Leading Hand Mechanic
Position Description
Position Number: 5012
Directorate: Works
Team: Workshop
Position Status: Full Time
Classification: QLGIA (Stream C) C5
Current Level: C5
Reports to: Workshop Supervisor
Location: Longreach
Accountable for: Mechanic Apprentices
Revised: September 2024
Our Vision
The communities of the Longreach Region, with their individual identities and a proud heritage, will be
characterised by their cohesive and inclusive nature, making the region a location of choice for business
investment and outback living.
Reaching a population of 5,500 by 2027, the Longreach Region will be characterised by strong communities and
a vibrant economy driven by skills and innovation in a diversity of traditional and new industries.
Our Mission
Council’s Mission is to deliver decisive leadership in making locally responsive, informed and responsible decisions,
providing the highest-quality services and facilities to all communities of the Longreach Region.
Our Eight Core Values
1. A Safe and Healthy Work Environment
2. Inclusiveness and Respect
3. Consistency and Fairness
4. Teamwork and Staff Development
5. Performance and Value for Money
6. Leadership and Collaboration
7. Sustainability
8. Forward-looking
Position Objective
The primary role of this position is to ensure that fixed and mobile plant and equipment owned and operated by
Council are maintained in a safe, cost effective and operational manner. This position will be responsible for
ensuring that services, repairs and maintenance are carried out in a safe and efficient manner and that all plant
and equipment are safe and fit for operational purposes. This position will be responsible for conducting routine
and scheduled maintenance as well as conducting repairs as required on breakdowns, both in the workshop and
on site.
Position Responsibilities
Functional Area Key Accountabilities
Mechanical Workshop • Perform maintenance tasks including inspection, servicing, repair and
overhaul of fixed plant, pumps, road making, earthmoving machinery and
other mobile equipment as required.
- Perform fault diagnosis and rectifications to mechanical equipment and
systems associated with Council operations.
- Perform technical inspections on mechanical equipment and assess
parts and materials required to effect repairs.
- Conduct maintenance and repairs in the workshop on out on the
worksites as needed.
- Carry out metal fabrication tasks as needed.
- Provide advice and support plant operators in correct operator
maintenance procedures.
- Provide trade guidance and assistance as part of the workshop team.
- Ensure that housekeeping and safety in workshop is maintained.
Workshop Mentor • Mentor and support apprentices as required.
- Facilitate mandatory practical training in accordance with TAFE
Apprentice training curricula
Other • Carry out all duties in line with Council’s Workplace Health and Safety
policies and procedures and adhere to any legislative obligations.
- Other such relevant duties as required from time to time which would
generally fall within the scope of this position as directed by your
accountable supervisor or the Chief Executive Officer.
Key Interactions
Supervised by: Workshop Supervisor The Leading Hand mechanic will have a responsive and effective
relationship with the works supervisor. Receiving and
implementing direction when directed.
Accountable to: Manager of Fleet &
Workshop
The Leading Hand mechanic will have a responsive and effective
relationship with the Manager of Fleet & Workshop.
Works with
(Internally)
Team Leaders and
their team members
Workshop Team
The Leading Hand mechanic will develop relationships with the
workshop team, Team Leaders, and their team members,
engaging, positively and productively.
Position Requirements
Skills
• Developed communication skills with the ability to deal with all levels of staff, management and businesses.
- Good customer service skills, with both internal and external customers.
- Developed analytical and problem solving ability.
- Ability to perform basic numerical calculations.
- Ability to effectively manage time and meet deadlines with minimal supervision.
Knowledge
• Proven ability to operate a range of plant in a safe manner.
- Demonstrated knowledge of workshop operations and associated standards and regulations.
- Knowledge and understanding of technology relating to workshop operations.
- A thorough understanding of how to maintain a safe working environment.
Mandatory Experience/Qualifications
• Trade qualified diesel mechanic with extensive experience.
- Current “HR” Class Drivers licence.
- Construction White card.
- Working in Confined Spaces training.
Desirable Experience/Qualifications
• First Aid and CPR Certificate.
- Working at heights training.
- Competence in the maintenance and repair of Auto Air Condition systems.
- Relevant plant competencies.
- High Risk Work Forklift licence.
- Three years post trade experience would be desirable.
Delegations and Authorisations
A financial delegation of $5,000.00 is assigned to this position. Please refer to Council’s Procurement Policy and
Procedure for details of Councils guidelines as per Local Government Act and Regulation.
Vehicle Authorisation
A vehicle authorization for Commute Use is assigned to this position. Please refer to Council’s Vehicle Policy for
details of Council’s guidelines on vehicle usage.
Workplace Health and Safety Obligations
All employees have a legal obligation to comply with regulatory requirements and LRC– SMS (Longreach Regional
Council’s - Safety Management System) incorporating WH&S; policies, procedures and work instructions. These
are introduced to ensure the health and safety of employees, contractors, visitors, volunteers, the public and the
environment and remain compliant with Industry Benchmark Standards.
The following statements apply to all employees, including permanent, part-time and casual employees. Your
responsibilities include:
1. To comply with instructions given for WH&S; at a workplace by the employer;
2. Comply with the Health and safety duties and Duty of Care requirements as specified within the Work Health
and Safety Act 2011 Part 2.
3. Timely reporting all accidents, incidents minor injuries, near misses and property damage (within 24 hours of
the event) and assisting, if required, with the investigation of all incidents in the workplace;
4. For a worker to use the PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) provided by the employer after proper instruction
in its use;
5. Not to wilfully or recklessly interfere with or misuse anything provided for WH&S; at the workplace;
6. Not to wilfully place at risk the WH&S; of any persons at the workplace including yourself;
7. Adhere to the LRC–SMS by remaining compliant to Council’s WH&S; Management Plan and completing
relevant Monthly Action Plan items;
8. Performing all work and associated functions in a safe, efficient and effective manner;
9. Complying with all documented WH&S; policies, procedures, work instruction and verbal instructions issued
by the organisation or its officers;
10. Provide advice to ensuring risk assessments are conducted and recorded for all identified hazards, or prior to
the implementation of new work practices, hazardous substances, or plant. Also, as required, assisting or
participating in the carrying out of risk assessments on identified hazards;
11. Identifying hazards, conducting risk assessments, and implementing corrective action to eliminate hazards
where possible and / or control risks in the workplace;
12. To report hazards and risks in accordance with WH&S; procedures;
13. Establishing and maintaining a high standard of housekeeping within your individual work area(s) and
generally within the Longreach Regional Council’s area of responsibility;
14. Attending any toolbox, team talks or specific training (e.g. Take 5s etc.) as supplied and required by Longreach
Regional Council;
15. Being familiar with the location of first aid treatment centres, fire protection facilities and evacuation
procedures;
16. Report any concerns for WH&S; to your Supervisor.