Senior Transport Safety Investigator

Company description:

About Us
The Department of Transport and Planning oversees key planning, transport and land use policy decisions and management across the State. A life-cycle approach to planning, building, connecting and sustaining communities means our people can come together to; improve services, deliver sustainable projects, focus on customer engagement, streamline regulatory approval pathways, facilitate community consultation and better realise local economic opportunities for more liveable communities across Victoria.

We're focused on outcomes that deliver more choice, connections and confidence in our travel, ensuring the whole transport network works as one to deliver better services and outcomes.

The department is committed to building a culture where we say 'yes' to flexible work arrangements, provide personal and professional development programs and support ways of working that help employees balance work and life.

Office of the Chief Investigator (OCI)

OCI is the operational office of the Chief Investigator Transport Safety (Chief Investigator), an independent statutory position established under the Transport Integration Act 2010 (Vic). The principal function of the Chief Investigator is to investigate Transport Safety matters and report the results to the relevant Ministers. The primary focus of investigations is to determine what factors caused the incident, rather than apportion blame, and to identify issues that may require review.

Investigations are conducted into rail, marine and bus safety matters. Depending on the mode, an investigation may be conducted under either Victorian or Commonwealth legislation. Investigations using Commonwealth powers are conducted under a collaboration agreement with the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB).

Job description:

About the Role

A Senior Transport Safety Investigator at OCI leverages their extensive knowledge and industry experience to support impactful safety investigations. Given OCI's small team, this senior role involves contributing to most investigations and taking a leading role in several.

The position requires a blend of project management, evidence collection, analysis and synthesis, and complementary research skills. It also demands exceptional written and verbal communication abilities, both within OCI and with external stakeholders. Preparing accurate reports for a diverse readership is a critical part of the role.

We seek an individual with qualifications and experience in heavy rail to enhance OCI's capability and capacity in this area. The role also requires adaptability and offers the opportunity to work across other surface transport modes and areas outside the appointee's core discipline.

To access thePosition Description, please click here'.

Position Outcomes / Accountabilities

• Investigations - Conducts rigorous Transport Safety investigations that result in significant safety outcomes. Collaborates with team members in undertaking investigation tasks within specified timeframes. Monitors progress against plans and takes corrective action when required.
• Investigation reports - Prepares well-written, factually accurate investigation reports for peer and management review. Collaborates in the finalisation of OCI reports.

• Stakeholder engagement - Manages stakeholder relationships in a professional manner that enhances the reputation of the Office of the Chief Investigator.
• Evidence collection - Effectively uses statutory provisions to obtain physical and documentary evidence. Uses advanced cognitive interview techniques.
• Research - Uses authoritative research to inform investigations.
• Evaluation and analysis - Analyses and synthesises evidence using established methodologies to identify contributing safety factors and other factors that increase safety risk.
• Briefings and presentations - Provides regular and accurate briefings to the Chief Investigator, the Director Investigations and team members on investigation activities. Presents investigation findings and safety issues to external agencies when required.

Key Selection Criteria - Summary

The ideal candidate for the Senior Transport Safety Investigator role at OCI requires technical knowledge as detailed in the qualifications and experience section. They will excel in strategic planning to align daily work processes with organisational goals, set objectives, and guide the team. Their project delivery skills will enable them to define tasks, coordinate activities, and monitor progress, making necessary adjustments. Understanding the political and organisational context is crucial, ensuring actions align with values, ethics, and legal obligations. The ideal candidate will demonstrate critical thinking and problem-solving abilities, using guidelines or analysing information to resolve issues. Strong interpersonal skills and impactful communication are essential for understanding others' concerns, presenting information clearly, and achieving the best outcomes for individuals and the organisation.

Personal Attributes

The ideal candidate for the Senior Transport Safety Investigator role at OCI will demonstrate resilience by providing honest feedback, constructively responding to criticism, and confidently communicating opinions. They will be flexible and adaptable, accepting changing priorities and working well with external teams. Collaborative skills are essential, fostering a supportive team environment and engaging others to share information and tackle challenges together.

Qualifications and Experience

Mandatory

• Experience in the heavy rail industry.

Desirable

• Tertiary qualifications (or equivalent) and applied experience in an engineering or operational discipline relevant to heavy rail transport.
• Relevant experience in safety investigation.

What we offer

• Meaningful work making Victorian communities more accessible and liveable
• Professional growth and development opportunities across the department and the wider Victorian Public Services
• A hybrid working model focused on collaboration and teamwork
• Optimal work-life balance initiatives including flexible working arrangements
• Opportunity to work across multiple urban and suburban hubs
• We prioritise the development of a safe and inclusive culture

Culture Value

We are an equal opportunity employer, embracing a diverse range of applicants such as veterans, and people who identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander, LGBTQIA community members, individuals with disabilities and/or health conditions, as well as those from varied faith and cultural backgrounds. At our department, we prioritise the development of a safe, inclusive, and high-performance culture through shared actions and behaviours that align with our strategy and direction. This empowers our employees to effectively contribute to our goals.

How to Apply

DTP Employees or DTP Affiliates with VicGov People Login

To apply, click here to log in and start the application process.

Non-DTP Employees (Including VPS outside of DTP)

Create an account by clicking the ‘Apply' button and follow the prompts. For help, click here for Quick Reference Guide.

Applications close at 11:59 PM on Thursday, 4th July 2024.

Please include a resume and cover letter.

All applications must be submitted through the online portal. We're unable to consider email or manual applications.

For more information, contact Sri Ranasingha - Director Investigations via **************@chiefinvestigator.vic.gov.au.