POSITION DETAILS

POSITION TITLE:Environmental Health Officer

POSITION #:0863

CLASSIFICATION:Band 6

TENURE:Temporary part-time for 18-months

UNIT:Environment and Planning

DEPARTMENT:Planning and Health Services

REPORTS TO:Environmental Health Coordinator

DATE APPROVED:December 2016

APPROVED BY:Manager Planning and Health Services

1.POSITION OBJECTIVES

  • To perform duties and responsibilities of an Authorised Officer under the provisions of the Food Act, Public Health and Wellbeing Act, Tobacco Act, Environment Protection Act and other regulations as required
  • To support and promote healthy communities and achieve regulatory compliance of environmental health activities within the Shire
  • To work cohesively as part of the Environmental Health team by operating in an efficient and consistent manner and providing support to staff to meet programs delivered by the Environmental Health team
  • To provide quality advice on all aspects of public health and assist in the development and on-going function of the Environmental Health team.

2.KEY RESPONSIBILITY AREAS

2.1 Food Safety

  • Conduct regular sampling of food products manufactured, prepared or sold in the municipality in accordance with Council’s Food Sampling policy to ensure compliance with statutory requirements
  • Inspect and provide advice as required for premises requiring registration under the Food Act 1984 and Public Health and Wellbeing Act 2008, ensuring compliance with all relevant statutory requirements
  • Contribute to the development of food safety policies and guidelines
  • Maintain relevant consultation mechanisms with Food Act proprietors regarding future needs and gaps in service provision.

2.2 Wastewater Management

  • Conduct site and progress inspections, provide advice and issue permits in relation to waste water treatment and disposal
  • Assist with the implementation and review of the Nillumbik Domestic Wastewater Strategy
  • Provide clear, specialist advice to Planning and Building Services on development approval applications.

2.3 Health Promotion and Education

  • Actively promote, develop and implement health education (including food safety) and waste water management programmes in the community.

2.4 Tobacco

  • Contribute to the implementation of the requirements of the Tobacco Act Funding Servicing Agreement, including Tobacco Act education visits and assisting with the Test Purchasing Program.

2.5 General

  • Ensure routine duties are completed to meet statutory requirements
  • Contribute to the development of the Public Health emergency management sub-plan
  • Under the direction of the Coordinator Environmental Health implement environmental health actions following an emergency event
  • Monitor water quality of food premises on tank water and public swimming pools and spas in accordance with Council’s Water Sampling policy to ensure compliance with statutory requirements
  • Investigate complaints made under the Food Act 1984, Public Health and Wellbeing Act 2008, Environment Protection Act 1970, Tobacco Act 1987 and any relevant Local Laws
  • Provide advice and assistance in relation to pediculosis
  • Make recommendations for the issuing of infringements or prosecution action under the Food Act 1984, Public Health and Wellbeing Act 2008, Environment Protection Act 1970, Tobacco Act 1987 and any relevant Local Laws
  • Assist and contribute to the on-going implementation/review of the Environmental Health Unit Plan.

3.ORGANISATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS

Reports to: Environmental Health Coordinator

Supervises/Manages:Nil

Internal contacts: Statutory Planning, Building Services, Regulatory Services, Sustainability and Environment and other Council officers as required.

External contacts: Yarra Valley Water, Environment Protection Authority, Drainers and Plumbers, Residents/Ratepayers, Real Estate Agents, other councils, Council’s Laboratory Analyst, other external agencies.

4.ORGANISATIONAL CONTEXT

The Planning and Health Services Unit plays an integral role in coordinating development within the Shire which accords with Council's planning and environmental policies. The Environmental Health Team plays a critical role in promoting, facilitating and maintaining public health within the Shire.

This position provides technical wastewater expertise in order for Council to carry out its statutory obligations in administering wastewater legislation and policy, as well as minimising adverse environmental impacts on non-sewered land within the Shire.

5.ORGANISATIONAL VALUES AND BEHAVIOURS

The way staff work together and provide services to the Nillumbik community is guided by a culture reflected in Nillumbik’s values and behaviours.

These values are:

-Do our best

-Support and cooperate

-Take responsibility

-Respect each other

-Foster energy and camaraderie.

