technical services manager - oberon council · preferred technical services manager will bring to...

INFORMATION PACKAGE

TECHNICAL SERVICES MANAGER

OBERON COUNCIL

November 2017

Information Package: Technical Services Manager – Oberon Council

2

Table of Contents

1 Background information Page 3

2 The Position and its Challenges Page 4

3 Selection Criteria and Minimum Position Requirements Page 6

4 Salary Package Page 7

5 The Recruitment Process Page 7

6 How to apply for the position Page 8

7 Further information Page 8

Appendix I — Advertisement Page 9

Appendix II — Position description and requirements Page 10


3

1 Background Information

Oberon Council – An Overview

Oberon Council was first formed at a public meeting in March 1906. More and more services have gradually been provided over the years and now include recreation and cultural services, visitor information services, building, planning, development and environmental services, as well as the standard

water, roads and waste services. The Oberon Council LGA covers approximately 3,659 square kilometres.

Oberon is not your average small rural country town. Oberon has grown to an estimated resident shire population of 5,200, of whom around 2,700 live in the town.

Oberon has one of the lowest unemployment rates in the state and shows a healthy rate of growth and activity in economic, cultural, social and recreational development.

Oberon and surrounds

At 1,113 metres, Oberon is the highest town in the Blue Mountains enjoying four distinct seasons including perfect summers and intermittent snow falls in winter. We are a friendly, caring rural community with a thriving economy. Our main industries are timber, tourism and innovative farming providing a stable employment base for the town. Oberon's country lifestyle - clean air, sparse traffic, crisp alpine climate, friendly people, sense of community, safe environment and some the most spectacular scenery in NSW makes it a great place to live and work. The LGA is made up of the main township and the villages of Burraga, Black Springs and O’Connell. At the heart of the Tablelands Way, we are fortunate enough to have Jenolan Caves, Kanangra Boyd National Park and the stunning Mayfield Gardens. Oberon Council has a very bright future, is financially in a sound position and has comprehensive operational and delivery plans in place for 2017, with a future focus on Economic Development and Tourism as well as Regional Inclusion. Forestry and its associated subsidiaries play a major role in underpinning our economy and Oberon boasts the largest timber manufacturing business in NSW which itself is undergoing major expansion. Oberon boasts a dedicated team of Councillors supported by cohesive staff, with a traditional structure of a General Manager and three Directors all committed to the interests of the Oberon Community and operating a functional Council delivering a high level of service to its residents.


4

Oberon's natural beauty, altitude and climate, as well as the proximity to the world heritage listed Jenolan Caves and greater Blue Mountains national parks system also contribute to the continuing growth of the area.

Oberon Council recognises the importance of supporting the community by facilitating the maintenance of this rate of growth wherever possible.

Circle of Villages

There are a number of villages located in the Oberon area including Black Springs, O'Connell and Burraga.

2 The Position and its Challenges

Organisational Challenges

The Technical Services Manager works closely and cooperatively with the Technical Services Director as well as all other team members to plan, deliver, monitor and review a broad range of activities and services. The Technical Services Manager encourages, inspires and leads innovation and creativity in the services and activities provided to the Community. Key challenges facing this role are:

Engagement with key stakeholders

Creating a customer aware service environment

Championing the role of the department within the overall Council structure

Managing increasing community expectations

Oberon has a staff group of 85 full time equivalents. This role reports directly to the Technical Services Director.

TECHNICAL SERVICES DIRECTOR

Technical Services Manager


5

THE PERSON

The Technical Services Manager Position Description is outlined in Appendix II. At the same time, the Interview Panel has identified the type of person sought for the position. As an overview, we expect you will have a proven track record of excellent Community Services experience, desirably in local government and a passionate commitment to providing quality services to our Community. The specific skills we expect from our new Technical Services Manager include:

Interpersonal skills – to present a positive and professional face for the organisation.

Communication skills – general staff, external service providers and senior staff members of Council.

Team building skills – to help build and maintain teamwork at all levels – particularly within the Works Department, and with staff teams across the organisation.

Creative thinking skills – a strategic focus – a vision for the future of Works within the organisation and the greater Community.

Political “nous” – to be able to see issues before they emerge and guide the Technical Services Director to resolve those issues.

