POSITION DESCRIPTION
Position:
Environment Officer
Maternity Leave Position
Temporary Full-Time (July 2007 – July 2008)
(subject to Maternity Leave provisions of the
Award)
Award Classification:
Band 5
(Victorian Local Authorities Award 2001)
Department:
Sustainable Planning & Development
Unit:
Environment
Approved By:
General Manager Sustainable Planning &
Development
Date Approved:
14/06/2007
POSITION OBJECTIVES
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To facilitate and assist in the efficient and effective implementation of Council's
Environment Programs.
To establish links and partnerships with relevant community groups and government
agencies
To represent the view of Council at local environment forums
To seek funding for local projects from the private sector and State and
Commonwealth government sources
To promote awareness of sound environment management practices.
To promote and facilitate sound waste minimisation principles and programs.
To organise and promote environment protection and enhancement activities
throughout the Shire.
To promote and facilitate vegetation protection and enhancement
To promote and facilitate pest plant and animal programs
To develop and implement community and organisation awareness, education &
information programs
To participate in the development and implementation of catchment management
projects.
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Colac Otway Shire - Position Description
Environment Officer
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KEY RESPONSIBILITY AREAS
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Facilitation of and assistance in the efficient and effective implementation of
Council's Environment Programs.
Establishment of links and partnerships with relevant community groups and
government agencies
Representation of the views of Council at local environment forums
Submission of applications for funding for local projects to the private sector and
State and Commonwealth government funding sources
Promotion of sound environment management practices.
Promotion and facilitation of sound waste minimisation principles and programs.
Organisation and promotion of environment protection and enhancement activities
throughout the Shire.
Promotion and facilitation of vegetation protection and enhancement
Promotion and facilitation of pest plant and animal programs
Development and implementation of community and organisation awareness,
education & information programs
Participation in the development and implementation of catchment management
projects.
Assistance in the coordination and implementation of the Roadside Vegetation
Management Code of Work Practice by providing support to Council staff. Provide
technical advice and support in developing environmentally sensitive designs and
sustainable cost effective maintenance programs.
Monitor Council owned and managed land in respect to environmental matters and
facilitate appropriate remedial and maintenance actions, including organising and
coordinating on-ground works in conjunction with other groups such as Corrective
Services, Greencorp teams and Australian Conservation Volunteers
Assist with and facilitate event’s coordination for community environmental events
including World Environment Day, Clean Up Australia Day and Catch-a-Carp Day.
Organise workshops (eg plant propagation, water wise garden designs) in
conjunction with other Councils and agencies.
Assist in the development, facilitation and implementation of Waste Wise projects
Assist in the co-ordination of weed control programs on roadsides, council owned
and managed land in conjunction with VicRoads, Cosworks, weed spraying
contractors, landcare groups and adjoining landowners
Liaise with the Department of Primary Industries and the Ragwort Reference Group
Colac Otway Shire - Position Description
Environment Officer
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STANDARD ORGANISATIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES
Customer Service
Promote Council's policy of excellence in customer service.
Provide appropriate customer services to our customers in a prompt and pleasant
manner
• Maintain the highest ethical standards and confidentiality in dealing with our
customers and each other
• Develop individual skills and knowledge that will better serve our customers
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Occupational Health & Safety/Risk Management
Take reasonable care for your own health and safety and for the health and safety
of anyone else who may be affected by your acts or omissions at the workplace.
• Co-operate with your employer with respect to any action taken by the employer to
comply with any requirement imposed by or under the Health & Safety Acts,
Regulations and Codes of Practice.
• Work within Occupational Health & Safety Acts, Regulations and Codes of Practice.
• Ensure Council’s Risk Management Policy & Procedures are observed and
complied with.
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Human Resources
• Identify training and development needs through Appraisal System for yourself and
any staff you directly supervise, and participate in corporate training
• Ensure adherence to Council Code of Conduct, Equal Employment Opportunity,
Privacy procedures and other policies and programs
• Participate fully in the Staff Performance Management System, Recruitment and
Induction processes
Information Technology
• Ensure accurate and prompt registration of all customer requests within the request
system, action and respond to assigned requests within a prescribed timeframe and
according to Colac Otway Shire Performance Standards
• Ensure appropriate and thorough electronic file management (storage and retrieval)
within corporate library system is maintained
• Ensure effective utilisation of electronic file management techniques eg: create
folders, search for files, print files, etc
• Ensure effective use of relevant application software systems (appropriate level of
training provided)
Organisational Development
• Promote Value Principles and participate in the Best Value process
• Participate in the development and monitoring of Unit Business Plan objectives as
appropriate
• Participate in the benchmarking and continuous improvement of Council's services
• Participate in the annual Employee Opinion Survey
• Comply with Colac Otway Shire Customer Performance Standards
• Participate in living the principles of Business Excellence (Leadership, Strategy &
Planning, Knowledge and Information, People, Customer Focus, Innovation, Quality
& Improvement, Success & Sustainability)
Colac Otway Shire - Position Description
Environment Officer
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ORGANISATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS
Reports to:
Manager Environment
Directly Supervises:
N/A
Internal Liaisons:
All staff
Councillors
External Liaisons:
General Public
Government Department and Agencies
Environmental Groups & Community Groups
Consultants
Nurseries
Environmental Training Providers
Ragwort Reference Group
Weed Consultative Committee
ORGANISATIONAL CONTEXT:
Our Vision: Colac Otway is naturally progressive and strives to achieve the best
possible social, economic and environmental conditions to create a vibrant, liveable
community.
