The Rural City of Murray Bridge is proud to support the development of future talent through meaningful work experience and placement opportunities. Our program is designed to provide students and individuals with valuable insight into local government operations while fostering skills and knowledge in a real-world environment.
Why Choose Work Experience With Us?
- Diverse Opportunities: Gain hands-on experience across various departments, including community development, engineering, administration, aged care and more.
- Guided Learning: Work alongside experienced professionals passionate about mentoring and supporting your growth.
- Real-World Impact: Contribute to projects and initiatives that make a difference in our community.
Who Can Apply?
Our work experience program is open to the following:
- Secondary school students
- University and TAFE students
- Career changers or individuals seeking exposure to local government
How It Works
- Application: Submit an application form, including your areas of interest and preferred dates.
- Placement Confirmation: Our team will work to match you with a suitable department based on your interests and availability.
- Induction & Insurance: Once approved, you’ll complete an induction to ensure you’re prepared for your placement. If you’re a student, your school or university will need to provide evidence of insurance coverage.
- Placement: Participate in a structured, engaging placement with clear objectives tailored to your learning goals.
Ready to Get Started?
To apply, download our Work Experience Application Form or contact us at council@murraybridge.sa.gov.au to learn more.
Once you have completed your work experience or placement we would love to hear your feedback!
Learn more about our Departments below
Types of Roles:
- Communications and Marketing Manager/Officer/Advisor
- Media Officer
- Community Engagement Officer
- Social Media Officer/ Team Leader
- Digital Content Producer
What we do:
Ongoing Council initiatives include:
- Developing better websites with increased functionality
- Using social media effectively including council apps
- Strengthening media relations
- Creating new digitally-focused jobs in councils
Qualification requirements:
- Tertiary qualifications in Communications, Media or Marketing are generally required for communications roles.
- Relevant vocational education and training (VET) qualifications for entry-level positions are:
- Certificate III in Information Technology
- Certificate IV in Marketing and Communication
- Diploma of Marketing and Communication
- Diploma of Social Media Marketing
ICT is embedded in every part of day-to-day operations.
It is integral to the collection, storage, analysis and communication of information within Council and externally.
Demand for ICT skills has escalated as we upgrade our ICT systems to introduce new digital ways of doing business
Types of roles:
- Service Manager ICT
- ICT Officer/Technician
- Cyber Security Specialist
- Service Support Officer/Analyst
- Data Analyst
- Desktop and Customer Support Officer
- Information Systems Officer
- Specialists e.g. SAP
What we do:
- Help desk support for employees
- Website administration
- Maintenance and upgrades of software and hardware
- Cyber security
- Data storage management
Qualifications:
Senior roles are likely to require university qualifications in Information Technology or Digital Business. Vocational education and training (VET) qualifications appropriate for jobs in this field include:
Certificates II, III, IV, Diploma and Advanced Diploma of Information Technology.
A Human Resources career in Local Government provides challenge, variety and the opportunity to grow skills for the future.
Supporting and developing staff in councils of varying sizes, your work is essential to ensuring our people remain at the heart of everything we do.
Types of Roles:
- Executive Manager Manager Human Resources
- Group Manager People and Culture
- Organisational Development Manager
- Human Resources Officer/ Advisor/ Business Partner
- Learning & Development Officer/ Coordinator/ Manager
- Recruitment Officer/Manager
- People and Culture Officer
- Workplace Health and Safety Advisor
What we do:
- Recruitment and onboarding
- Industrial/employee relations
- Work health and safety (WHS)
- Learning and development
- Organisational development
- Workforce planning
- Remuneration and payroll
Qualification requirements:
Tertiary qualifications in Human Resources, Industrial Relations or Organisational Development are usually required for HR roles.
Vocational education and training (VET) qualifications relevant for entry-level positions and training and development roles include:
- Certificate IV in Human Resource Management
- Diploma of Human Resource Management
- Advanced Diploma of Human Resource Management
- Certificate IV in Training and Assessment
Tourism and community events generate significant income and employment within our local area.
Play a role in promoting the area to visitors and providing local events for residents.
Help manage events including markets and festivals, and encourage visitors to enjoy your community and region.
Types of Roles:
- Events Coordinator/Manager
- Tourism and Visitor Information Centre Officer/Coordinator
- Functions and Catering Supervisor
What we do:
- Festivals, fairs and other special events
- Markets
- Visitor centres and online information about local attractions and accommodation
- Outdoor cinemas and concerts
- Fun runs
Qualifications:
Educational requirements will vary according to the field of work but tertiary qualifications desirable for senior roles in this field are in Tourism and Event Management, Business, Commerce, Communications and Marketing.
