Conservation Team Member

CONSERVATION TEAM MEMBER

Band 3 – Permanent Full Time

Parks

Coordinator Parks and Conservation

April 2018

POSITION OBJECTIVE To carry out allocated tasks safely and to specified standards in order to meet agreed objectives, productivity and service levels

The position will be involved in the maintenance and development of specific environmentally sensitive sites within the Municipality in accordance with adopted Management and Master Plans.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES The position involves the performance of a broad range of tasks to be undertaken at specific environmental sites, these works shall including

 Prior to any conservation management work being carried out, complete a Site Specific Job Safety Analysis and ensure that all work is carried out in accordance with the Job safety analysis.  Undertake a wide range of conservation tasks including weed control, revegetation, mulching, plant care, at a high standard and in accordance with industry practices and standards.  Assist in community activity days (e.g. Plantings by “Friends of” group), as directed.  Provide a positive personal contribution to the successful operation of the Parks Department as an efficient, effective and customer focused work team.  Operation of a wide range of light and heavy mechanical plant and equipment.  Record work outputs on Activity sheets.  Act on or report observed situations requiring maintenance attention.  Undertake basic routine maintenance of plant/equipment used.  Attend to customer issues and provide a polite customer focus at all times.  Undertake work with the minimum of inconvenience and disruption to the public.  Other duties as directed up to and consistent with the level of responsibility of the position.  Provide guidance and supervision to other staff when working in a Team environment.  Working within a team environment contributing to the achievement of departmental, divisional and organizational goals.  Active involvement in the identification and management of risk.  Undertake all work in accordance with the Parks Department Safety Manual and other Hobsons Bay City Council policies and procedures.  Working across other departments and with contractors as and when required.

ORGANISATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS Reports to:

Conservation Team Leader via Conservation & Environment Supervisor

Supervision:

Other Parks staff assigned to assist with performing specific tasks Internal Liaisons: Parks and Conservation Coordinator Conservation Ranger Manager City Services Other Parks Supervisors and Coordinators

CEO and Directors Other team members Other Council departments

External Liaisons:

Friends Groups Ratepayers General public Other customers Contractors

1. ACCOUNTABILITY AND EXTENT OF AUTHORITY The position is accountable to the Parks Coordinator through the Parks Team Leader and Supervisor to ensure works undertaken are carried out in a safe, polite and effective manner and within allocated time frames, budget and to required standards. Plant and equipment entrusted to the employee will be cared for and maintained in accordance with required standards. Work is performed within specific guidelines with scope to exercise discretion within Councils procedures and practices

2. JUDGEMENT AND DECISION-MAKING The responsibility of this position is well defined, involving the use of a range of skills, tools, equipment, techniques and methods, with scope for decisions on problems that relate to the immediate task. Personal judgement within Council policy and procedures may be required to meet set tasks

3. SPECIALIST KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

 Knowledge, skills and experience in indigenous revegetation  Knowledge, skill and experience in weed control methods (Chemical & manual)  Knowledge and experience in conservation and environmental works  Ability to perform manual work and work within a team  Knowledge, skills and experience in horticulture

 Knowledge, skill and experience in the safe operation and maintenance of a wide range of light and heavy machinery and equipment.  Sound knowledge in Parks procedures and operations, including an understanding of emerging trends and advances in landscape management.  The ability and experience in working with community groups.

 Supervisory skills

4. MANAGEMENT SKILLS  The ability to assist with supervision and on the job training.  The ability to achieve objectives within a given timetable.  The ability to capture and record data

5. INTERPERSONAL SKILLS  Good oral and written communication skills.  Ability to work with other employees and contractors and deal with customer issues in a manner that will promote excellent public relations.

6. QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE  Trade Certificate in Natural resource management and/or conservation/ horticulture or relevant on the job experience in Horticultural practices and be capable of demonstrating a broad technical knowledge in this field  Victorian Drivers License preferably with a light truck endorsement.  Hold a Chainsaw Operators Certificate  Communication skills (telephone, written, electronically)  Current Agricultural Chemical Users Permit  Experience in operating a wide range of mechanical plant and equipment.  Experience in wildlife and habitat management  Experience in weed and pest plant and animal control

7. CUSTOMER SERVICE Hobsons Bay City Council is committed to ensuring that all customers internal and external receive friendly and responsive service. Staff are required to comply with the following principles of good service:

 answer telephones promptly, within 5 rings  acknowledge all customers promptly  treat customers with respect and courtesy  provide quality customer service  convey accurate information  communicate courteously

8. SELECTION CRITERIA

 Qualifications & experience in conservation, natural resource management and horticulture.  Demonstrated experience in weed control and revegetation. Hold an Agricultural Chemical Users Permit.  Proven ability in the operation and basic maintenance of a wide range of mechanical plant & equipment. Hold a Chainsaw Operators Certificate  Hold a current Full Victorian driver’s license with light rigid truck endorsement Demonstrated communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work within a team environment and with the public.  Strong commitment to customer focus

 The commitment and ability to lead others when required.