Networking and partnership skills – to get out, work with and be part of the community; with regional and business partners – government, etc.

Advocacy and influencing skills – to be able to network with, develop partnerships and gain the support of State and Federal Governments for support to the organisation.

We also seek a person with:

Tertiary qualifications/s in management or leadership or equivalent;

Previous experience in a similar role;

High level oral and written communication skills;

Demonstrated commitment to EEO, WHS and cultural diversity principles;

Current class C drivers licence. The personal style and attributes you will bring to the role of Technical Services Manager include:

To be able to see things as they are and deal with them – a very practical approach;

An ability to give fearless advice to the Technical Services Director – in a collaborative way;

An ability through personal style and commitment to lead the development of a positive workplace culture;

An open and inclusive style;

An understanding of, and commitment to, sustainability in all its forms – internal organisation sustainability and external environmental and lifestyle sustainability;

A person who commands a presence and can confidently deal with adversity;

A person with honesty and integrity.


6

3 Selection Criteria and Minimum Position requirements

In order to be considered for this position applicants must demonstrate knowledge, understanding and experience across the following essential criteria. In addition, judgements will be made on all applicants in respect of the matters raised in Section 2.

Essential Qualifications/Experience: 1. Tertiary qualifications in Engineering or Civil Construction and a minimum of 5 years relevant

experience, preferably in a Local Government context. Management & Communication: 1. Demonstrated experience and expertise in the management of a diverse maintenance and

construction organisation engaged in civil or related works using a mix of day labour and contractors.

2. Demonstrated leadership skills and commitment to people management practices including the ability to provide the Works Section with clear objectives, inspire a positive attitude to work and to succeed and steer others towards successful goal and task accomplishment.

3. Demonstrated competence in managing priorities to meet business planning, program and statutory requirements and the expertise to resolve complex operational program and service delivery issues.

4. Demonstrated highly developed oral, written and interpersonal communication skills, together with advanced negotiation and influencing skills. The ability to create consensus and resolve disputes.

5. Demonstrated ability to lead and supervise teams, undertake formal performance management and manage employee relations in conjunction with the HR Coordinator.

Financial Management: 1. Demonstrated strong financial management skills including effective cost control of work

programs and projects, as well as solid understanding of funding sources and the ability to seek out new funding opportunities.

2. Demonstrated ability to contribute to and manage budgets, grants, tenders and tender evaluations.

Roads: 1. Demonstrated knowledge of road construction and maintenance, material technology and

properties; and bridge construction and maintenance as well as traffic management, traffic control, emergency management.

Projects: 1. Demonstrate working knowledge of Project, Contract, Vehicle and Plant Fleet (including plant

capabilities) Management. Current Class C drivers licence.


7

Desirable 1. Post Graduate qualifications/studies in Management and/or Leadership 2. Demonstrated capacity for strategic thinking with highly developed conceptual and analytical

skills, including the ability to identify emerging issues, trends, risks and impacts within the context of a political environment.

3. Experience in the development of contract and tender documents 4. Demonstrated experience in Local Government 5. Demonstrated experience/understanding of Roads and Maritime Services Road Maintenance

Contracts and ability to work effectively with Roads and Maritime Services 6. Eligibility for membership of a Professional Engineers Association

4 Salary Package

We will negotiate an Award based offer commensurate with the skills, abilities and experience the preferred Technical Services Manager will bring to the role.

The salary on offer for the successful candidate is in the range of $1,926.92 to $2,235.23 per week, dependant upon skills and experience. Superannuation of 9.5% is in addition to this.

Additional devices (ie mobile phone) required to undertake the role will be provided to the successful candidate.

Private leaseback of a Council owned vehicle is also available.

5 The Recruitment Process

Recruitment of the Technical Services Manager will be undertaken by an interview panel of Oberon Council employees.

Short Listing and Interviews

A shortlist of candidates for interview will be recommended to Council after applications close. Interviews will be conducted in Oberon with the Interview Panel in December 2017.

Reference checks will be carried out for shortlisted candidates prior to interview with the Interview Panel and you will need to nominate referees in your application or after being notified of being chosen for interview.

