Job details

About the opportunity:

The Townsville Public Health Unit (TPHU) is part of the Townsville Hospital and Health Service (HHS) and provides public health services to the North West HHS.

Public health focuses on the health and wellbeing of populations, rather than of individuals.  TPHU aims to minimise the morbidity and mortality from communicable and vaccine-preventable diseases, and environmental health hazards thereby:

• protecting the health of the population, and
• prevention of disease and illness.

TPHU fulfils the public health regulatory services on behalf of the Department of Health to ensure sound public health standards are maintained in communities.

About your new employer:

Career Growth and Development

We support career progression with structured pathways, secondment opportunities, and access to education and training programs. Whether specialising in a clinical field, upskilling in Digital Health, or transitioning to leadership roles, employees benefit from mentorship, professional development initiatives, and strong institutional partnerships with James Cook University (JCU).

Supportive Workplace Culture and Regional Advantage

A strong community-driven culture makes our organisation an attractive workplace, fostering collaboration, inclusion, and professional support. We balance metro-level healthcare opportunities with a regional feel, offering short commutes, access to rural and urban facilities, and a close-knit professional network. Employees experience a unique blend of career growth and lifestyle flexibility without the hustle of larger cities.

Work/Life Balance and Lifestyle Benefits

Nestled within beautiful North Queensland, the rural, urban, country and coastal locations found within the Townsville HHS region provides vibrant and unique communities, affordable living with stunning landscapes, outdoor adventures, and a relaxed lifestyle.

Townsville HHS prioritises employee wellbeing, offering flexible work arrangements, stable job security, and a family-friendly environment. Staff benefit from regional opportunities while maintaining modern healthcare advantages.

Competitive salary and benefits:

We offer attractive remuneration packages and generous leave entitlements.

• Salary range: $128,169 to $137,918 p.a. (HP4)
• 4 to 6 weeks annual leave with 14%-17.5% loading
• 12.75% employer contribution to superannuation
• Plus Salary Sacrificing options may be available

Requirements:

• The  successful applicant must hold a tertiary degree (or equivalent) qualification that is accredited by Environmental Health Australia or deemed eligible for appointment by the Queensland Health Environmental Health Officer Appointments Review Committee.
• Possession of class C drivers' licence.
• Travel: Travel may be required due to the geographical scope of the position, including stays of up to two week in remote Indigenous communities or regional centres. This may include travel in light aircraft or boat. A corporate vehicle is available on a booking on priority needs basis and a C class licence is required.
• This is a Vaccine Preventable Disease (VPD) risk role.
• Probation period may apply.
• Pre-employment checks will be conducted.

Please refer to the Role Description for further details.

Apply now and be part of something extraordinary!

Enquiries are welcome; for a confidential discussion please contact: Damien Farrington on (07) 4433 6920.

Applications close: Thursday, 26 November 2026.

Unsolicited resumes from recruitment agencies will not be accepted.

Please download the Role Description from the `Documents' section below for application/interview preparation and future reference.

Further information

We are committed to building inclusive cultures in the Queensland public sector that respect and promote human rights and diversity.

Documents

Before applying for this vacancy please ensure you read the documents below.

• QH Applicant Information Kit (PDF)
  
  Info Sheet_Document Preparation-new candidates-13.05.24 (05.24.Pdf)
  
  HP4 Senior Environmental Health Officer 32014369 (PDF)