In becoming part of Nillumbik Shire Council, all employees are expected to make a genuine commitment and contribution to the organisation’s values and behaviours.

6.ACCOUNTABILITY AND EXTENT OF AUTHORITY

  • Accountable to operate within clearly defined objectives and priorities as determined by the Environmental Health Coordinator to fulfil the key roles and responsibilities of this position, and observe Council protocols and policy in accordance with the position’s delegated powers from Council
  • Freedom to act within policy and legislative constraints
  • Within this position the officer is expected to work in a proactive manner without close supervision or guidance on routine activities, however can seek assistance from the Environmental Health Coordinator on unusual or sensitive issues
  • Ability to work with minimal supervision and be expected to use professional judgment in fulfilling the roles and activities of the position
  • Responsibility for undertaking and delivering projects within agreed briefs. The development and implementation of these projects are expected to be undertaken in a methodical, open and coordinated manner and delivered within agreed timeframes
  • In conjunction with the Environmental Health Coordinator, responsible for ensuring that Council is compliant with all relevant legislation and statutory requirements aligned to this role
  • Responsible for maintaining records accurately within the appropriate electronic system.

7.JUDGEMENT AND DECISION MAKING

  • Ability to interpret and apply legislation accurately, and provide quality and accurate information and advice to customers accordingly
  • Undertake investigative tasks and be able to identify problems and circumstances, identify key issues and solutions based on a clear and logical analysis
  • Ability to identify and implement innovative and practical solutions to issues arising from investigations and related processes
  • Ability to make decisions within the context of the established legislation, guidelines policies and protocols
  • In exercising judgement on the validity or otherwise of alleged contraventions, guidance is provided within the provisions of relevant Acts and regulations and with guidance set by Council policies and procedures
  • Apply problem skills and techniques from previous experience and solve a diverse range of issues.

8.SPECIALIST SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE

  • Well-developed understanding of the programs and responsibilities of Council’s Environmental Health team, and sound working knowledge of relevant Acts, regulations and standards of practice relating to public health and wellbeing, tobacco, environmental protection domestic wastewater management and food safety
  • Proven ability to apply theoretical and scientific principles, skills and knowledge in practice to solve problems
  • Proven ability to interpret and apply legislation
  • Highly developed ability to provide prompt, accurate and decisive information and advice in relation to a variety of environmental health issues to customers
  • Excellent investigative skills, and the ability to apply problem solving skills and implement effective solutions
  • Ability to interpret technical and architectural drawings
  • Well-developed computer literacy and keyboard skills and the ability to utilise application management and tracking computer software

9.MANAGEMENT SKILLS

  • Proven ability to manage time and set priorities of own work to achieve objectives in the most efficient way possible within the resources available and set timetable
  • Ability to assist in the analysis of processes and to contribute to the identification of improvements
  • Highly developed skills to effectively manage time, set priorities, plan and organise one’s own work so as to achieve specific and set objectives.
  • Highly developed organisational skills, ad the ability to manage projects within set timeframes
  • Demonstrated commitment to ongoing personal and professional development to maintain knowledge and skills relevant to the position.

10.INTERPERSONAL SKILLS

  • Ability to work effectively both independently and within a team environment to ensure that the objectives of Council are achieved
  • Strong commitment to work collaboratively and establish and maintain relationships with internal and external parties to deliver enhanced outcomes
  • Proven ability to verbally communicate effectively on a range of matters, including explanation of legislation and Council processes to a diverse range of customers
  • Demonstrated ability to effectively develop cooperation with a range of people in respect of matters relating to environmental health legislation and policy
  • Possess leadership skills, be self-motivated and demonstrate enthusiasm in the performance of duties
  • High level of verbal and written communication skills, the ability to develop accurate and concise correspondence, and an understanding of the concepts of conflict resolution
  • Proven ability to motivate and obtain cooperation from other people (both internal and external to the organisation) and be able to undertake investigation tasks and be able to solve issues through discussions and negotiations.

