Technical Officer

Reference Number: 13254

Salary Range: $73,192.88 - $83,159.75 per annum

Location: 119 - 145 Spence Street, Cairns Qld

Close Date:  Sunday, 9 August 2020

Situated in tropical North Queensland, Cairns is a thriving vibrant city framed by world class attractions such as the World Heritage listed Great Barrier Reef, Wet Tropics - Daintree Rainforest and nearby Atherton Tablelands and outback Savannah regions. With an estimated population of approx. 165,000 the Cairns Regional Council local government area encompasses 1687 km2 of land on a narrow coastal strip between the Great Dividing Range and the Coral Sea.  

With our purpose to “serve the community”, we are committed to providing a sustainable liveable city that enhances our unique lifestyle and enriches our community and region. 

We are proud of our community and the key role you can play in making the Cairns region a great place to live, work and learn.  Our commitment to high quality services means that we need talented, committed people – we need you! 

We are now seeking a dedicated, committed and suitably qualified and experienced Technical Officer to join our Development Approvals team now.   

The primary objectives of the position are:

• To ensure statutory requirements and Council’s corporate expectations in relation to development matters are complied with and carried out as part of a team for the benefit of the Branch.
• To ensure compliance with Development Approval Conditions and the relevant local and Australian Standards.
• Ensure that all donated assets are handed over in a condition that complies with the standards set out in the Far North Queensland Regional Group of Council’s Development Manual.
• Conduct all investigations and enforcement actions relating to breaches of the Planning Act 2016 and the Environmental Protection Act 1994 as they relate to lawful or unlawful operational works and extractive industry operations.
• Gather evidence and brief Solicitors and Barristers and Legal Officers in regards to prosecution matters and attend court.
• Facilitate dispute resolution actions to resolve conflicts that may occur due to lawful or unlawful operational works or extractive industry operations.
• Ensure works on road reserves/activities within Council Owned Areas are undertaken by service authorities and/or developers are compliant with Council standards.

To be successful in this role you will require: 

• Current Driver's Licence.
• Queensland Construction Induction White Card.
• Tertiary qualification relevant to the position such as Civil Engineering OR Project Management OR Construction Management OR Town Planning from a recognised University or other tertiary education institution or equivalent.
• Significant experience in works investigation, compliance action and management of development activities.
• Demonstrated experience and knowledge to competently undertake quality assurance inspections of works under construction and at practical completion to ensure Council requirements are satisfied.
• Demonstrated experience and knowledge in the field of Investigations and Law Enforcement to competently regulate development works.
• Ability to manage and organise own workload and work independently or in a team as required.
• Well-developed Information Technology, verbal and written communication skills and be able to communicate effectively with members of the public, Council Officers, and the development industry. 
• Demonstrated ability to deal with and resolve conflict in a timely and sensitive manner.

In return we offer the following benefits: 

• 19 day month
• Up to 5 weeks annual leave
• 12% contribution to superannuation
• Annual leave loading
• Subsidised uniform allowance
• Subsidised health and well-being membership (gym / swimming pool)
• On-going opportunities for learning and professional development 

For a full listing of the Key Duties & Responsibilities and full Selection Criteria please download a copy of the information kit.

How to Apply:

Your application must be submitted online and must consist of the following:

• Cover Letter addressing the three main elements as detailed in the full selection criteria.
• Copy of your Resume.

Applications not addressing the full selection criteria will not be accepted.

Pre-Employment Assessment: 

As part of the selection process applicants may be required to undertake some or all of the following pre‑employment assessments / checks:-  

• Pre‑employment medical, which will include a functional capacity assessment and drug and alcohol test.
• National police / criminal history check.
• Practical Assessment
• Numeracy and Literacy Assessment
• Computer Skills Assessment
• Qualification / Licence Verification
• Working with Children & Young People (Blue Card) Verification
• Right to Work in Australia Check
• Directorship Check

Employment Eligibility:

To be eligible to apply for a position at Cairns Regional Council, you must fulfil one of the following criteria:-

• Permanent resident of Australia
• Australian Citizen
• New Zealand Citizen
• Entitlement to work visa