Please ensure that the nominated referees are willing and able to complete the Referee Report. It is your responsibility to ensure that the contact details are current.


8

6 How to apply for the position

We invite you to submit your application by 1 December 2017 comprising:

A Curriculum Vitae providing experience, qualifications, skills, achievements and ambitions.

The Application ensuring:

o A detailed response is given to the Selection Criteria – see page 6/7

▪ When addressing the Criteria, it is essential you give an illustration of how you meet the criteria – it is not sufficient to merely indicate what you have done – we are more interested in “how” you have demonstrated these requirements.

▪ Note: As a guide, we need no more than one page on each.

o Academic qualifications are outlined, detailing the precise award, where obtained and on what date.

An indication of any legal, qualification or police issues we need to be aware of from your past (we do a complete academic qualification, bankruptcy and police check prior to appointment)

Your Application MUST be lodged in its entirety to the General Manager at:

[email protected]

7 Further Information

For further information on Oberon, visit these websites: http://www.oberon.nsw.gov.au

https://www.facebook.com/OberonVisitorInformationCentre/?ref=hl

http://www.oberonaustralia.com.au/living-working-in-oberon/

For any further information regarding the position, please contact:

Anne Eastwell Human Resources Coordinator 6329 8100 [email protected]


9

Appendix I — Advertisement

Technical Services Manager This role oversees all activities carried out by the outdoor Works team. You will be responsible for ensuring operational plans are delivered on time and on budget. You will provide the direction and focus for your teams working across a broad spectrum of key services including works, engineering services, major projects, plant and depot. A tertiary qualified person with extensive experience in a similar role, you will possess a natural leadership style with the ability to get the best out of your team. Excellent financial acumen and analytical problem solving skills are also essential to this role. Candidates must address the Selection Criteria outlined in the Information Package. This package is available by emailing [email protected]. Applications close 5pm, Friday 1 December 2017.


10

Appendix II — Position description

Please note: To be considered for this role you must be an Australian citizen or a permanent resident without visa restrictions.

TECHNICAL SERVICES MANAGER POSITION NUMBER – 4002

POSITION OBJECTIVES – Purpose of Position As a member of the Engineering Department provide management of the Works Section, including Water & Sewer, to attain operational and strategic objectives within the framework of a prescribed budget.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS This role reports to the Technical Services Director – 4001 The following positions report to the Technical Services Manager– 4002 Works Overseer – 5001 Overseer Assistant – 5005 Water/Sewer Officer in Charge – 4011 Water/Sewer Operator – 4012 Water/Sewer Gangers - 5058

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT This position is subject to the Local Government (State) Award 2017. This is a permanent full-time position HOURS OF WORK 35 hrs each week Monday to Friday – 9 day fortnight Working Hours are 8:15am to 4:30pm with a 30 minute unpaid meal break THE POSITION IS CLASSIFIED IN OUR SALARY SYSTEM AS GRADE 22 COUNCIL PROVIDED EQUIPMENT Private Leaseback of a Council owned vehicle Mobile phone

DELEGATION OF AUTHORITY This position has a Delegation of Authority.

POSITION DESCRIPTION


11

DUTIES Management:

Manage and control the delivery of services of the Works section in line with the approved Delivery Plan and in accordance with adopted standards, regulations, policies and procedures.

Lead by example, supervise, direct and manage staff through implementation of Council Policies and human resource management systems, such as recruitment and performance assessment.

Identifying and implementing opportunities for continuous improvement

Develop and maintain a professional working relationship with stakeholders including relevant State and Federal Government Agencies and Regional Alliances.

Strategic Planning:

Develop, manage implement and communicate Councils annual operations program for roads, bridges, water supply, sewerage maintenance and capital construction and other engineering projects, including Parks and Gardens.

Participate in the development of Council’s strategic direction through involvement in Divisional Meetings and various Committees and Sub-Committees.

Financials:

Prepare detailed costings of maintenance and capital works for budget consideration in conjunction with the Works & Engineering Director.

Monitor financial budgets, expenditure and cost control systems. Roads:

Liaise with RMS with respect to funding opportunities, grants and key issues for the Oberon LGA.

