As part of the Property and Projects Branch, the General Hands work as part of a multi disciplinary team supporting the upkeep and presentation of the property and surrounding grounds. Reporting to the Government House Horticultural Coordinator, the role undertakes a wide range of day to day operational duties both indoors and outdoors. These include cleaning and general maintenance tasks, horticultural tasks, parking arrangements, furniture movements, escorting contractors, and other ad hoc activities.
This is a varied and hands on role that supports a busy team with competing priorities. It would suit someone with a maintenance and/or horticultural background who enjoys a dynamic working environment and varied work across the week. The successful candidate will be comfortable engaging respectfully and professionally with members of the public, contractors and internal stakeholders.
The position requires a self motivated and reliable individual who is able to work effectively within diverse teams and follow directions in a safe manner, with minimal supervision at times. The General Hand will take pride in completing all assigned tasks efficiently and to a high standard.
A strong commitment to safe work practices is essential, with demonstrated experience interpreting and applying Work Health and Safety (WHS) legislation and policies. A basic working knowledge of computer systems and software, including the Microsoft Suite, is required. The role involves regular manual handling, and ongoing physical fitness is necessary.
These positions generally work Monday to Friday, with occasional opportunities for weekend shifts. A full uniform will be provided.
The key duties of the position include:
* Under some direction, carry out cleaning both internally and externally, minor maintenance and associated tasks, to agreed standards.
* General horticultural tasks include blowing, edging, weeding, and mowing.
* Assist with setting up and packing up of Office events, including the movement of furniture, equipment and supplies as necessary.
* Escort and/or supervise contractors engaged in work throughout the property.
* Assist with parking vehicles at programmed events.
* Understand relevant work health and safety requirements and operate to the highest standards of safety at all times.
* With some direction, operate and maintain a wide range of plant and equipment such as electrical transport vehicles.
* Maintain high standards of discretion and use sound judgement when undertaking their duties.
* Carry out a range of basic administrative tasks as required.
Eligibility
To be eligible for employment, applicants must be Australian Citizens.
All positions at the Office of the Official Secretary to the Governor-General are prescribed and the successful applicant will need to pass and maintain a security clearance.
Notes
Employment with the Office is in accordance with section 13 of the Governor-General Act 1974. If you are an ongoing APS employee and are engaged under the Public Service Act 1999, Under section 67 of the Australian Public Service Commissioner's Directions (2022) - an Agency Head must grant leave without pay to an ongoing APS employee to undertake employment with the Office of the Official Secretary to the Governor-General and on return provide employment at the employee's substantive level.
Getting to know the Office of the Official Secretary to the Governor-General
The Office of the Official Secretary to the Governor-General (OOSGG) is a small Commonwealth budget-funded statutory agency with staff located at Government House, Canberra and Admiralty House, Sydney. The Official Secretary leads an organisation committed to identifying and implementing innovative ways to support the Governor-General in carrying out their constitutional, statutory, ceremonial and public duties.