Sustainability Officer- Integrated Transport

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Sustainability Officer – Integrated Transport

Band 6

Strategy and Advocacy

Patricia Fitzsimons, Coordinator Sustainability

Vacant

November 2017

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POSITION OBJECTIVE

Implement and monitor the Hobsons Bay Integrated Transport Plan 2017-30

Implement and monitor transport policies, local area plans, and other major strategic planning

documents to meet the needs of the current and future population.

Consult with and obtain input from relevant Council staff to ensure an integrated approach to

the development and implementation of integrated transport policies and projects.

Consult with the community and key stakeholders to ensure integrated transport polices

reflect the needs of the community now and into the future with a particular emphasis on

public and active transport.

Provide professional support and advice to the Coordinator Sustainability and other Council

departments as required.

Enhance active transport outcomes within the municipality through the application of an

integrated network approach to transport planning.

Ensure that all policies and plans implement the objectives of the Hobsons Bay 2030

Community Vision and Council Plan

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES

To implement the Integrated Transport Plan policy framework to ensure that the City is

provided with a sustainable integrated transport system that reflects the current and future

needs of the community.

To deliver a coordinated and united approach to integrated transport planning within the

organisation, recognising the distinct and unique aspects and responsibilities of each

department.

Develop, implement and coordinate innovative behaviour change programs, education

initiatives, events and promotions to meet Council’s sustainable transport vision and targets

associated with generating a shift to sustainable travel choices by staff and the community.

To advance the organisation’s understanding of the transport sector, its challenges and

opportunities for the community.

To establish effective mechanisms to advocate for improvements to local and regional

transport networks, including freight networks in cooperation with other relevant bodies.

ORGANISATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS

Reports to: Patricia Fitzsimons, Sustainability Coordinator

Supervision: N/A

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Internal Liaisons: Officers, Coordinators, Managers and other staff

members across Council

External Liaisons: Government Departments, transport advocacy

groups, the transport industry, other Councils,

Development Industry, Consultants employed by

Council, Council clients and their representatives,

Members of the community

1. ACCOUNTABILITY AND EXTENT OF AUTHORITY

Assist the Coordinator Sustainability in ensuring that the unit meets the highest professional

standards.

Responsible for the effective implementation of Council’s major strategic transport policies.

Responsible for the provision of specialist advice and preparation of reports to Council on a

range of integrated transport matters in accordance with Council policies and legislative

parameters.

Responsible for advice and recommendations on various strategic plans, policies and projects

to State Agencies, Public Agencies, developers and the community.

May be requested to mentor staff or students to assist implementation of Council’s policy

Advice to the community and stakeholders is provided on the basis of Council’s formal and

informal policies, plans and programs and the experience of the occupant.

The occupant is expected to exercise his/her initiative in carrying out duties, guided by set

objectives and formal and informal procedures and under the general supervision of the

Coordinator Sustainability

2. JUDGEMENT AND DECISION-MAKING

Provision of professional advice on strategic transport matters that is based on Council’s

policies and other appropriate external policies, to the Coordinator Sustainability staff and

other departments, authorities, professionals and the public in circumstances that require an

understanding of political and community sensitivities.

Provide advice and recommendations to the Coordinator Sustainability based on independent

investigations and analysis.

Represent Council in negotiations with internal and external stakeholders regarding a broad

range of strategic transport issues and development proposals and provide advice and

direction in accordance with relevant Council policies.

Contribute to the development of cross organisational policy responses on key strategic

transport issues based on Council policies.

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Prepare in response to government reviews and policies

3. SPECIALIST KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

A broad range of highly developed skills and knowledge of integrated transport and/or

strategic land use planning to achieve sustainable transport outcomes.

Skills and knowledge on all levels of integrated transport planning including walking, cycling,

public transport, freight and motor vehicle transport and its relationship to land use planning.

Experience in developing behavioural change programs within a local government setting.

An understanding of socio-cultural and environmental planning principles, particularly in

relation to enhancing active and public transport outcomes.