Oversee operational, maintenance and capital roads programme. Water/Sewer:

Oversee operational, maintenance and capital replacement of Councils water and sewer reticulation.

Asset Information:

Provide completed work detail to Asset & Infrastructure Engineer to maintain detailed Asset Management Plans for roads, bridges, parks, cemeteries, water and sewer reticulation as part of the Technical Services section, including strong collaboration with finance.

Prepare complex and detailed reports, technical reports, proposals and submissions to senior management and Council.

WHS:

Ensure and promote safe work practices in accordance with legislation and Council requirements.

Lead Council in working towards best practices in Work Health & Safety and Risk Management.

Ensure quality Project Management Plans, environmental and WHS requirements are satisfied on contract work.

Other duties as required by the Technical Services Director.


12

KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS Management:

Managing and developing staff through implementation of Council Human Resource Management Systems. Establishing and maintaining clear and effective communication with internal staff and Council, Government Agencies and external customers.

Ensuring Councils Works Section is competent, responsive and productive, providing excellent customer service and delivering high quality work in allocated timeframes.

Ensuring Legislative, statutory and Council Policy compliance and monitoring section activities to ensure that they are accomplished as planned.

Ensuring a culture of innovation exists within the works section, where staff are encouraged to critically assess new processes and systems and seek out new opportunities in line with Councils overall strategic directions.

Ensuring effective financial management of all aspects of the Works section. Strategic Planning & Projects:

Assist the Technical Services Director in implementation of the Councils Annual Delivery Program of works projects, comprising the operational areas of roads, footpaths, cycleways, stormwater drainage, kerb and gutter, concrete works, traffic facilities, sewer and water reticulation works and gravel quarries.

Assist in developing, maintaining and implementing long term strategic Asset Management Plans to provide input into Councils Corporate Strategic Planning process. E.g.Primarily Roads & Bridges.

WHS:

In conjunction with the WHS/Risk Management Coordinator develop, implement and review current work practices and systems to promote Works Health & Safety and best practice in the Works area. Taking all practical measures to ensure that any workplace under their control is safe and without risk to health as far as reasonably practical.

KEY SELECTION CRITERIA Essential Qualifications/Experience: 2. Tertiary qualifications in Engineering or Civil Construction and a minimum of 5 years relevant

experience, preferably in a Local Government context. Management & Communication: 1. Demonstrated experience and expertise in the management of a diverse maintenance and

construction organisation engaged in civil or related works using a mix of day labour and contractors.

2. Demonstrated leadership skills and commitment to people management practices including the ability to provide the Works Section with clear objectives, inspire a positive attitude to work and to succeed and steer others towards successful goal and task accomplishment.

3. Demonstrated competence in managing priorities to meet business planning, program and statutory requirements and the expertise to resolve complex operational program and service delivery issues.

4. Demonstrated highly developed oral, written and interpersonal communication skills, together with advanced negotiation and influencing skills. The ability to create consensus and resolve disputes.

5. Demonstrated ability to lead and supervise teams, undertake formal performance management and manage employee relations in conjunction with the HR Coordinator.

Financial Management:


13

3. Demonstrated strong financial management skills including effective cost control of work programs and projects, as well as solid understanding of funding sources and the ability to seek out new funding opportunities.

4. Demonstrated ability to contribute to and manage budgets, grants, tenders and tender evaluations.

Roads: 1. Demonstrated knowledge of road construction and maintenance, material technology and

properties; and bridge construction and maintenance as well as traffic management, traffic control, emergency management.

Projects: 1. Demonstrate working knowledge of Project, Contract, Vehicle and Plant Fleet (including plant

capabilities) Management. Current Class C drivers licence. Desirable 7. Post Graduate qualifications/studies in Management and/or Leadership 8. Demonstrated capacity for strategic thinking with highly developed conceptual and analytical

skills, including the ability to identify emerging issues, trends, risks and impacts within the context of a political environment.

9. Experience in the development of contract and tender documents 10. Demonstrated experience in Local Government 11. Demonstrated experience/understanding of Roads and Maritime Services Road Maintenance

Contracts and ability to work effectively with Roads and Maritime Services 12. Eligibility for membership of a Professional Engineers Association

technical services manager - oberon council · preferred technical services manager will bring to...

Documents