Orange City Council – Assistant Water Treatment Operator
Thank you for your interest in the Assistant Water Treatment
Operator position with Orange City Council.
This package has been developed to provide information about the
position, and assist you if you decide to apply.
The following guidelines “Applying for a Job with Orange City
Council” should be read closely.
If you apply, you need to specifically address each of the
Essential and Desirable Criteria, listed on page 2 of the
Position Description.
Also provided for information is a copy of the advertisement for the
position and the Position Description appropriate for this role.
If you have any questions about the position, please contact Geoff
Warren, Water Treatment Supervisor on 6393 8059.
Good luck and Council looks forward to receiving your application.
1
May 2013
Orange City Council – Assistant Water Treatment Operator
D13/9374
HEADING
POSTION VACANT
SUB-HEADING
ASSISTANT WATER TREATMENT OPERATOR
Applications are invited for the position of Assistant Water Treatment Operator in the Water
and Sewer section of Council’s Technical Services Division.
The position is being paid at $824.30 per week.
Intending applicants are to obtain an information package by visiting Council’s website –
www.orange.nsw.gov.au/employment by emailing mbaxter@orange.nsw.gov.au.
Applications that do not address the Selection Criteria will not be accepted.
Applications close on Tuesday 11 June 2013 at 5.00pm and should be addressed to the
General Manager, quote Container No 111/223/984/27 and include details of two recent
employment related referees.
Applications are to be sent electronically to recruitment@orange.nsw.gov.au. Please put the
position name and container number in the subject line.
Aboriginal persons are encouraged to apply.
Civic Centre
Byng Street
ORANGE NSW 2800
Telephone (02) 6393 8000
Fax (02) 6393 8199
G Styles
GENERAL MANAGER
14 May 2013
Name of Publication
Central Western Daily
Dates of Publication
Saturday 18 May 2013
Submitted
Saturday 25 May 2013
14 May 2013
Contact Person
Geoff Warren
Contact Number
Relevant File
6393 8059
111/223/984/27
Job Number
03.00441.2086.3150
Approved by Director
Signature
Purchasing use only
Date added to web page
Date:
Purchasing use only
Order Number
Line Number
2
May 2013
Orange City Council – Assistant Water Treatment Operator
Position Description
Assistant Water Treatment Operator
Primary Purpose of the Job
To assist with the operation and maintenance of Council’s Water, Stormwater and
Sewage Treatment facilities (including water and sewage treatment plants, pump
stations, water storage reservoirs, bores and water supply dams).
Division
Technical Services
Section
Water and Sewerage
Sectional Structure
Water Treatment Manager