Vocational education and training (VET) qualifications relevant for entry-level positions include:
- Certificate II, III in Tourism
- Certificate IV in Travel and Tourism
- Diploma of Travel and Tourism Management
- Certificate III in Events
- Diploma of Event Management
Types of roles
- Chief Financial Officer
- Finance Manager
- Accountant/ Senior Accountant/ Financial Accountant
- Internal Auditor
- Business Analyst
- Finance Officer/ Senior Finance Officer
- Grants Officer
- Rates Officer
- Trainee Accountant/Graduate Accountant
What we do
- Financial planning
- Financial management
- Grants administration
- Rates administration
Qualification requirements:
- Tertiary qualifications in Business, Finance, Commerce or Accounting are usually required for finance roles.
- Vocational education and training (VET) qualifications relevant for entry-level positions include:
- Certificate III, IV in Business
- Certificate III, IV in Financial Services
- Certificate III in Accounts Administration
- Certificate IV in Accounting and Bookkeeping
- Certificate IV in Local Government
- Diploma of Accounting
We sometimes outsource services to contractors to maximize spending efficiencies and tap into skills that may not exist internally. These services can include building construction, maintenance, facility operations, or cleaning.
Local Government employee procurement specialists are responsible for ensuring we follow the strict legal guidelines and internal policies regarding the tendering of these services.
Employees typically possess strong project management, analytical, customer engagement and communication skills.
Types of Roles:
- Executive Coordinator Procurement Operations
- Procurement and Contracts Specialist
- Senior Procurement Officer
- Procurement Officer/Business Partner
- Contracts Officer/Administrator
- Tenders and Submissions Coordinator
What we do:
- Manage the tender processes – develop the scope, produce documentation, liaise with suppliers
- Evaluate and issue contracts
- Manage contracts with suppliers
Qualifications:
- Vocational education and training (VET) qualifications appropriate for jobs in this field include:
- Certificate IV in Procurement and Contracting
- Diploma of Procurement and Contracting
- Advanced Diploma of Procurement and Contracting
With Australia's population ageing, the role that councils play in supporting elderly people in their community is becoming increasingly important.
Types of roles:
- Coordinator Home Care - Community
- Client Services Officer – Home Care Operations
- Aged and Disability Services Officer/Coordinator
- Regional Development Officer - Ageing
- Community Development Officer/Coordinator
- Community Bus Driver
What we do:
- Seniors groups and centres
- Meal service delivery
- Home and personal care services
- Home maintenance and modifications
- Social support
- Respite care
- Residential care (e.g. retirement homes, nursing homes)
- Community transport
- Community events
- Sector support and development
Qualifications:
Educational requirements vary according to the role but tertiary qualifications appropriate for senior roles in this field include Social Work, Social Science and Arts (Social Policy/Sociology).
Vocational education and training (VET) qualifications relevant for entry-level and Officer level positions include:
- Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing)
- Certificate IV in Ageing Support
- Certificate III, IV, Diploma of Community Service
When it comes to the reputation and responsiveness of councils, customer service is critical.
While all employees in Local Government need to be customer-focused, specific roles are dedicated to this function.
Customer service staff may work in call centres, at service counters, or in our business units.
Types of roles:
- Customer Service Manager/Team Leader/Officer
- Library Customer Service Officer
- Corporate Services – Customer Service Officer
- Leisure Services Officer
- Cashier
Qualifications:
- Vocational education and training (VET) qualifications appropriate for jobs in this field include:
- Certificate II, III, IV in Business
- Certificate II, III, IV in Local Government
Cultural and recreational services contribute to the lifestyle and well-being of a community. You will play a key role in providing facilities, programs and activities for community members and visitors to the area.
Types of roles:
- Cultural Development Officer
- Museum and Gallery Assistant/Manager
- Arts and Programs Officer
- Leisure Services Officer
- Recreation Officer
- Library Officer/Coordinator/Librarian
- Community Arts Centre Coordinator
What we do:
- Libraries
- Museums, art galleries, public art spaces
- Recreational clubs
Qualifications
Educational requirements will vary according to the field of work but tertiary qualifications desirable for librarians include an arts, business or communications degree majoring in information services or media. Others in cultural services may require degrees in Fine Arts, Arts, or Business.
Vocational education and training (VET) qualifications relevant for entry-level positions include:
- Certificate II in Information and Cultural Services
- Certificate III, IV or Diploma of Library-Information Services
A Planning and Development career with Local Government offers the opportunity to be a part of delivering the cities, towns and regions of the future. The impact of your work will span generations.
