendly and professional team as Trainee People and Culture / Payroll. The perfect opportunity to gain real-world experience, learn valuable business skills, and take the first step toward a rewarding career in people and culture, payroll, and business administration.

Ideal for recent school leavers or early career professionals, this traineeship offers the chance to learn on the job while building a strong foundation for your future. You’ll be part of a diverse and supportive workplace, contributing to the smooth operation of our People and Culture and Payroll functions. From supporting employee lifecycle processes and maintaining accurate records to assisting with data entry, staff enquiries, and team initiatives, you’ll gain practical, hands-on experience across two essential business areas while studying to complete a Certificate IV in Human Resource Management.

If you’re organised, curious, and ready to learn, this traineeship offers a fantastic opportunity to develop your skills, gain valuable experience, and make a real contribution to a team that values growth, collaboration, and community.

About you

We are searching for a highly motivated, enthusiastic candidate who is looking to develop a career in People and Culture and Payroll. No formal training or experience is necessary however you must have the following: 

• Minimum completion of Year 12 with a commitment to undertake and complete a Certificate IV in Human Resource Management;
• Demonstrated ability in the use of Microsoft Office, email and internet;
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a team, with a proactive and motived approach;
• Demonstrated sound written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to interact effectively to internal and external stakeholders; and
• Demonstrated commitment to provide superior customer service.

To find out more about this exciting opportunity: Position Description

Remuneration

Hourly rate as per the Local Government (State) Award monetary rates plus superannuation

The Benefits

Council has a wide range of fabulous benefits available for staff including;

• 2-year temporary trainee position
• Full-time 35 hours per week
• Flexible work arrangement options including hybrid work arrangements, option of a monthly RDO
• Ongoing training and development opportunities 
• Generous corporate fitness program for you and your immediate family members 
• Weekly Health and Wellbeing programs held on site
• Free flu vaccination program
• Free parking on-site
• Supportive and engaging learning environment
• Picturesque Hunter Valley location!

What's next? 

Applications for the 2026 LAUNCH program are now open! 

Please ensure you complete the online application and submit detailed responses to the selection criteria, demonstrating your interest and commitment in the traineeship.

Your candidate suitability is determined by your responses to the selection criteria questions. For more information on how to address the selection criteria please visit our How to apply page. 

Pre-Employment Screening:

Please note, prior to an offer of employment being made, recommended candidates will be required to undertake a medical assessment (including drug and alcohol testing) and other pre-employment checks, such as references, employment history checks, working with children checks or a criminal record check.

About Us:

At Cessnock City Council our success is built by our people and core values. We offer you a direct connection to the community, providing opportunities to both inspire growth and sustainability in our diverse region. We're committed to building a passionate and inclusive workforce. 

We are committed to the value of respect, and we strive to have an inclusive workforce that is reflective of the diverse populations we serve. We welcome applications from qualified individuals of all ages and genders, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people from culturally diverse backgrounds, the LGBTQIA+ community, veterans and people with disabilities.

We partner with the Veterans Employment Program and the NSW Government to implement recruitment practices dedicated to supporting veterans to pursue a career in local government. Our aim is to support veterans finding suitable, sustainable and meaningful employment.

There are options available to request adjustments. If you need any adjustments to be made to the recruitment process or if you would like to discuss any accessibility requirements, please contact recruitment@cessnock.nsw.gov.au for a confidential discussion.

Applications Close: Thursday 4 December 2025 at 11.30pm

Who to Contact: Craig Kenny, People and Culture Coordinator on 0417 188 399.

You must have the right to live and work in Australia to apply for this position. 

 
Guided by staff values of integrity, respect, teamwork, accountability and excellence, Cessnock City Council is indeed an attractive, thriving Council and employer of choice.