An understanding of current transport related issues and relevant policies, including the

different roles of federal, state and local governments

4. MANAGEMENT SKILLS

Demonstrated ability to work within an agreed work plan and to develop innovative, timely,

efficient and practical solutions to issues.

Quality skills in personal and team project management and an ability to work to tight

timelines, deliver on agreed outcomes, be self-motivated, and resourceful.

Ability to consider at a strategic level a broad range of internal and external factors when

developing advice or policy options having regard to organisational values and stakeholder

views.

Skills in managing all elements of a project from conception to completion.

Well-developed investigative and analytical skills.

Ability to gain a ready understanding of unfamiliar subjects and work with a broad range of

issues and professionals.

5. INTERPERSONAL SKILLS

Highly developed written and verbal communication skills, and an ability to report on a range

of relevant topics, including an ability to develop and present strategic ideas and concepts.

Highly developed liaison skills, with the ability to effectively consult with Council staff, clients,

consultants, and the community.

Ability to create and maintain strong stakeholder and community relationships, and develop

these relationships further.

Ability to gain the cooperation and assistance of others, both internal and external to the

organisation

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6. QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

A relevant tertiary qualification in transport planning, behavioural change, strategic planning,

traffic and/or transport engineering, environmental science or a closely related field and

relevant experience which provides a broad understanding of integrated transport planning

and/or sustainable transport related issues.

Broad experience in a range of transport planning policy and/or strategic land use planning

disciplines.

Intermediate skills and ability to use a variety of computer software packages, including

Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Geographic Information Systems Software, Internet, Email

software.

Experience demonstrating excellent project management skills.

Experience in providing input into integrated transport policy development.

A current Drivers License.

7. CUSTOMER SERVICE

Hobsons Bay City Council is committed to ensuring that all customers internal and external receive

friendly and responsive service. Staff are required to comply with the following principles of good

service:

answer telephones promptly, within 5 rings

acknowledge all customers promptly

treat customers with respect and courtesy

provide quality customer service

convey accurate information

communicate courteously

8. SELECTION CRITERIA

Demonstrated experience in the implementation of integrated transport policies along with the

provision of advice aimed at enhancing the uptake of sustainable transport outcomes.

Demonstrated knowledge of policies, evaluation processes and implementation strategies

that can be applied to integrated transport planning.

Highly motivated with knowledge and experience in developing and implementing behavioural

change and awareness programs for sustainable transport issues.

Excellent skills in project development, management and delivery in a timely and proficient

manner, with a strategic focus and an integrated approach.

Demonstrated skills and experience in designing and undertaking community consultation

and engagement processes to achieve behavioural change outcomes.

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Demonstrated ability to develop innovative, efficient and practical solutions to complex

transport related problems.

Strong interpersonal skills to foster a positive close working relationship with Council and

community stakeholders.

9. SALARY

The classification applicable to this position is Band 6 in accordance with the pertaining Hobsons Bay

City Council Enterprise Agreement.

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Hobsons Bay City Council

General Information and Conditions of Employment

ABOUT HOBSONS BAY

The City of Hobsons Bay is situated at the northern end of Port Phillip Bay, about 7kms west of

central Melbourne. Hobsons Bay is known for its rich natural environment, its maritime history and its

industrial strength.

The Yalukit Wilum clan were the first people to occupy the area now known as Hobsons Bay. A

number of sites of significance to the Aboriginal community are located throughout the municipality,

particularly along the coastal trail.

Hobsons Bay was created on 22 June 1994, following the amalgamation of the former Cities of

Williamstown and Altona with parts of Laverton and South Kingsville.

It includes the suburbs of Altona, Altona Meadows, Altona North, Brooklyn, Laverton, Newport,

Seabrook, Seaholme, South Kingsville, Spotswood, Williamstown and Williamstown North. Each

suburb has its own unique character, from the historic seaport of Williamstown with its range of

heritage buildings, to the more recently developed residential areas of Altona Meadows and

Seabrook. Hobsons Bay also has a range of major industrial complexes, which contribute significantly

to the economy of Victoria.