9. SALARY The classification applicable to this position is Band 3 in accordance with the pertaining Hobsons Bay City Council Enterprise Agreement.

Hobsons Bay City Council General Information and Conditions of Employment

ABOUT HOBSONS BAY The City of Hobsons Bay is situated at the northern end of Port Phillip Bay, about 7kms west of central Melbourne. Hobsons Bay is known for its rich natural environment, its maritime history and its industrial strength.

The Yalukit Wilum clan were the first people to occupy the area now known as Hobsons Bay. A number of sites of significance to the Aboriginal community are located throughout the municipality, particularly along the coastal trail.

Hobsons Bay was created on 22 June 1994, following the amalgamation of the former Cities of Williamstown and Altona with parts of Laverton and South Kingsville.

It includes the suburbs of Altona, Altona Meadows, Altona North, Brooklyn, Laverton, Newport, Seabrook, Seaholme, South Kingsville, Spotswood, Williamstown and Williamstown North. Each suburb has its own unique character, from the historic seaport of Williamstown with its range of heritage buildings, to the more recently developed residential areas of Altona Meadows and Seabrook. Hobsons Bay also has a range of major industrial complexes, which contribute significantly to the economy of Victoria.

Hobsons Bay is unique to the Western Metropolitan Region. It covers an area of approximately 64 square kilometres with over 20kms of coastline. It is also home to significant coastal wetlands, five creek systems, remnant native grasslands, and important flora and fauna habitats, which makes up 24 per cent of the city’s total land area.

The city is located between seven and 20 kilometres from the CBD and has good access to regional transport facilities such as the West Gate Freeway, the Western Ring Road, CityLink, the National Rail Line, together with the ports and airports of Melbourne and Avalon.

In 2016, Hobsons Bay had an estimated resident population of 95,046 people, which is forecast to increase by 10 per cent (or 10,770) by 2030. 31 per cent of our residents are born overseas, speaking over 100 different languages and practising over 90 faiths.

Our community loves Hobsons Bay for its proximity to the CBD, the beach, its parks and green spaces, its vibrant atmosphere and sense of community, its character housing and above all, its people. For many, Hobsons Bay is the ideal place to live.

The Council Plan 2017-2021 is Council’s key strategic document that describes how we will work, as an organisation, to achieve the vision and priorities of our community. The Council Plan was informed and guided by the Hobsons Bay 2030 Community Vision, which was developed BY the community, FOR the community. It sets out the community’s vision for the future of Hobsons Bay and six priority areas for how to get there. The vision was created through an innovative community engagement process involving over 2,500 community comments. As a Council, we have made a commitment to our community that we will work towards their vision by incorporating it into the development of our Council Plan, Annual Action Plan and budgets until 2030.

CUSTOMER FOCUS AND INNOVATION As an organisation, Council is committed to being a Council of Excellence in every way. The Customer Focus Strategy 2016-19 provides the organisation with a framework to deliver excellent customer service and to play a more proactive role in enhancing relationships with our community.

In meeting the changing needs and expectations in our community, our focus is to build capacity for collaboration and innovation, through connecting with our residents, customers and colleagues. We drive the philosophy of ‘Customer First’ through everything we do, while we review and plan our services and seek out opportunities to deliver those services more efficiently and effectively.

ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY Hobsons Bay has a strong commitment to activating sustainable practices and responding to community concerns about climate change. The community has also identified this as a priority for the future Council is committed to reducing our emissions and has committed to achieving zero net emissions by 2020 by prioritising immediate and long term mitigation actions to reduce the impacts of climate change. Council undertakes a significant number of programs aimed at meeting its goal of zero net emissions by 2030. Council is committed to consultation and engagement to identify key environmental issues of concern to Council staff and the local community so that we respond to these issues in a meaningful, positive and constructive way that leads to behavioural change outcomes. Under the umbrella of the Council’s Sustainability Framework, the Council has developed a suite of strategies and plans to address climate change. These policies support decision making as Council prepares for and manages the risks of climate change, particularly Hobsons Bay’s coastal zone, with the projected impacts include more frequent and more intense heatwaves, increasing risk of flooding from rivers and the sea, and increasing coastal erosion. The suite of policies include: Climate Change Adaptation Plan 2013-18, Corporate Greenhouse Strategy 2013-20; Community Greenhouse Strategy 2013-2030;Living; Living Hobsons Bay: an Integrated Water Management Plan 2014-19, Environmental Engagement Strategy 2013-18, a Biodiversity Strategy 2017-22 and a Waste and Little Management Plan 2012-17.

