Turf Management Officer

At Darebin, diversity, equity, and inclusion are at the core of how we work. Our commitment to these values is unwavering, they are central to our mission, to our impact and to help us better serve our community. We know that having varied perspectives and lived experiences helps generate better ideas to enable a diverse, inclusive and connected community.

Darebin encourages applications from candidates of all backgrounds, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and people of colour. We value people of all abilities and diversity of culture, faith, gender identity and sexual orientation. We welcome unique contributions and perspectives of all people to ensure our workforce is representative of the communities we work with and live in.

About Darebin City Council
Located in Melbourne’s northern suburbs, Darebin City Council is home to one of the largest, most diverse communities in terms of culture, language, religion, socio-economic background, occupation, and housing needs. The city has one of the largest populations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander residents in metropolitan Melbourne. Our Vision is for a community that works together to advance community life.

About the Role
The Turf Management Officer is responsible for the maintaining and improving the park and garden areas at Darebin’s sporting precincts and assisting with sportsground and golf course maintenance as required.

This role has responsibility for community sports ground parks and garden areas and other turf areas, and assists in delivering Council objectives in a way that harnesses the cooperation of staff to drive service improvements constructively and foster a performance and safety-oriented culture.

The role has a strong commitment to partnering with traditional owners, community and stakeholders to enable the sustainability of the environment and urgency around addressing climate emergency and social justice.

This position will be initially located at the Reservoir Operations Centre but depending on the work requirements, the incumbent may be required to change their starting and finishing locations within the municipality.

• Operate sports ground, golf course and park maintenance equipment and carry out general sports ground maintenance duties
• Work collaboratively in a team environment and collaborate with other team leaders, staff, contractors and stakeholders. Communicate with key stakeholders to facilitate and support delivery of high-quality parks and sports turf areas
• Implement works plan objectives and contribute positively to workplace culture
• Assist delivery of departmental priorities and contribute to an inclusive workforce that drives Darebin’s values and enables strategic change
• Work in a safe and responsible manner in compliance with Council's Occupational Health and Safety policies and legislative requirements

Skills & Experience
• Knowledge and understanding of park and open space vegetation and Turf Management techniques
• Parks and garden / vegetation management experience (desirable)
• Experience operating turf and horticultural equipment
• Experience providing exemplary customer service to residents and dealing professionally with complaints

Culture
As a progressive team member in Local Government, Darebin City Council is passionate about social inclusion, sustainability, engagement and service excellence. We are proud of the diversity of our workforce and recognise the strength this provides in meeting the needs of the community we serve. We are committed to upholding a positive and supportive work environment that values the contribution of all employees and treats all employees with dignity and respect.

Benefits
We offer a range of benefits to our employees including opportunities for personal and professional development, flexible work practices, Employee Assistance Program, recognition and reward program - Appreciate Great and a variety of generous paid and unpaid leave options.

How to Apply
If this sounds like the right opportunity for you, please submit your application including a resume, and those who wish to address the Key Selection Criteria in the Position Description may do so in their cover letter.

We’re also happy to adjust our recruitment process to support your accessibility needs.

Contact Jesse Parlane, Team Leader Parks Turf Management on 0419 695 *** for a confidential discussion.

Applications close on 19th February 2024 at 12:00pm.

Darebin is committed to providing a safe working environment that embraces and values child safety, and thorough ‘Safety Screening’ processes apply.

To work at Darebin City Council, you will be required to supply proof of work rights, a Victorian Employee Working with Children Check and comply with Child Safety standards. All employees are required to undertake an Australian Criminal History Check and may be required to complete a Functional Health Assessment.

Council requires all employees to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as outlined in the Staff Covid-19 Vaccination Policy.