Water Treatment Supervisor

Senior Water Treatment Operator

Water Treatment Operator

Assistant Water Treatment Operator
Grade
The Grade awarded to the position has been determined through the corporate evaluation
process.
New salary system effective 25 March 2013, the new grade in Council’s Salary System is
Grade 3 under the Local Government (State) Award.
3
May 2013
Orange City Council – Assistant Water Treatment Operator
Selection Criteria
Essential
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
Certificate II in Water and Wastewater Industry Operations or equivalent knowledge
and skills acquired through practical experience and on the job learning
NSW Office of Water Part 1 (Chemical Dosing or Wastewater Treatment Operations)
or equivalent knowledge and skills acquired through practical experience and on the
job learning
Current WorkCover approved Construction Induction Card
Current Class C driver’s licence
Demonstrated ability to perform physical activities consistent with duties of the position
Demonstrated ability to work in a team with a focus on delivering quality customer
service
Demonstrated understanding of Work Health & Safety procedures
Demonstrated understanding of treatment facility environmental obligations
Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively in both written and verbal formats
Demonstrated ability to use Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook
Required to work at both water and sewage treatment facilities and required to
participate in a rotating weekend and on-call roster
Desirable
1
Trade qualification relevant to the position
2
Fluoride Operators Certificate or equivalent knowledge and skills acquired through
practical experience and on the job learning
3
Light Rigid or Heavy Rigid truck licence
4
Load shifting competency/ticket
5
Confined Space Certificate
6
Senior First Aid Certificate
7
Demonstrated mechanical or electrical aptitude
8
Demonstrated understanding of water and/or wastewater treatment processes
9
Demonstrated experience in water sampling and/or laboratory analysis
10 Demonstrated experience in computer control systems, radio telemetry and electronic
instrumentation
Key Accountabilities
The position is accountable for:
1 Effective operation and maintenance of assigned areas for water, sewage and
stormwater treatment facilities.
2 Effective water quality (and/or soil) monitoring and application of internal laboratory
analysis processes.
3 Effective interrogation and reporting of treatment facility field, computer and laboratory
observations.
4 Ability to effectively communicate and contribute constructively to the team in working
towards desired outcomes.
5 Application of established procedures e.g. WHS, treatment systems, pollution reporting
etc. and policies.
6 Efficient use of time in performing duties.
4
May 2013
Orange City Council – Assistant Water Treatment Operator
Duties
Duties entailed in this position include but are not limited to carrying out the following
processes:
1 Assist operation of designated facility areas and conduct minor maintenance on pumps,
motors, equipment etc.
2 Perform housekeeping duties e.g. hosing, sweeping and cleaning as required.
3 Load and transport treatment facility waste products such as biosolids.
4 Conduct water quality (and/or soil) monitoring in accordance with established
procedures and programs.
5 Conduct water quality analysis in accordance with internal laboratory testing
procedures.
6 Interrogate computer systems and hard copy / field records routinely to identify faults
and adverse trends in the operation of the water, sewage and stormwater treatment
facilities.
7 Report treatment facility field and computer observations, faults and adverse trends to
the Senior Operator(s) and/or the Supervisor.
8 Report and remediate environmental pollution events in accordance with internal
procedures.
9 Communicate effectively in written and verbal format including through use Microsoft
Word, Excel and Outlook as required.
10 Conduct tasks in accordance with established administrative, operation and
maintenance procedures and policies including accurate and timely completion of
paperwork.
11 Conduct tasks in accordance with site specific WHS requirements such as SWMS,
PPE, confined space, toolbox, hygiene and lock-out procedures etc.
12 Participate in a weekend work roster and on-call roster.
13 Work with other parties in the organisation in a manner that provides leadership,
support and participation in all aspects of workplace change.
14 Comply with Council’s Code of Conduct and relevant policies and procedures, as
amended from time to time
Work Health & Safety Responsibilities
All employees are responsible for the following:
1
Working in a safe manner without risk to themselves, others, Council’s equipment or
the environment
2
Reporting all WHS hazards and incidents to their supervisor
3
Reporting all injuries and illnesses to their supervisor and the Safety Officer within 48
hours
4
Providing suggestion, through agreed consultation methods, on how to improve WHS
issues
5
Seeking assistance if unsure of WHS rules
6
Reporting any faulty equipment or plant to their supervisor
7
Participating in WHS consultation arrangements in place
8
Complying with any Return to Work Plan if injured
9
Correctly using all personal protective equipment
10 Complying with emergency and evacuation procedures.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not intended to
be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified.
5
May 2013
Applying for a Position
with
Orange City Council
Compiled by
Orange City Council
PO Box 35, Orange NSW, 2800
Phone 6393 8000
Fax 6393 8199
e-mail: recruitment@orange.nsw.gov.au
Orange City Council
This information is provided to assist you in submitting applications for
advertised vacancies within Orange City Council. Council is an equal
opportunity employer, and applies merit based selection techniques.
Selection is based on the assessment of each applicant in relation to the
selection criteria provided in each position description.
Please read the following information carefully, as it will help you to
understand Council’s selection process and prepare your application.
PREPARING TO APPLY
The job advertisement will provide a number of details that are
important for your application.
Firstly, note the closing date. Council must receive your application by
this date for it to be accepted.
Secondly, the advertisement will set out a Container number that must
be displayed on the application to ensure it is directed to the correct
Container. once your application reaches Councils Records Department.
The advertisement will advise that an information pack is to be collected
or downloaded. Applicants need to read through this pack thoroughly
and address the essential and desirable criteria set out in the Position
Description. Please keep your application concise and succinct and try to
only include relevant information.
REQUIRED INFORMATION
1
Covering letter
This letter should include the name of the position and the
container number and the applicants contact details including
daytime phone number.
2
Statement addressing each of the Essential and Desirable
Selection Criteria
It is most important that you provide information on each of the
essential and desirable criteria. This should concisely and
adequately illustrate how you meet the criteria. Try to provide
evidence of your merit, with examples. You can also include
transferable knowledge, skills or ability in areas relevant to the
Orange City Council
selection criteria which you have developed outside the workplace
as evidence eg a leadership role in a volunteer organisation.
Essential criteria are those qualities that you must possess to
perform the job, whereas desirable criteria are those qualities that
would assist you in the job.
The decision of whether to interview you is based on how well you
meet the essential and desirable selection criteria.
Please ensure that you address each selection criteria separately,
clearly indicating the criteria you are addressing. Provide details
about how you meet each criteria ~ providing an example of how
you can prove that you meet the criteria is recommended.
Orange City Council
RESUME
Your resume provides additional information for the selection panel.
Here you should include:

