Cadet Engineer

The Opportunity

Lithgow City Council has an exciting opportunity for a Cadet Engineer to join their team in Lithgow, NSW. You will be currently studying a degree level qualification in Engineering, Project Management, or similar, within your second to last year or last year of study.

The Cadet Engineer will work under direction to complete minor projects to gain experience in investigations, design review, project management, construction and maintenance, operations and other activities associated with the provisions of engineering services in local government.

 You will be trained by senior staff who will ensure a training plan is developed to complement your university subjects. You will be have the opportunity to rotate through various Council work locations as part of a comprehensive development program. 

More specifically, your duties will include (but will not be limited to):

• Comply with responsibilities relating to the terms of the Training Contract as a Cadet (training attendance and attainment of all relevant qualifications and competencies).
• Assist with project management for the delivery of Engineering, Civil Construction and Maintenance projects in conjunction with Principal Civil Engineer - Roads
• Gain understanding of Council’s Engineering, Civil Construction and Maintenance branch, including electronic operating systems and safety management systems, relevant Engineering standards, statutes, codes of practice and policies and procedures applicable in a local Government setting.
• Develop skills in reading and interpreting plans, drawings, and work instructions to identify suitable solutions and techniques for successfully delivering projects and programs.
• Gain an understanding of Council’s Project Management framework and delivery of planned projects to meet technical designs and guidelines.
• Under direction, undertake minor projects including technical research and collecting and compiling data and completing technical reports.
• Assist with the development of Technical Specifications for the Engineering, Civil Construction and Maintenance branch, including, under direction, assist with the preparation of Request for Quotation and Request for Tender documentation.

For more detail about the specific duties and responsibilities of the position, please CLICK HERE for the complete Position Description. 

About you

The successful candidate will meet the following criteria:

• Studying a tertiary qualification in Engineering, Project Management, or similar within your second to last year or last year of study
• Well-developed oral and written skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Ability to liaise with staff and the community
• WHS Construction Induction Certificate (White Card)
• Experience using databases, geographical information systems and mobile computing, with a good understanding of GIS mapping systems, Microsoft Word, Excel and Project
• Demonstrated ability to apply EEO, WHS and ethical principles and to act with probity at all times

In addition, an ideal candidate would have general knowledge of general knowledge of Civil Engineering or Project Management in a local government context.

Salary and Benefits

If you are looking for a change of lifestyle, a new adventure, or to take the next step in your career, this is the role for you.

• Between $809.76 and $991.28 per (21) hour week, commensurate with your skills, qualifications and experience
• Part-time, 21 hours/3 days per week, however subject to full time (35) per week during semester breaks
• Temporary two to three year term contract depending on length of study remaining
• Ongoing learning and development opportunities
• Flexible working environment 
• Access to Council's Fitness Passport Program and Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

APPLICATIONS CLOSE ON Friday 27 February 2026 at 4pm AEST.

Please note: To be considered for this position, candidates must address all selection criteria. Those who do not address the selection criteria with examples will not be considered.

Applications generated using Artificial Intelligence (AI) may not be progressed in the recruitment process.

Preferred applicants will be required to undertake a pre-employment medical, which includes a drug and alcohol screening and functional assessment. Preferred applicants may be subject to reference checks, driving history checks, qualification checks, a NSW Police Check, a Working with Children check and confirmation of your Right to Work in Australia.

You must be an Australian or New Zealand Citizen or a permanent resident or have the right to live and work in Australia to apply for this position.

Lithgow City Council

The Lithgow local government area is located on the western edge of the majestic Blue Mountains. The area totals 4,567 square kilometres from the Capertee and Wolgan Valleys in the north, Little Hartley in the east, Tarana in the south and Meadow Flat in the west. 

The major urban centre of Lithgow nestles in a valley of that name, overlooked by the sandstone escarpments of the Blue Mountains. In the addition to the major urban centre of Lithgow, the Lithgow local government area has 12 villages with mining or farming backgrounds. These smaller centres have proven to be a attractive rural residential areas which, along with the broader rural areas offer a truly unique lifestyle that harmonises its urban, industrial and rural qualities.

Council is focused on delivering quality services as a Centre of Regional Excellence that encourages community growth and development, and contributes to the efficient and effective management of the environment, community and economy for present and future generations. 

The guiding principles of communication, accountability, respect, empathy and support define how Lithgow City Council strengthen its working environment to deliver on the aspirations of our community. For further details on Council's values, please visit https://council.lithgow.com