Position Number: P01193
Directorate: Environment & Planning Services
Service: Environmental Compliance Service
Location: Katoomba Office
Date
Created/Updated
February 2026
Position
Classification:
Band 9
POSITION PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE
Provide improved community, development and safety standards of the built environment
in the Blue Mountains through regulation and monitoring activities and the application of
building surveying expertise in a proactive manner.
RELATIONSHIPS
Reports to: (Position Title): Principal – Building Safety Team
Report to: (Position Number) P00542
Staff Responsibility: NIL
Key Internal Relationships: Investigation Officers, Fire Safety Compliance
Officers, Town Planners, Environmental Health &
Building Surveyors, Engineers, Environmental
Scientists, Landscape Assessors, Technical
Assistants and Customer Service staff.
Key External Relationships: Residents and other members of the community;
Government authorities, applicants for
development, consultants, Council's legal
advisors.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
* Assist in managing Council's building fire safety, footpath awning and swimming pool
safety programs in accordance with Council's adopted policies.
* Routinely take a lead role in investigating and resolving complaints or enquiries
relating to the functions of the team. Including, but not limited to the administration of
the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act, the Local Government Act and the
Swimming Pools Act.
* Work with the Principal to develop processes and guidelines relating to the functions
of the team.
* Provide specialist knowledge and skills to resolve complex land use matters across a
range of functional areas.
* Develop and maintain knowledge of current legislation, policy and procedures relating
to the functions of the team.
* Represent Council in legal proceedings, including the preparation of legal evidence on
behalf of Council, in liaison with Council solicitors.
* Manage workflows associated with corporate databases, public registers, customer
requests, and the Council report process.
Guiding Principles (mandatory section do not delete)
* We act as one organisation responding to the changing needs of our LGA and
community
* We are strategy led, driven by our Community Strategic Plan with clear priorities and
focus
* We are service focused ` we continuously improve service provision and provide
excellent customer service
* We collaborate and work together to achieve our outcomes
* We ensure safety and well-being is at the centre of our organisation, operations and
culture
* We are a financially sustainable organisation, living within our means, ensuring best
value resource allocation
These Guidelines complement the Council's adopted Values of: Work Together; Work
Safe Home safe; Service Excellence; Value for Money; Trust and Respect; and,
Supporting Community
Workplace Health & Safety (mandatory section do not delete)
Ensure compliance with WHS obligations and responsibilities as outlined in Councils
policies and procedures and under the relevant WHS legislation. These include but are
not limited to: identifying potentially unsafe situations or work practices and notifying your
Supervisor or Manager (or the Health, Safety Manager/Area Safety Representative);
never performing a task that you believe is dangerous or for which you do not have the
experience, or have not received appropriate instructions and training or where the correct
equipment to carry out the task safely is not available; always work in a safe manner and
in accordance with safety instructions, where applicable; use the work equipment supplied
for the job, in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions), and any personal
protective equipment, which the Council deems necessary and has provided; be safety
aware and report any actions to your line manager which will assist the Council to meet
its legal workplace health and safety obligations.
You have the right to cease or direct cessation of unsafe work. In addition you are required
at all times to comply with Councils Asbestos Management Plan and Policy.
Compliance & Risk
You are responsible for ensuring that you conduct your risk management responsibilities
as described in council's Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) Policy and Procedure (the
ERM Framework) with the goal of ensuring that potential issues are identified and reported
in a timely manner.
In undertaking your work should you identify contaminated land or potentially
contaminated land, including but not limited to Asbestos contamination you are required
to notify your supervisor immediately.
COMMUNICATION
The person will communicate with a wide range of people in a variety of internal and
external settings. The person will receive, interpret, and act upon written and verbal
information, and provide a response in both written and verbal forms. The person will need
to be able to lead discussion, carry out negotiations and make presentations in areas of
functional responsibility. The role will require persons to represent and clearly articulate
Council's position in negotiations and discussions with external parties and organisations.
JUDGEMENT & PROBLEM SOLVING
The person in this position will need to develop and review workflow procedures to ensure
the timely, accurate and consistent delivery of tasks associated with the functional areas
of the position. Positions have a high level of independence in solving problems and using
judgement in resolving issues. Problems can be multi-faceted requiring detailed analysis
of available options. This will involve the person having a sound knowledge of relevant
legislation, Council policies and the ability to resolve problems within clearly defined
guidelines. The person will implement and review procedures and provide input and
advice internally and externally within the functional area of responsibility.
AUTHORITY
Delegation to act as an authorised officer to undertake a wide range of tasks and duties
on behalf of Council in accordance with relevant legislation applicable to the functional
areas of responsibility for the position. The person will also undertake a professional
advisory role to people within or outside of Council. Decisions and advice may commit the
council and have a significant impact upon external parties dealing with council.
SKILL, EXPERIENCE, QUALIFICATIONS & BEHAVIOURAL COMPETENCIES
ESSENTIAL
* Degree qualification, advanced diploma or diploma in building surveying or a related
discipline, or equivalent demonstrated competencies gained through on-the- job
learning.
* Current NSW Class C Drivers License or equivalent.
* Demonstrated knowledge and experience in the implementation of the Swimming
Pools Act, Swimming Pools Regulation and associated standards.
* Demonstrated ability to present appropriate information in a clear and concise manner,
both verbally and in writing.
* Conflict resolution and negotiation skills, including an ability to deal with difficult and
irate people.
* Demonstrated ability to analyse problems and proactively resolve issues that involve
a number of competing priorities.
* Experience in building positive working relationships and working collaboratively rather
than competitively.
* A proven record of providing excellent customer service including responding to
customer needs and keeping individual clients up to date with information and
decisions that affect them.
DESIRABLE
* Experience in a role directly involving the investigation of breaches of legislation.
* Accreditation or eligibility for accreditation as a building surveyor, building inspector or
swimming pool inspector under the Building and Development Certifiers Act 2018.
* Demonstrated experience within a building fire safety program and/or footpath awning
program in a local government setting.