11.QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

  • A tertiary qualification in Environmental Health or similar discipline and eligibility to be a member of Environmental Health Professionals Australia
  • Previous demonstrated experience in a similar role focusing on food safety, environmental health surveillance, septic tank inspections and investigation to ensure legislative compliance
  • Proven experience in communicating effectively with members of the public, working effectively in teams, and possessing excellent written, verbal and listening communication skills
  • Substantial experience in a customer focussed work environment.

12.RISK MANAGEMENT

  • Be familiar with the application of Council’s Risk Management Policy and Strategy and accountable for adherence to the policy
  • Report identified hazards that may pose a risk to employees or the public, and/or may give rise to an insurance claim. Inspections should take into consideration the risk for safety, security, vandalism, burglary/theft and fire/arson
  • Ensure that all buildings/assets are maintained in accordance with defined standards such that safe operating conditions are maintained and required maintenance and repair works are promptly reported to the appropriate officer for rectification
  • Where required, respond in the event of a disaster as per assigned key duties andresponsibilities documented inCouncil's Emergency Management arrangements and Business Continuity Plan.

13.Occupational Health & Safety

  • Create, maintain and foster a safe work environment at all times
  • Ensure that staff follow safe work practices, procedures, instructions and rules at all times
  • Perform all duties in a manner that ensures personal health and safety, and that of others in the workplace and the general public
  • Regularly inspect the workplace and report all hazards or incidents that can cause harm or that represent a threat to public safety
  • Ensure compliance with the provisions of the Occupational Health and Safety Regulations at all times
  • Follow up on hazard corrective actions
  • Participate in the organisation’s SafetyMap implementation and accreditation
  • Ability to complete a majority of work while sitting at a desk and working on a computer
  • Conduct site inspections and traverse a wide range of physical and topographical landforms (residential to rural sites).

14.SELECTION CRITERIA

  • A tertiary qualification in Environmental Health or similar discipline and eligibility to be a member of Environmental Health Professionals Australia
  • Previous demonstrated experience in a similar role focusing on assessment, legislative compliance, enforcement and education programs relevant to environmental health (namely Food Act, Public Health and Wellbeing Act, Tobacco Act, Residential Tenancies Act, Environmental Protection Act and other related Acts and regulations)
  • Proven ability to undertake investigations and inspections, apply problem solving skills and the ability to implement effective solutions and take a course of action which reflects environmental health and safety principles and an understanding of long term effects
  • Demonstrated ability to work under pressure and be able to implement time management processes and task scheduling
  • Demonstrated commitment to providing excellent customer service, the ability to provide a professional service to a diverse range of clients, and to handle stressful situations in relation to disputes
  • Demonstrated ability in communicating effectively with members of the public, working effectively in teams, and possessing excellent written, verbal and listening communication skills
  • Proven ability and commitment to working as a member of a team to ensure that the objectives of Council are achieved
  • Demonstrated experience in project management, and proven ability to exercise initiative, work with and obtain the cooperation from key stakeholders and deliver projects
  • Current Victorian driver’s licence.

OTHER RELEVANT INFORMATION

  • This position requires a pre-employment medical check. This check will be organised by Nillumbik Shire Council as part of the recruitment process.
  • This position also requires a Working With Children Check. The successful applicant must provide a copy of their WWC Check Card to Nillumbik Shire Council prior to commencement for placement on their Personnel File.
  • The incumbent may be required to work on weekends and evenings dependent on the requirements of programs, projects and community consultations.

Further information

To obtain any additional information regarding this position, please contact Stephen Meloury, Environmental Health Coordinator on 9433 3303.

Application information

Applications addressing the key selection criteria for this position should be addressed to Jeremy Livingston, Manager Planning and Health Services, and marked Confidential Job Application with reference number #0863. Applications can be submitted online at 4pm Monday, 30 January 2017.

If you have any questions when submitting your application, please contact Organisational Development on (03) 9433 3253.

The successful applicant will be required to sign a copy of the Position Description to state that they have read and understood and agree to all requirements.

Nillumbik Shire Council is committed to equal employment opportunity. All individuals who apply for employment will be considered based on merit according to the skills, qualifications, and experience outlined in their application relevant to the work to be performed.

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0863 - ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH OFFICER – TEMPORARY PART-TIME (0.5 EFT) – JANUARY 2017