Hobsons Bay is unique to the Western Metropolitan Region. It covers an area of approximately 64

square kilometres with over 20kms of coastline. It is also home to significant coastal wetlands, five

creek systems, remnant native grasslands, and important flora and fauna habitats, which makes up

24 per cent of the city’s total land area.

The city is located between seven and 20 kilometres from the CBD and has good access to regional

transport facilities such as the West Gate Freeway, the Western Ring Road, CityLink, the National

Rail Line, together with the ports and airports of Melbourne and Avalon.

In 2016, Hobsons Bay had an estimated resident population of 95,046 people, which is forecast to

increase by 10 per cent (or 10,770) by 2030. 31 per cent of our residents are born overseas, speaking

over 100 different languages and practising over 90 faiths.

Our community loves Hobsons Bay for its proximity to the CBD, the beach, its parks and green

spaces, its vibrant atmosphere and sense of community, its character housing and above all, its

people. For many, Hobsons Bay is the ideal place to live.

The Council Plan 2017-2021 is Council’s key strategic document that describes how we will work, as

an organisation, to achieve the vision and priorities of our community. The Council Plan was informed

and guided by the Hobsons Bay 2030 Community Vision, which was developed BY the community,

FOR the community. It sets out the community’s vision for the future of Hobsons Bay and six priority

areas for how to get there. The vision was created through an innovative community engagement

process involving over 2,500 community comments. As a Council, we have made a commitment to

our community that we will work towards their vision by incorporating it into the development of our

Council Plan, Annual Action Plan and budgets until 2030.

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CUSTOMER FOCUS AND INNOVATION

As an organisation, Council is committed to being a Council of Excellence in every way. The

Customer Focus Strategy 2016-19 provides the organisation with a framework to deliver excellent

customer service and to play a more proactive role in enhancing relationships with our community.

In meeting the changing needs and expectations in our community, our focus is to build capacity for

collaboration and innovation, through connecting with our residents, customers and colleagues. We

drive the philosophy of ‘Customer First’ through everything we do, while we review and plan our

services and seek out opportunities to deliver those services more efficiently and effectively.

ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY

Hobsons Bay has a strong commitment to activating sustainable practices and responding to

community concerns about climate change. The community has also identified this as a priority for

the future Council is committed to reducing our emissions and has committed to achieving zero net

emissions by 2020 by prioritising immediate and long term mitigation actions to reduce the impacts of

climate change. Council undertakes a significant number of programs aimed at meeting its goal of

zero net emissions by 2030. Council is committed to consultation and engagement to identify key

environmental issues of concern to Council staff and the local community so that we respond to these

issues in a meaningful, positive and constructive way that leads to behavioural change

outcomes. Under the umbrella of the Council’s Sustainability Framework, the Council has developed

a suite of strategies and plans to address climate change. These policies support decision making as

Council prepares for and manages the risks of climate change, particularly Hobsons Bay’s coastal

zone, with the projected impacts include more frequent and more intense heatwaves, increasing risk

of flooding from rivers and the sea, and increasing coastal erosion. The suite of policies include:

Climate Change Adaptation Plan 2013-18, Corporate Greenhouse Strategy 2013-20; Community

Greenhouse Strategy 2013-2030;Living; Living Hobsons Bay: an Integrated Water Management Plan

2014-19, Environmental Engagement Strategy 2013-18, a Biodiversity Strategy 2017-22 and a Waste

and Little Management Plan 2012-17.

Hobsons Bay coastal wetlands are globally recognised and are significant biodiversity areas,

containing important habitat for many significant and endangered species. This significant area goes

all the way from Jawbone Flora and Fauna Reserve to the Ramsar listed Cheetham wetlands, taking

in Kororoit Creek and Truganina Swamp. Whilst we have some of the most beautiful biodiversity

hotspots within sight of Melbourne’s CBD, these areas are also some of the most fragile. In June

2017, Council launched Hobsons Bay’s first ever Biodiversity Strategy which provides a greenprint for

how we can protect, preserve and enjoy our local environment.

