Position Description
Labourer – Parks and Gardens
Position Code Numerous
Classification/Grade/Band Local Government (State) Award 2023
Grade 2 Band 1 Level 1
Reports to Parks and Gardens Leading Hand
Location Warialda & Bingara
Content Manager Reference
Direct Reports Nil
Budget (Operating and Capital expenditure) Nil
Overview of Gwydir Shire Council
Located on the Fossickers Way between the New England and North West regions of
NSW, the Gwydir Shire encompassing a diverse landscape that is both picturesque and
productive. With affordable housing, a strong sense of community and diverse leisure and
recreation activities, the Shire offers an idyllic and fulfilling lifestyle. Bingara and Warialda
are the main towns in the Shire.
The Gwydir Shire Council prides itself on being an award-winning organisation that supports
it community through the provision of high-quality services. Council offers employees a
rewarding career that allows staff to make a positive impact in the communities in which they
live; and provides exciting opportunities to explore and suture career avenues within the
organisation. Council strongly supports a flexible-family work environment.
Gwydir’s Vision
Councils vision is to be a recognised leader in Local Government through continuous
learning and sustainability. Council embraces this mantra by ensuring all staff have access
to training and education, to reach their full potential.
Gwydir’s Misson
To ensure that the Council’s long-term role is viable and sustainable by meeting the needs of
our residents in a responsible and caring way, attract sustainable development while
maintaining the traditional rural values, character and culture of our people.
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Child Safety Commitment Statement
Gwydir Shire Council is committed to the safety, wellbeing and empowerment of all children
and young people throughout the Shire, including indigenous children, those from culturally
and linguistically diverse backgrounds and children and young with disabilities.
All Gwydir Shire Council staff, volunteers and other partners have a zero-tolerance approach
to any form of child abuse in both the physical, psychological, and online environments. We
support the rights of children and young people, and we will act immediately and accordingly
to ensure an environment is maintained where they feel safe, respected, valued, and always
empowered.
We know that being a leading child safe organisation is about more than having the right
policies and procedures in place. It requires conscious actions and proactive behaviours to
protect children from harm. It means creating a culture of safety that extends from
participation and education through to ensuring all members of our organisation feel safe
and secure in reporting inappropriate behaviour.
It is essential that everyone at Gwydir Shire Council understand the important
responsibilities they have in relation to child safety, and we are committed to educating our
elected members, employees, volunteers, contractors, consultants, other partners and the
wider community in the regard.
We want children to have a voice and know that their views are listened to and respected
and that they are given opportunities to contribute. Together we can provide an environment
where children feel safe, respected, valued, and encouraged to reach their full potential.
Primary purpose of the position
This position is responsible for undertaking allocated tasks, working in a cohesive team, to
deliver high quality maintenance and horticulture work in a productive and efficient manner.
Department and Branch Description
The Infrastructure and Planning Services Department covers a number of Branch areas,
including Engineering Services, Environment and Planning, Town Utilities and Building
Services.
Key accountabilities
Within the area of responsibility, this role is required to:
Maintenance of Warialda, Warialda Rail, Gravesend and Coolatai parks, gardens and
town streets.
Carry out manual labouring tasks and other duties when directed to by the
Supervisor
Monitor plant and equipment by ensuring daily checks are completed with regard to
safe legal operation, and liaising with the Workshop Supervisor for servicing and
maintenance requirements and undertaking basic plant maintenance in accordance
with agreed practice.
Carry out all duties and functions in a manner that promotes a positive attitude, team
based approach with strong support for organisational values.
Maintain accurate timesheets ensuring labour and plant hours are recorded correctly
and toolbox and pre-start documentation, risk assessments and safety
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documentation are completed as required and in accordance with relevant
legislation, Council policy and procedure.
Ensure traffic management plans and Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS) are
completed and appropriate traffic control measures are provided at work sites.
All positions in Council involve multi-skilling and consequently the interchange of duties
where and when required for the effective operation of the Department. The duties
described above are indicative of the primary duties that a person appointed to the position
would be expected to perform and should not be regarded as the sole duties applicable to
the position. Other duties may be assigned in accordance with skills, competence and
training.