Hobsons Bay coastal wetlands are globally recognised and are significant biodiversity areas, containing important habitat for many significant and endangered species. This significant area goes all the way from Jawbone Flora and Fauna Reserve to the Ramsar listed Cheetham wetlands, taking in Kororoit Creek and Truganina Swamp. Whilst we have some of the most beautiful biodiversity hotspots within sight of Melbourne’s CBD, these areas are also some of the most fragile. In June 2017, Council launched Hobsons Bay’s first ever Biodiversity Strategy which provides a greenprint for how we can protect, preserve and enjoy our local environment.

DIVERSITY At Hobsons Bay City Council diversity means accepting, respecting and valuing the differences between people in our organisation and our community. Diversity means celebrating the inherent qualities of all people regardless of their culture, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age, abilities, family status, religious beliefs, perspective, experience, or other ideologies. It is an understanding that each individual is unique and by embracing these differences we can only enhance the services provided to our community.

LEARNING AND DEVELOPMENT Council is committed to ensuring all of our employees have access to training and development programs that will support them in reaching their full potential. Council has a study leave and fee assistance program available for permanent employees who may wish to undertake further studies.

All employees are required to undertake any compulsory training courses as offered by Council. All Council Officers will also be required to show others how systems under their control operate.

OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH, WELFARE AND SAFETY Council and management are committed to the development, implementation and maintenance of policies and procedures that sustain a safe and healthy work environment.

Management recognises its duties and responsibilities under the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004, and accepts accountability of the management of OHS programs and the resolution of health and safety issues.

All staff shall accept that they have a duty of care to protect not only their own Health and Safety, but also that of their fellow employees, contractors, volunteers and the public. Staff are expected to participate with management in the continual improvement of workplace standards.

All staff will assist with injury management initiatives and cooperate with Return to Work programs within the workplace.

HUMAN RESOURCES POLICIES AND PROCEDURES Council has developed a comprehensive set of Human Resources Policies and Procedures, which are available on Council’s intranet. Staff members are expected to familiarise themselves with these policies and procedures, and to comply with the various provisions contained therein.

CHILD SAFETY Hobsons Bay City Council is a Child Safe Organisation. We recognise the safety of all children including Aboriginal children, culturally and/or linguistically diverse children and children with a disability.

All employees must maintain the highest standards of professional conduct in their behaviour, conduct and interactions with children and young people. Employees are required to adhere to the Victorian Child Safe Standards at all times. Any allegations or incidence of abuse will be treated very seriously and consistently with child protection legislation, regulations and guidelines.

CODE OF CONDUCT The Employee Code of Conduct outlines the minimum standards of behaviour and conduct which employees must comply with when carrying out their duties in association with Hobsons Bay City Council.

Excellence at Hobsons Bay means that Councillors and employees are:

 Respectful Treating everyone fairly and respecting different views

 Community driven and focused Delivering results that demonstrate that we understand community needs and put people first

 Trusted and reliable Work hard to be responsive and meet expectations; delivering on what we promise to achieve in the best interests of the community

 Efficient and responsible Engaged and taking pride in our work, wanting to continually review and improve in order to provide good value and cost efficient services

 Bold and innovative Proactive, adaptable, open to change and taking calculated risks, not afraid to try new things and learn from mistakes

 Accountable and transparent Making well-informed decisions based on best practice and evidence, which take into account what our community tells us

 Recognised As working for an employer of choice, with leadership that recognises and values the contributions, skills and the expertise of its workforce and inspires people to develop and do their best

CONDITIONS Conditions are in accordance with the current Hobsons Bay City Council Enterprise Agreement. A copy of the Hobsons Bay City Council Enterprise Agreement 2016 (EA) is available on Council’s intranet or on the Fair Work Commission web-site www.fwc.gov.au

SUPERANNUATION Unless an alternative accredited superannuation fund is nominated on commencement of employment, employees will be required to join the Vision Super scheme which is the default fund specified within the Hobsons Bay City Council Enterprise Agreement. Council will make the necessary employer contribution required under legislation (currently 9.5% of the ordinary salary.) Employee contributions are optional.