DIVERSITY

At Hobsons Bay City Council diversity means accepting, respecting and valuing the differences

between people in our organisation and our community. Diversity means celebrating the inherent

qualities of all people regardless of their culture, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age, abilities,

family status, religious beliefs, perspective, experience, or other ideologies. It is an understanding that

each individual is unique and by embracing these differences we can only enhance the services

provided to our community.

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LEARNING AND DEVELOPMENT

Council is committed to ensuring all of our employees have access to training and development

programs that will support them in reaching their full potential. Council has a study leave and fee

assistance program available for permanent employees who may wish to undertake further studies.

All employees are required to undertake any compulsory training courses as offered by Council. All

Council Officers will also be required to show others how systems under their control operate.

OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH, WELFARE AND SAFETY

Council and management are committed to the development, implementation and maintenance of

policies and procedures that sustain a safe and healthy work environment.

Management recognises its duties and responsibilities under the Occupational Health and Safety Act

2004, and accepts accountability of the management of OHS programs and the resolution of health

and safety issues.

All staff shall accept that they have a duty of care to protect not only their own Health and Safety, but

also that of their fellow employees, contractors, volunteers and the public. Staff are expected to

participate with management in the continual improvement of workplace standards.

All staff will assist with injury management initiatives and cooperate with Return to Work programs

within the workplace.

HUMAN RESOURCES POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

Council has developed a comprehensive set of Human Resources Policies and Procedures, which

are available on Council’s intranet. Staff members are expected to familiarise themselves with these

policies and procedures, and to comply with the various provisions contained therein.

CHILD SAFETY

Hobsons Bay City Council is a Child Safe Organisation. We recognise the safety of all children

including Aboriginal children, culturally and/or linguistically diverse children and children with a

disability.

All employees must maintain the highest standards of professional conduct in their behaviour,

conduct and interactions with children and young people. Employees are required to adhere to the

Victorian Child Safe Standards at all times. Any allegations or incidence of abuse will be treated very

seriously and consistently with child protection legislation, regulations and guidelines.

CODE OF CONDUCT

The Employee Code of Conduct outlines the minimum standards of behaviour and conduct which

employees must comply with when carrying out their duties in association with Hobsons Bay City

Council.

Excellence at Hobsons Bay means that Councillors and employees are:

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Respectful Treating everyone fairly and respecting different views

Community driven and focused Delivering results that demonstrate that we understand community needs and put people first

Trusted and reliable Work hard to be responsive and meet expectations; delivering on what we promise to achieve in the best interests of the community

Efficient and responsible Engaged and taking pride in our work, wanting to continually review and improve in order to provide good value and cost efficient services

Bold and innovative Proactive, adaptable, open to change and taking calculated risks, not afraid to try new things and learn from mistakes

Accountable and transparent Making well-informed decisions based on best practice and evidence, which take into account what our community tells us

Recognised As working for an employer of choice, with leadership that recognises and values the contributions, skills and the expertise of its workforce and inspires people to develop and do their best

CONDITIONS

Conditions are in accordance with the current Hobsons Bay City Council Enterprise Agreement. A

copy of the Hobsons Bay City Council Enterprise Agreement 2016 (EA) is available on Council’s

intranet or on the Fair Work Commission web-site www.fwc.gov.au

SUPERANNUATION

Unless an alternative accredited superannuation fund is nominated on commencement of

employment, employees will be required to join the Vision Super scheme which is the default fund

specified within the Hobsons Bay City Council Enterprise Agreement. Council will make the necessary

employer contribution required under legislation (currently 9.5% of the ordinary salary.) Employee

contributions are optional.

OVERTIME

It is the preference of Council to allow time-in-lieu, at the appropriate rate, as provided for under

clause 20.3 of the Hobsons Bay City Council Enterprise Agreement 2016.

LONG SERVICE LEAVE

Long Service Leave entitlements are as prescribed by the Local Government Act, 1989 and the Local

Government (Long Service Leave) Regulations 2012. Subject to the Regulations, three months leave

with pay is granted after the completion of ten years’ service.

