Senior Safety Officer

An exciting opportunity has become available for a Senior Safety Officer to join the People and Strategy Department of Forbes Shire Council. 

Reporting directly to the Manager of People and Strategy, the aim on this position is to provide both operational and strategic management of WHS at Council to ensure our community, our staff, our stakeholders (including volunteers and contractors), and our operations are safe, efficient and embedded. In partnership with Manager People and Strategy, WHS Projects Officer and Return to Work (RTW) coordinator, this role will be accountable for WHS compliance, risk management support to the business and proactive WHS initiatives ensuring Council remains informed of changes in legislation and best practice applications in the WHS & Risk Management areas and implementing these in accordance with policy. This role will lead the management and co-ordination of all WHS activities, and a large portion of this role will be on site with our crews and contractors conducting audits, improvement coaching and risk management.

Working both independently and as part of a safety team, you will work to achieve timely and appropriate outcomes on an exciting range of projects.

Essential

• Formal tertiary qualifications in WHS / Safety Management or a related HSE oriented field (i.e. Cert IV WHS);
• Cert IV Training and Assessment (or ability to undertake immediately);
• At least 3 years post study employment experience in a WHS role in either Civil Construction, Mining or a related heavy industry field;
• At least 5 years of safety audit and improvement practice experience (on worksites);
• Comprehensive knowledge of the Workplace Health and Safety Act, Regulations and Codes of Practice;
• Sound knowledge of risk management principles and related practices and procedures;
• Demonstrated experience in implementing health and safety management systems, and providing advice to managers and staff with regard to best practice WHS matters;
• Strong knowledge of environmental regulation and compliance;
• Possess a working understanding of project and change management principles and implementation of large scale WHS change initiatives.

Experience

• Experience working with ISO Accredited organisations (AS4801 / AS9001 / AS14001) (desirable);
• WHS Online system design, development and management – desktop; app and mobile optimised systems preferable;
• Demonstrated high level written and oral communication skills, specifically in policy development and training;
• Audit qualifications in WHS and QA an advantage and experience dealing with government regulatory bodies (e.g. SafeWork; Insurers; Mine Regulator);
• Demonstrated project management skills including the capacity to work to deadlines and set priorities;
• Demonstrated experience and understanding of Chain of Responsibility compliance on the Local Government environment (desirable);
• Demonstrated ability to work and contribute as part of a team and the demonstrated ability to build strong partnerships with all levels of staff and the business in the WHS area.

Authority and Accountability

• Worker level responsibilities in regards to WHS legislation;
• Financial delegation as per Council’s delegation register

MORE ABOUT THE COMMUNITY 

Forbes is a vibrant town nestled on the Lachlan River and has the amazing Lake Forbes running through the centre of town.

In a sought-after location, Forbes offers ease of access to Sydney via a 1-hour flight or a 3-hour drive to Canberra. We are also located halfway between the busy cities of Melbourne and Brisbane right on the Newell Highway boasting the benefits of country living with young families and couples who may want to work in Mining or construction as well as a thriving agricultural base. 

Forbes Council is a hive of activity, especially in regards to the operational delivery of projects to the community and the diversity within the workforce. With an Organisational Structure with close to 150 identified positions, roles range from Masters and Degree qualified professionals (Engineers, Surveyors, Planners and Accountants) to experienced labourers, trainees, trade qualified operators and a diverse range of officers in administration, Strategy, environment, economic development and community. Council offers flexible work arrangement, study support and a wide exposure to the legislative operations of Local Government through to community engagement and delivery.

With a $50 million capitol works budget for the delivery of infrastructure and capital projects, Council is currently undertaking exciting projects such as the Goldridge Estate, subdivision development, Central West Industrial Park, Lake Forbes Activation Strategy, CBD redevelopment Projects, major works in regards to the Water and Sewer networks, our state-of-the art Central West Livestock Exchange and a range of other exciting projects. Forbes Shire Council is also currently delivering major projects in the People and Technology space including Leadership Development programs, online management software and enterprise wide system upgrades - in the aim of being future ready for the dynamic and changing pace of Local Government.

Our future plans are related to the IP&R framework in Local Government and our emphasis is in the areas of preservation, growth and development in Infrastructure and asset management, governance and leadership, community development and environment and heritage. We have ambitious goals set out in our Community Strategic Plan – paving the way for an ever changing and growing Forbes Shire, and Central West hub into the future. Forbes Council values vibrancy and energy, community partnerships, high quality delivery and the safest operations for our staff and the community. Come and be a part of our team!

PRIVACY

Forbes Shire Council, as part of the recruitment process will be collecting information about you. This information will be kept confidential and will only be accessible to the HR team and members of the interview panel. 

SELECTION PROCESS  

It is important that your application is completed by the closing date, the panel review committee are not obliged to accept late applications. All applications will be acknowledged.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

Council aims to ensure fair, equitable and non-discriminatory consideration for all applicants, regardless of sex, ethnic or racial origin, or physical disability. 

Forbes Shire Council's selection process stages are outlined below:

• Shortlisting - The selection panel (usually 3 members) will assess all applications against the selection criteria contained in the position description. The panel will then decide which applicants best meet the criteria and will call for interview.
• Interview - You will be given at least 2-days notice if you are required for an interview. The interview panel will consist of either 3 or 4 members, one of which will be the HR Facilitator, who will work with the panel to recommend the most suitable person for the position.
• Reference checks and other checks - Referee checks will be carried out on the recommended applicant/s. Positions that have been identified as child-related, will be required to undergo a Working with Children Check through the Office of Children's Guardian NSW
• Pre-employment Functional Assessment - The preferred applicant will be required to undergo a pre-employment functional assessment at Council’s expense. This will include a Functional Assessment, urine Drug and Alcohol Testing and a hearing screen
• Notification of the result - The successful applicant will be verbally notified as soon as possible after the interview and will receive a written letter of offer via email and in the post. Unsuccessful applicants will be notified by email once the offer of employment has been accepted and Council has been formally notified of the acceptance.

Applications for this position close on Sunday 14 April 2024