Local Government employs planners with expertise in many areas including:
Strategy and Policy
- Developing plans for the redevelopment of residential, industrial or commercial areas
- Strategic land use planning
- Planning law
- Heritage and conservation
- Planning research and project management
- Assessing development applications
Environment
- Natural resources management
- Environmental planning and sustainability
- Water catchment management
- Coastal planning
Community
- Social planning and population projections
- Economic development
- Community consultation and mediation
- Health, sport and recreation
Design
- Transport planning
- Residential subdivision and new housing development
- Designing public spaces
- Urban design
Types of Roles:
- Manager of Planning and Development
- Strategic Planner/ Senior Strategic Planner
- Statutory Planner
- Urban Planner City Planner
- Town Planner/ Senior Town Planner
- Social Planner/ Social Infrastructure Planner
- Development Planner
- Maintenance Planner – Water and Waste
- GIS Operator Spatial Officers
- Graduate Planner
- Student Planner/ Cadet Planner/ Trainee Town Planner
- Planning Compliance Officer
- Planning Assistant
What we do:
- Manage the growth and change of urban and regional areas
- Plan for an adequate supply of appropriate and affordable housing
- Coordinate and plan for infrastructure
- Support protection of natural environments and sustainable outcomes
- Facilitate economic and cultural development
- Engage with the community and stakeholders to develop plans and strategies and provide advice on planning matters
Qualifications:
A university qualification is usually essential for these roles. Over 40 qualifications have been accredited by the Planning Institute of Australia. Typical examples are:
- Bachelor of Urban & Regional Planning
- Bachelor of Urban & Environmental Planning
- Master of Planning
- Many councils also employ staff to assist with planning enquiries from residents, architects and developers. The following qualifications are suitable for these and similar positions:
- Certificate IV in Local Government
- Diploma of Local Government
Youth services support the growth, development and education of Australian youth by offering access to a network of young people, youth advisors and a safe place outside of home and school.
Types of roles:
- Youth Engagement Officer
- Youth Development Officer
- Youth Services Facilitator
- Community Development Officer
- Activity Officer
What we do:
- Youth centres, youth art classes
- Sports programs, e.g. basketball, tennis, skating competitions
- Barbeques, cooking programs
- Pathways to employment programs
- Youth-based advisory groups
- Recreation facilities including playgrounds and skate parks
Qualifications:
Educational requirements vary according to the role but tertiary qualifications appropriate for senior roles in this field include Social Work, Social Science and Arts (Social Policy/Sociology). Those looking to work with children and/or young people will need to check requirements for obtaining Working with Children Checks (WWCC) or Police Checks in their state or territory. All states and territories have legislation providing for child-related employment pre-screening with specific requirements to be met.
Vocational education and training (VET) qualifications relevant for entry-level and Officer level positions include:
- Certificate IV in Youth Work
- Diploma of Youth Work
- Certificate III, IV, Diploma of Community Services
Local Government has a responsibility to ensure the environment is clean and safe to protect public health.
Types of roles:
- Environmental Health Officer/ Team Leader/ Coordinator
- Health Inspector
- Nurse
- Regulatory Services Officer/ Team Leader/ Manager
- Animal Management Officer
What we do:
- Food safety including inspect shops, cafes and restaurants for health and safety
- Public health education
- Immunisation programs
- Water quality and re-use e.g. testing and monitoring water quality
- Waste water disposal
- Noise control e.g. managing complaints
- Animal control e.g. registration of cats and dogs, impounding of wandering animals, controlling feral animals
- Control infectious diseases
- Mosquito management
- Environmental nuisance investigations
Qualifications:
- Vocational education and training (VET) qualifications relevant for jobs in this field include:
- Certificate II, IV and Diploma of Local Government
- Certificate IV in Animal Control and Regulation
- Certificate II, III, IV and Diploma of Water Industry Operations
Types of maintenance roles:
- Parks Operations Manager
- Parks and Open Space Coordinator
- Horticulturalist/Gardener
- Arborist
- Groundsman/Greenkeeper
- Mowing Coordinator/Operator
Types of facility and program management roles:
- Recreation Centre Manager
- Fitness Programs Coordinator
- Short heading title
- Gym/Fitness Instructor
- Leisure Attendants
- Lifeguard/Pool Attendant
What we do:
Manage and maintain:
- Parks and reserves
- Sporting fields and stadiums
- Golf courses, tennis courts, netball courts
- Swimming pools
- Sport centres, including gyms
- Camping grounds and caravan parks
Qualification requirements:
Educational requirements vary according to the role but degree qualifications appropriate for senior roles in the maintenance of parks and sports facilities include Applied Science (Parks Recreation and Heritage). For the management of facilities, degrees may be sought in business or sports management.
