Senior Officer Wellbeing and Safety

• A varied and challenging role to provide proactive support on WHS matters to the organisation
• Competitive annual salary commencing at $90,446.20 plus superannuation.
• Great range of additional benefits, including health & wellness programs, salary sacrifice options, salary packaging arrangements and a fortnightly RDO.

About the Region

Gympie is at the heart of a rapidly expanding region which stretches from rural valleys in our western reaches to the Cooloola Coast, gateway to spectacular Fraser Island. Bordering Noosa and Fraser Coast Local Government areas, we are uniquely positioned to grow whilst still retaining our country charm.  Our borders with North and South Burnett, and the Somerset Local Government areas link with our rural lifestyle, where you can enjoy our picturesque smaller townships, or our abundant local history.  Our local festivals such as the Gympie Music Muster are renowned both nationally and internationally. 

For someone seeking a high quality of life, with pristine natural areas and spectacular beaches, all within reach of Noosa, the Sunshine Coast and Brisbane, we are offering this unique opportunity.

Senior Officer Wellbeing and Safety

Remuneration: Annual salary commencing at $90,446.20 plus superannuation

Closing Date: Sunday 7th January 2024 at 11.00pm AEST

Only applications received via Council's online application system will be considered. Unsolicited applications from agencies will not be considered. 

Role Overview

Gympie Regional Council currently has an exciting opportunity for a skilled and experienced professional to join our Wellbeing and Safety team on a permanent, full-time basis as our Senior Officer Wellbeing and Safety.

This position is required to provide proactive support on workplace health and safety (WHS) matters in alignment with legislative requirements and the expectations of Council, as well as to assist in the development of a workplace culture that recognizes the importance of work health and safety and continuous improvement.

The successful candidate would be responsible for establishing and maintaining strong, positive working relationships with managers, supervisors and staff across the organisation as well as ensuring that all parties understand their work health and safety duties and responsibilities. Other key responsibilities for the position would include (but are not limited to):

• Empower and enable others to comply with their duties and responsibilities as described by the legislation and Australian Standards relating to Work Health and Safety, Electrical Safety, Building Fire Safety, Workers Compensation and Rehabilitation supported by Council’s WHS Management System.
• Build effective working relationships based on professional, regular, effective communication, consultation and understanding of the customer needs and expectations.
• Develop, review and implement the WHS Management System – including all policies, procedures, forms, and other documents.
• Maintain the WHS Action Register to ensure that all of Council are able to demonstrate their Duties under the WHS Act.
• Conduct WHS audit(s) in compliance with current regulations and Local Government Workcare’s Mutual Risk Obligations Program.
• Provide expert support in relation to management of WHS systems including for work health and safety, hazardous chemicals, fire safety, and electrical safety.
• Conduct site inductions as required.
• Conduct incident investigations which are complex including providing reports that includes root cause analysis and provide control options.
• Support the management of the workers compensation portfolio for all work-related injury claims.
• Develop and maintain relationships with a range of external bodies including LGW, state government safety agencies, professional networks and other local government authorities.
• Such other relevant duties as required from time to time which would generally fall within scope of this position.

What we are looking for

To be successful in this position, the successful candidate should have:

• Demonstrated experience with involvement in projects/initiatives within Wellbeing and Safety in a mid-sized organisation.
• Demonstrated ability to build strong positive relationships with internal customers and stakeholders as well as external organisations.
• Highly developed knowledge of and ability to interpret WHS legislation, policies and procedures in the workplace.
• Strong communication, negotiation and interpersonal skills
• Demonstrated ability in root cause analysis principles in the investigation of work-related incidents and events.
• Well-developed computer skills, including specific WHS systems.
• Well-developed time management skills, including the ability to adapt to changing priorities and work under pressure.
• Fire Safety and emergency plans development experience

Although not mandatory for the position, it would be advantageous for candidates to have the ability to effectively delivery training programs.

Candidates should also hold the following mandatory licence/competencies:

• Certificate IV in Occupational Health and Safety, as a minimum.
• Formal training in incident investigation and/or a minimum of 5 years’ experience.
• Formal training and experience as a Rehabilitation and Return to Work Coordinator.
• WHS Management System Auditing experience.
• Queensland ‘C’ Class driver’s licence that is current and maintained.
• Queensland General Construction Induction Card also known as “White card”.

Position Description

For a full position description containing essential and desirable criteria, please click here. 

Who to Contact

For information regarding the requirements of this role, please contact Council's Coordinator Wellbeing and Safety, Nathan (Will) Williams on 07 5481 0888 or email nathan.williams@gympie.qld.gov.au

For assistance lodging your application using Council's online system, please contact Council's Officer Recruitment, Sue Rossi on 5481 0971 or email sue.rossi@gympie.qld.gov.au

What we offer?

• Nine-day fortnight
• Access to employee health and well-being programs
• Fitness Passport: work out at over 25 local gyms for you and your family at a subsidised rate.
• Long service leave after seven years
• Generous superannuation scheme of up to 13 per cent
• Access to salary sacrificing and salary packaging arrangements.
• Employee assistance program offering free confidential counselling services for employees and their families.

Our Values

• Accountability
• Communication
• Customer Service Focused
• Integrity
• Teamwork and Collaboration

For a full explanation of our values please click here.  You will be assessed on your understanding of these values and how you have applied values such as these in your previous employment.

Our Process

Successful applicants will be required to undertake various checks such as skills, qualifications, reference, medical and national police.

Keen to apply

Keen to apply? Simply follow the instructions below:

1) Download and review the position description above
2) Complete the information below, as requested (please use an individualised email address as using another person's may effect your application, if you do not have one please follow this link to create a Gmail account)
3) Click 'APPLY'
4) Attach your resume, covering letter and a single document containing copies of your qualifications, licences or tickets as applicable.
5) Click 'NEXT' and 'CONFIRM'

Please note before continuing: It is advisable that you prepare your responses in a separate word or text document, saving your work as you go and that you then copy and paste this prepared information in the form before completing the application process. Please keep your responses to a maximum 300 words for each question.

Applications close on Sunday 7th January 2024 at 11.00pm AEST. No late applications will be accepted. Only applications received via Council's online application system will be considered.