A Health Safety & Environment (HSE) Coordinator builds and runs workplace safety and environmental programs. This role sits where occupational health, risk management, and environmental law all meet. Most coordinators hold a degree in OHS, environmental science, or a related field, plus vocational qualifications.
HSE Coordinators set up safety systems and help businesses follow the Work Health and Safety Act 2011. They run risk checks, lead incident reviews, and advise management on law changes. Many also hold membership with bodies such as the Australian Institute of Health & Safety (AIHS).
These professionals track safety data and study incident records to spot trends. They work closely with senior leaders to build a safety culture across all teams. Environmental compliance is also key, covering waste management and pollution reduction.
With rising demand for skilled safety staff, this is a stable and well-paid career. The average salary for an HSE Coordinator in Australia is around $115,000 per year (SEEK, June 2026). Degree holders with professional membership often move into higher-level and specialist roles.
Laura Atkinson is an Account Management and SEM specialist at Course Finder Group with six years' experience in the Australian education sector. She works day to day with universities, TAFEs and independent training providers, which gives her a close view of how courses map to real career outcomes. She writes practical guidance on career pathways, choosing the right qualification and what to expect when moving into a new field.