Vocational education and training (VET) qualifications are usually required for most of the roles listed above. Some are available as apprenticeships and traineeships.
Relevant VET qualifications for maintenance roles include:
- Certificate II, III, IV in Parks and Gardens
- Certificate II, III in Conservation and Ecosystem Management
- Certificate III, Diploma of Arboriculture
- Certificate II, III, Diploma of Sports Turf Management
- Relevant VET qualifications for administering, delivering or managing sports programs include:
- Certificate III, IV, Diploma of Fitness
- Certificate II, III, IV in Sport Coaching
- Certificate II, III, IV, Diploma of Sport and Recreation Management
Councils play an active role in waste management by providing disposal and recycling services for individuals and organisations in the Local Government area.
Types of roles:
- Coordinator Integrated Waste Planning
- Waste and Resource Recovery Coordinator
- Waste Operator
- Waste Education Officer
What we do:
- Street cleaning and public place waste bins
- Operation of waste transfer stations and landfills
- Operation of re-sale shops to sell diverted materials
- Kerbside waste and recycling bin collection
- Green waste collection
- Supply residents with worm farms and compost bins
- Graffiti removal
- Enforce laws relating to waste, e.g. littering, burning off, domestic sewage systems, transport and disposal of asbestos
- Community education about waste avoidance, reuse and recycling
Qualifications:
Senior roles are likely to require university qualifications in Environmental Science, Environmental Management, Public Health or Engineering.
Vocational education and training (VET) qualifications appropriate for jobs in this field include:
- Certificates III, IV in Waste Management
- Certificate III in Waste Driving Operations
- Diploma of Local Government
Types of roles:
- Director Infrastructure Services
- General Manager Operations
- Team Leader Strategic Infrastructure Planning
- Manager – Asset Strategy
- Works Manager
- Strategic Asset Management Officer/Coordinator
- Asset Surveillance Officer
- Project Manager Asset Information System
- Asset Inspector/Works Inspector
- Civil and Open Space Asset Strategist
- Works Planner
- Asset Maintenance Officer/Coordinator
What we do:
- Design and develop civil engineering projects
- Evaluate and report on the environmental implications of projects
- Determine construction methods, materials and quality standards
- Draft and interpret specifications, drawings, plans, construction methods and procedures
- Improve traffic flow and safety
- Provide new sporting facilities
- Design environmentally friendly recycling programs, manage rainwater runoff
- Manage the Council’s heavy vehicles fleet and light fleet
- Stores management, design spatial data storage systems
Qualifications
Many of these roles require engineering qualifications. Whilst Civil and Design engineers are most commonly sought, councils often require the skills of a wide range of engineers including:
- Civil Engineer
- Design Engineer
- Development Engineer
- Electrical Engineer
- Hydraulic Engineer
- Mechanical Engineer
- Structural Engineer
- Traffic Engineer
- Transport Asset Engineer
- Waste Engineer
- Environmental Engineer
- Water Engineer
- Drainage Engineer
- Cadet Engineer
Educational requirements will vary according to the role but a degree qualification in the relevant field of Engineering is usually required. Vocational education and training (VET) qualifications relevant for more junior asset management roles include:
- Diploma of Property Services (Asset and Facility Management)
Local Government has a vast and diverse property portfolio.
From airports, cemeteries and parking stations, to marinas and ports, the size and scope of our property portfolio offers interesting and challenging career opportunities, unique to Local Government.
Types of Roles:
- Property Officers/ Coordinators/ Managers
- Airport Services Officer/ Manager
- Cemeteries Operator
- Gravedigger
- Facilities Maintenance Officer
- Handyman/ Caretaker/ Cleaner
What we do:
- Manage leases and license arrangements for Council’s property assets
- Manage Crown Land and Native Title (in some states)
- Manage road closures and road naming
- Maintain council property, including cemeteries
Qualification requirements:
Educational requirements vary according to the role but degree qualifications appropriate for senior roles in this field include Property and Business (Property).
Vocational education and training (VET) qualifications that are relevant for some of these roles include:
- Diploma of Local Government
- Diploma of Property Services (Asset and Facility Management)
- Certificate III in Cemetery and Crematorium Operations
- Certificate II, III in Parks and Gardens