OVERTIME It is the preference of Council to allow time-in-lieu, at the appropriate rate, as provided for under clause 20.3 of the Hobsons Bay City Council Enterprise Agreement 2016.

LONG SERVICE LEAVE Long Service Leave entitlements are as prescribed by the Local Government Act, 1989 and the Local Government (Long Service Leave) Regulations 2012. Subject to the Regulations, three months leave with pay is granted after the completion of ten years’ service.

Long Service Leave entitlements for service with Local Government Authorities may be transferable on employment with this Council, subject to compliance with the relevant Acts and Regulations.

TERMINATION OF APPOINTMENT The period of notice by both Council and the employee depends on the number of years’ service the employee has completed with Council. Notification must be provided in writing.

The period of notice is as follows:

1 year or less 1 week

1 year and up to the completion of 3 years 2 weeks

3 years and up to the completion of 5 years 3 weeks

5 years and over 4 weeks

In addition, employees over 45 years of age at the time of the giving of notice with not less than two years continuous service, are entitled to an additional week's notice.

SMOKE FREE WORK PLACE Council has a “No smoking” policy in all the Council buildings. Smoking is also prohibited in Council vehicles.

PHYSICAL CAPACITY ASSESSMENT For ‘non administrative’ positions, applicants must undertake a physical capacity or medical examination as part of the assessment process. The outcome of the assessment may determine whether the applicant is employed in a specific role.

CRIMINAL RECORD CHECK A Criminal Records Police Check must be undertaken prior to employment for all persons who are the preferred applicants for positions where there is a direct contact with clients, including aged, disabled persons, juveniles, children and infants. An unsatisfactory assessment may result in the applicant not being appointed. An applicant who refuses to complete the appropriate forms will not be appointed.

WORKING WITH CHILDREN CHECK Hobsons Bay City Council requires staff working in child related positions or who have contact with children as part of their role to hold a current Working with Children Check Card and to provide the Council with proof of this. Any changes to the status of an employee’s Working with Children Check must be advised to Council immediately.

PRIVATE PRACTICE Council employees agree to avoid outside activities that are likely to affect either their work or someone else’s, or which could discredit the Council or be seen as a conflict of interest.

USE OF PRIVATE VEHICLES FOR COUNCIL RELATED ACTIVITIES Where an employee is authorised to use his/her own vehicle for work related activities, a mileage allowance is paid in accordance with the Council EA. Persons using their own vehicle for the Council related purposes are strongly encouraged to take out Motor Vehicle insurance cover and to inform their insurer of the work related nature of the vehicle usage.

PROBATIONARY APPOINTMENT In accordance with the provisions of the Fair Work Act and Regulations, a six month probationary period will apply.

PRIVACY OF PERSONAL INFORMATION AND HEALTH INFORMATION Council is strongly committed to protecting and preserving an individual’s right to privacy and to the responsible and fair handling of their personal, sensitive and health information. Council is committed to full compliance with its obligations under the Privacy and Data Protection Act 2014 and the Health Records Act 2001 as detailed in each of the Information Privacy Principles (IPP’s) and the Health Privacy Principles (HPP’s). Council has an endorsed Privacy Policy and provides all employees, including volunteers and contractors, with privacy awareness training session as part of their induction into the organisation. Existing staff members are required to attend a refresher session every three years.

RECORDKEEPING RESPONSIBILITIES Council is committed to good recordkeeping and requires all staff to routinely create and keep full and accurate records of their work-related activities, transactions and decisions, using authorised systems.

Council has a Records Management Policy that outlines more specifically roles and responsibilities.

RISK MANAGEMENT – ALL STAFF All staff have a responsibility to understand and observe the Risk Management Policy and related procedures in accordance with training and instruction given, and to report any risk to their immediate supervisor. Risks that affect Council may result from property damage, unethical or fraudulent behaviour or illness and injury to people.

EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT, RELIEF AND RECOVERY In accordance with the Emergency Management Act 1986, Council has the responsibility of participating in and undertaking emergency management, relief and recovery within Hobsons Bay in response to an emergency activity.

As an employee of Council, you may be required to participate in activities relating to the prevention of, the response to and the recovery from emergencies or exercises that could occur in or involve Hobsons Bay.