Education credentials (attaching copies of any qualifications
relevant to the selection criteria)

Employment history in chronological order, with most recent
position first. Details should include company, title, period of
employment and brief summary of key responsibilities.

Referees - you should include the contact details of at least two
recent work related referees (name, position title, daytime contact
number). You are required to advise your referees of the position
you are seeking and obtain their agreement to speak on your
behalf. Council would prefer one of your referees is your current
supervisor.
Please ensure that no originals of certificates and other supporting
documents are provided - copies only (originals will not be
automatically returned). Council may, as part of the process, check
the authenticity of any certificates or qualifications provided.
LODGING YOUR APPLICATION
Lodge your application by 5pm on the closing date by:

The General Manager
Orange City Council
Po Box 35
ORANGE NSW 2800

Council@orange.nsw.gov.au
(ensure subject line contains the position title and container
number)

(02) 6393 8199
Civic Centre
Corner Byng Street and Lords Place
ORANGE NSW 2800
Orange City Council

DO’S

Obtain a copy of the Information Package

If you have any job related enquiries, contact the nominated person in
the advertisement.

Use each selection criterion as a heading, and address how your skills,
abilities, experience and qualifications meet the criteria.

Include a daytime contact telephone number.

Provide the names and contact details of at least two work-related
referees.

Include a copy of relevant transcripts and/or qualifications.

Send your application so that it arrives by the closing date
(applications received late will not be considered).

Please ensure that you clearly mark on both, the front of your
envelope and the 1st page of your application, the container number of
the position you are applying for.


DON’TS
Assume that the Selection Panel knows anything about you. A fair and
objective choice about who to interview is made from the information
you supply in your application.

Submit a generic application. Match your skills with those required of
the position, and clearly detail that information in your application.

Send in your resume without an accompanying application addressing
the selection critria. It can be difficult for the Selection Panel to
extract job specific requirements from a resume, and your ability to
meet the selection criteria may not be clearly evident in a resume
format.