Our Mission: Colac Otway operates according to good governance principles and
emphasises the importance of service, people and business in:
• Providing community development and support services
• Managing Council's infrastructure and the natural environment
• Facilitating strategic economic development
Our Values:
• We will work in partnership with the community to achieve agreed goals
• We will undertake genuine consultation on key issues as part of our decisionmaking processes to improve the quality, accountability and transparency of those
decisions.
• We will promote a culture in which our services respond to community needs and
aspirations.
The Position:
This position forms part of a multi disciplinary team promoting sustainable natural and
built environments. The incumbent will be expected to participate in and undertake a
range of functions, responsibilities and duties associated with the environment and will
be focused on promoting environmental programs, principles and projects through
various activities, events, workshops and field days.
The incumbent will be expected to improve delivery of environmental management Best
Practices across Council and community interests. This position will coordinate weed
control programs, writing and implementing management plans and assisting
community groups with revegetation projects by helping with grant applications,
planning and on-ground works.
Colac Otway Shire - Position Description
Environment Officer
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The implementation of the Roadside Vegetation Management Code of Practice and the
Roadside Weed Management Plan forms a key role and will provide for opportunities to
use individual initiative in delivering the outcomes.
CLASSIFICATION CRITERIA
Accountability and Extent of Authority
• Accountable for the efficient and effective delivery of matters in the key
responsibility area with guidance and support from the Environment Coordinator
and other senior staff
Judgement and Decision Making
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Sound practical and professional judgement is expected in respect to delivery of
matters in the key responsibility area with guidance and support from the Manager
Environment and other senior staff
Day to day operational decision making is expected in the implementation of
projects and programs with guidance and support from the Manager Environment
and other senior staff on an as needs basis.
Specialist Skills & Knowledge
Sound general knowledge and experience in the preparation and implementation of
environmental policies, strategies and programs.
Sound general knowledge in the wider professional principles of environmental
management, bio-diversity and triple bottom line.
Experience in preparation and coordination of various types of environmental
management plans.
Knowledge of best management practices in relation to Roadside Vegetation
Management Codes of Practice.
Ability to coordinate projects within budgets and time-lines
Experience in organising community environmental events, activities and workshops
Knowledge and experience in the implementation of Roadside Management
Strategies, Storm Water Management Plans, Biodiversity Incentives Programs,
Environmental Education Programs and other similar programs.
Management Skills
Sound time management skills and an ability set priorities and to work
independently in the field.
Sound people management skills in terms of facilitation of community interest group
meetings.
Ability to meet reporting time-lines
Interpersonal Skills
• Sound written and oral communication skills
Well developed interpersonal skills with respect to liaison with land-holders to gain
cooperation
Ability to facilitate community workshops, events, activities and training days
Ability to facilitate community environmental activities and projects
• Ability to draft media releases and web-site updates in respect to portfolio projects
and programs
• Ability to draft reports for Council meetings and Councillor updates in respect to
portfolio projects and programs.
Colac Otway Shire - Position Description
Environment Officer
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Qualifications and Experience
Essential
Degree in Natural Resource Management or similar environmental management
equivalent degree.
Minimum 12 months (part or full time) experience working in an environmental role
Current Victorian Drivers Licence
Desirable
Local Government knowledge and experience in an environment related field.
KEY SELECTION CRITERIA
Degree in Natural Resource Management or similar environmental management
equivalent degree.
Minimum 12 months (part or full time) experience working in an environmental role
Local Government knowledge and experience in an environment related field.
Knowledge, relevant experience and understanding of natural systems.
Knowledge and understanding of bio-diversity, flora and fauna and eco-systems
values
Knowledge and experience in pest plant and animal issues
Ability to and experience in working with community groups on environmental
projects and programs.
Level of experience in working with government and non-government bodies,
community groups and individuals on environmental projects.
Knowledge and experience in preparation and implementation of community
environmental activities, events and workshops.
Ability to draft reports and to prepare community information material.
Knowledge of environmental Best Practices in relation to Council and community
activities including Roadside Vegetation Management Codes of Work Practice and
Roadside Weed Management Plans.
Computer literacy
Time management and ability and experience in working with minimal supervision.
Current Victorian Drivers Licence
SPECIAL CHARACTERISTICS
Attendance at out of hour’s meetings and events is required.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF APPOINTMENT
The Environment Officer (Maternity Leave) position is classified as a Band 5 within the
Victorian Local Authorities Award 2001. The position is a Maternity Leave position
Temporary Full-Time for 12 months, July 2007 – July 2008. The salary range for the
position is $42,173 - $48,166 per annum. Membership of a superannuation fund is
compulsory (default fund is Vision Super). Annual, sick and long service leave accruals
will apply pursuant to the Colac Otway Shire Enterprise Agreement No. 4, 2006.
Council offers a ‘19 day month’ rostered day off scheme based on an average of 38
hours a week. Current office hours are 8.30am to 5.15pm Monday to Friday.
This position is subject to a three-month probationary period.
Please note: this position is subject to Clause 36.3 (Maternity Leave provisions) of the
Award, which allows an employee on Maternity Leave to return to work earlier than the
original agreed date. Four weeks notice will be given if the tenure of the position is
changed.
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Environment Officer
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APPLICATION DETAILS
1. Applications for this position close at 4.00pm, Wednesday 4th July 2007.
Envelopes should be marked “CONFIDENTIAL” and addressed to:
Shellie Nicholls
Human Resources Officer
Colac Otway Shire
PO Box 283
COLAC VIC 3250
2. Information to be included with the application:
• Current resume
• Application form (Colac Otway Shire) including referees
• Letter of application including links to selection criteria
Tracey Slatter
Chief Executive Officer
Colac Otway Shire - Position Description
Environment Officer