Selection Criteria
Essential
OHS White card
Current valid ‘C’ Class driver’s licence
Knowledge and/or competency in Traffic Management
Experience in manual work activities, horticulture and maintenance works
Basic written and verbal communication skills with the ability to discuss and resolve problems
politely and respectfully
Ability to read and interpret documents, instructions and procedures
Desirable
Demonstrated previous experience would be highly regarded
Heavy Vehicle Licence would be highly regarded
Qualifications in Horticulture
Common requirements of the position
Willingness to have Council conduct a Criminal History Check.
Agree to undertake a medical assessment by Council’s nominated medical
practitioner if required and to be medically fit to undertake the full requirements of the
position.
Manage projects in accordance with corporate standards.
Willingness to work flexible hours to meet the requirements of the position.
Behaviour in accordance with Council’s policies and the Code of Conduct.
Report environment issues that may become evident when carrying out the position
duties.
Qualifications
Certificate II or III in Horticulture or equivalent relevant experience
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Capabilities for the position
The Local Government Capability Framework describes the core knowledge, skills and
abilities expressed as behaviours, which set out clear expectations about performance in
local government: “how we do things around here”. It builds on organisational values and
creates a common sense of purpose for elected members and all levels of the workforce.
The Local Government Capability Framework is available at http://capability.lgnsw.org.au
Below is the full list of capabilities and the level required for this position. The capabilities in
bold are the focus capabilities for this position. Refer to the next section for further
information about the focus capabilities
Local Government Capability Framework
Capability Group Capability Name Level
Manage Self Foundational
Display Resilience and Courage Intermediate
Act with Integrity Foundational
Personal attributes Demonstrate Accountability Foundational
Communicate and Engage Intermediate
Community and Customer Focus Foundational
Work Collaboratively Foundational
Relationships Influence and Negotiate Foundational
Plan and Prioritise Foundational
Think and Solve Problems Intermediate
Create and Innovate Foundational
Results Deliver Results Foundational
Finance Foundational
Assets and Tools Intermediate
Technology and Information Foundational
Resources Procurement and Contracts Foundational
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Focus capabilities
The focus capabilities for the position are those judged to be most important at the time of
recruiting to the position. That is, the ones that must be met at least at satisfactory level for a
candidate to be suitable for appointment.
Local Government Capability Framework
Group and Capability Level Behavioural Indicators
Personal Attributes Intermediate Adapts quickly to changed priorities and
organisational settings
Display Resilience and Welcomes new ideas and ways of
Adaptability working
Stays calm and focused in difficult
situations.
Perseveres through challenges.
Offers own opinion and raises
challenging issues.
Personal Attributes Foundational Is open and honest
Tells the truth and admits to mistakes
Act with Integrity Follows the code of conduct, policies and
guidelines
Has the courage to speak up and report
inappropriate behaviour and misconduct.
Relationships Intermediate Focuses on key points and
communicates in ‘Plain English’
Communicate and Engage Clearly explains and presents ideas and
technical information
Monitors own and others’ non-verbal
cues and adapts when necessary
Listens to others when they are speaking
and asks appropriate, respectful
questions.
Shows sensitivity in adapting
communication content and style for
diverse audiences.
Relationships Foundational Keeps team and supervisor informed of
what he/she is working on
Works Collaboratively
Shares knowledge and information with
team members and other staff
Offers to help colleagues and takes on
additional tasks when workloads are high
Is aware of the wellbeing of co-workers
and provides support as appropriate
Is open to input from people with different
experiences, perspectives and beliefs
Results Intermediate Gathers and investigates information
from a variety of sources.
Think and Problem Solve
Questions basic inconsistences or gaps
in information and raises to appropriate
level
Asks questions to get to the heart of the
issue and define the problem clearly
Analyses numerical data and other
information and draws conclusions based
on evidence
Works with others to assess options and
identify appropriate solutions.
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Local Government Capability Framework
Group and Capability Level Behavioural Indicators
Resources Intermediate Uses a variety of work tools and
resources to enhance work products and
Assets and Tools
expand own skill set
Ensures others understand their
obligations to use and maintain work
tools and equipment appropriately
Contributes to the allocation of work tools
and resources to optimise team
outcomes.
Prepared By Human Resource Officer
Approved by General Manager 7/12/2023
Date Approved/Reviewed 7/12/2023
Version Number and Date Version 1 – 7/12/2023
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