Include information that is irrelevant to the position.
Orange City Council
THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS
The Selection Panel has been trained in recruitment and selection
techniques and follows a structured process. All recruitment is based
on the principles of merit.
Generally the recruitment process takes about six weeks from the
date the position is first advertised to the date the position is offered
(subject to variability).
Council’s Recruitment Process is as follows:
1
Short listing
The Selection Panel consisting of a minimum of three members
(all trained in the recruitment process) who will assess all
applications against the selection criteria and decide who will be
interviewed. A member of Council’s Human Resources team will
be part of the Panel.
It is important to remember that you are competing against
other applicants for the position. If your response to the
selection criteria is not complete, or the information against
each of the Essential Criteria is not competitive with other
applicants, you may not be shortlisted for an interview.
If there is a large response to an advertisement it may take a
little time for the Selection Panel to contact applicants for
interview. Please be patient – if you have not heard otherwise,
your application is still being considered.
2
Interview
If you are selected for an interview, you will be contacted by
telephone.
You will be given approximately three days’ notice where
possible if you are required for an interview.
The selection Panel works as a team to recommend the most
suitable person for the job. The Convenor is a member of the
Panel and is responsible for coordinating the process.
The Panel will ask questions based on the selection criteria.
Remember to focus your answers on these criteria, take your
time and ask for clarification if you are unsure of a question. You
are welcome to prepare notes to bring with you and refer to in
the interview process.
As the interview progresses, the Panel will be making notes of
your responses to questions asked. This will assist the Panel in
making a final decision. A clearly presented and well thought out
answer will also demonstrate your verbal communication skills.
Orange City Council
For those applicants with a disability, please contact the Convenor
to discuss any particular needs or arrangements. Applicants with
a disability are welcome to request the support of an advocate
where appropriate.
3
Practical Exercises/Scenarios
For some positions, it is likely that the recruitment process will
require applicants to complete practical exercises, or scenario
based question. All appropriate equipment and tools will be
provided, and adequate time allocated to complete the task.
4
Reference Checks and other Checks
As part of the Recruitment Process, a reference check will be
carried out on the recommended applicant.
Please make sure that your referee details are current and the
referee is aware you are applying for the position.
Council may also choose to check the authenticity of certificates
and qualifications.
Council will need to verify the applicant’s identification, so bring a
form of photo identification with you to the interview.
Working with Children Check
For some positions it is an offence under the NSW Child Protection
(Prohibited Employment) Act 1998 (the Act) for a person
convicted of a serious offence involving children to apply for or
perform the job. This will be stated in the position description if it
is a requirement and a reference to this will appear in the position
advertisement.
After the interview you will be required to give consent for a
Working with Children Check to be completed. In this case you
will be required to complete and sign an Applicant Declaration and
Consent form. You will also be required to provide 100 points of
identification for the check to be completed. The Convenor talk to
you about what documents you will be required to bring with you
for the identification requirement when they speak with you to
arrange your interview.
Employment is conditional on satisfactory checks being completed
and you not being indentified as a prohibited person under the
Act.
Orange City Council
5
Medical, Functional and Hearing Tests
Any applicant selected to progress to the next stage will be required
to undergo a pre-employment functional assessment and hearing
assessment at Council’s expense, with Council’s nominated provider.
Functional assessments involve assessing a candidate’s physical
capability to perform the required tasks.
6
Recommending an Applicant
Following successful completion of the relevant checks and tests, the
Selection Panel will recommend to the General Manager a particular
applicant to be appointed to the position.
The Convenor of the Panel will contact the successful applicant with
an offer of employment.
Unsuccessful applicants will be notified by mail and can contact the
Convenor to discuss ways to improve their application or interview
performance in the future.
PRIVACY STATEMENT
Orange City Council, as part of the recruitment process, will be collecting
information about you. This information is private information for the
purposes of the Privacy and Personal Information Protection Act. This
information will be included in the recruitment file, and will be read by
Council’s Records Staff, and members of the Selection Panel. Applicants
may request their information be returned to them at the conclusion of
the recruitment process. Unsuccessful applicants may request to have
their information returned to them at the conclusion of the recruitment
process.
PROBATIONARY PERIOD
If you are successful in your application you will be placed on a
probationary period a minimum of three months. During the probationary
period reviews will be carried out by your Supervisor and you will be
given feedback on your work performance. If your performance during
the probationary period is satisfactory your appointment will be
confirmed at the completion of three months.
If there are any areas to be further developed, the probationary period
may be extended.
GOOD LUCK WITH YOUR APPLICATION