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Long Service Leave entitlements for service with Local Government Authorities may be transferable

on employment with this Council, subject to compliance with the relevant Acts and Regulations.

TERMINATION OF APPOINTMENT

The period of notice by both Council and the employee depends on the number of years’ service the

employee has completed with Council. Notification must be provided in writing.

The period of notice is as follows:

1 year or less 1 week

1 year and up to the completion of 3 years 2 weeks

3 years and up to the completion of 5 years 3 weeks

5 years and over 4 weeks

In addition, employees over 45 years of age at the time of the giving of notice with not less than two

years continuous service, are entitled to an additional week's notice.

SMOKE FREE WORK PLACE

Council has a “No smoking” policy in all the Council buildings. Smoking is also prohibited in Council

vehicles.

PHYSICAL CAPACITY ASSESSMENT

For ‘non administrative’ positions, applicants must undertake a physical capacity or medical

examination as part of the assessment process. The outcome of the assessment may determine

whether the applicant is employed in a specific role.

CRIMINAL RECORD CHECK

A Criminal Records Police Check must be undertaken prior to employment for all persons who are the

preferred applicants for positions where there is a direct contact with clients, including aged, disabled

persons, juveniles, children and infants. An unsatisfactory assessment may result in the applicant not

being appointed. An applicant who refuses to complete the appropriate forms will not be appointed.

WORKING WITH CHILDREN CHECK

Hobsons Bay City Council requires staff working in child related positions or who have contact with

children as part of their role to hold a current Working with Children Check Card and to provide the

Council with proof of this. Any changes to the status of an employee’s Working with Children Check

must be advised to Council immediately.

PRIVATE PRACTICE

Council employees agree to avoid outside activities that are likely to affect either their work or

someone else’s, or which could discredit the Council or be seen as a conflict of interest.

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USE OF PRIVATE VEHICLES FOR COUNCIL RELATED ACTIVITIES

Where an employee is authorised to use his/her own vehicle for work related activities, a mileage

allowance is paid in accordance with the Council EA. Persons using their own vehicle for the Council

related purposes are strongly encouraged to take out Motor Vehicle insurance cover and to inform

their insurer of the work related nature of the vehicle usage.

PROBATIONARY APPOINTMENT

In accordance with the provisions of the Fair Work Act and Regulations, a six month probationary

period will apply.

PRIVACY OF PERSONAL INFORMATION AND HEALTH INFORMATION

Council is strongly committed to protecting and preserving an individual’s right to privacy and to the responsible and fair handling of their personal, sensitive and health information. Council is committed to full compliance with its obligations under the Privacy and Data Protection Act 2014 and the Health Records Act 2001 as detailed in each of the Information Privacy Principles (IPP’s) and the Health Privacy Principles (HPP’s).

Council has an endorsed Privacy Policy and provides all employees, including volunteers and contractors, with privacy awareness training session as part of their induction into the organisation. Existing staff members are required to attend a refresher session every three years.

RECORDKEEPING RESPONSIBILITIES

Council is committed to good recordkeeping and requires all staff to routinely create and keep full and accurate records of their work-related activities, transactions and decisions, using authorised systems.

Council has a Records Management Policy that outlines more specifically roles and responsibilities.

RISK MANAGEMENT – ALL STAFF

All staff have a responsibility to understand and observe the Risk Management Policy and related

procedures in accordance with training and instruction given, and to report any risk to their immediate

supervisor. Risks that affect Council may result from property damage, unethical or fraudulent

behaviour or illness and injury to people.

EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT, RELIEF AND RECOVERY

In accordance with the Emergency Management Act 1986, Council has the responsibility of

participating in and undertaking emergency management, relief and recovery within Hobsons Bay in

response to an emergency activity.

As an employee of Council, you may be required to participate in activities relating to the prevention

of, the response to and the recovery from emergencies or exercises that could occur in or involve

Hobsons Bay.