Environmental Health Officer

ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH OFFICERPage 1 of 81 POSITION OBJECTIVESThe objectives of this position are:? to deliver quality environmental health services to the Loddon community in accordancewith strategic objectives and statutory requirements, and? to provide a responsive and proactive service to the community which involves identifyingsolutions with customers to achieve legislative requirements.2 KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES2.1 Public healthThe incumbent will:? administer and deliver the delegated responsibilities under the Local Government Act 1989and 2020, Public Health and Wellbeing Act 2008, Food Act 1984, Environment ProtectionDOCUMENT TYPE: Position DescriptionPOSITION: Environmental Health OfficerPOSITION SUPERVISOR: Manager Community ServicesPOSITION DIRECTORATE: Community WellbeingPOSITION DEPARTMENT: Community ServicesPOSITION TERM: PermanentPOSITION STATUS: Full Time N/APOSITION AWARDCLASSIFICATION:Band 7POSITION DESCRIPTIONVERSION NUMBER:1POSITION DESCRIPTION DATEADOPTED:May 2024POSITION DESCRIPTIONREVIEWED BYDirector Community Wellbeing andManager Community ServicesINCUMBENT:FILE LOCATION: All position descriptions are held on a secure network bythe Human Resources Department.Position descriptions are amended from time to time, therefore you should not rely on aprinted copy being the current version. Please consult the Human ResourcesDepartment to ensure that the version you are using is up to date.This document is available in alternative formats (e.g. larger font) if requested.ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH OFFICERPage 2 of 8Act 2017, Residential Tenancies Act 1997, Tobacco Act 1987, Summary Offences Act1966, and any other Act, regulation, code of practice or local law applicable to the position,? prepare and present verbal and written reports and communications to the Council or theExecutive group as required,? provide efficient and effective customer service through written, phone or counter enquiries,? liaise with other directorates, government agencies, utility providers and the private sectorwith regard to environmental health matters,? receive and investigate community complaints or agency referrals and provide feedbackand advice in a timely manner,? assess and provide technical assessment and advice on applications seeking theinstallation, maintenance or renewal of onsite wastewater treatment systems,? undertake scheduled inspections of all registered premises within Loddon Shire inaccordance with statutory requirements,? manage Council's premises registration process ensuring compliance with legislativerequirements,? develop and implement sampling programs for registered premises and Council facilitiessuch as swimming pools,? prepare and distribute educational material relating to relevant environmental healthactivities or programs,? administer Council's diabetic syringe bin collection program,? prepare and submit all required state government or agency reports regardingenvironmental health statistics, activities or programs,? prepare and periodically review Council's Domestic Waste Water Management Plan,? coordinate and administer Council's mosquito monitoring and spraying program inaccordance with state government requirements,? provide internal consultation and referral services with regard to planning and buildingapplications and enquiries.2.2 Records and informationThe incumbent will:? provide leadership, advice and direction to supervised staff to ensure responsible recordsmanagement throughout Council in accordance with relevant legislation,? supervise applicable staff to ensure that Council's records function is being undertakenappropriately.2.3 Staff developmentThe incumbent will:? provide supervision and support to staff, ensuring that the department's objectives are met? maintain effective communication with staff by adhering to Council's internal communicationprocesses and procedures,? undertake annual performance development reviews for supervised staff, includingappropriate staff development as a result of those reviews2.4 Professional developmentThe incumbent will:ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH OFFICERPage 3 of 8? attend appropriate peer networking events to enhance knowledge and information inrelation to the position,? ensure that current and accurate levels of professional knowledge are maintained.2.5 Other dutiesThe incumbent will carry out such other duties as directed that are consistent with the generalrequirements of this position.3 ACCOUNTABILITY AND EXTENT OF AUTHORITYThe incumbent will:? be responsible for providing expert and professional advice to the Council, otherdepartments and the general public regarding all environmental health matters,? be accountable for the delivery of quality, efficient and timely environmental healthprograms,? be accountable for the administration of delegated statutory responsibilities,? be accountable for compliance with the requirements of the Occupational Health and SafetyAct, Equal Employment Opportunity Act and other work place legislation.4 JUDGEMENT AND DECISION MAKINGThe incumbent will:? make appropriate decisions on all matters which are the responsibility of the position,provided that these are within delegated authority, legislative requirements, establishedauthority, recognised standards and within the approved business plan,? work without direct supervision,? exercise balanced judgement in all decision making processes with emphasis on thesensitive nature of environmental health and customer service matters,? effectively and efficiently deliver environmental health services to make Loddon a GreatPlace to Live, Work and Visit,? prioritise delivery of environmental health services to meet organisational objectives.5 SPECIALIST SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGEThe incumbent will have:? a sound theoretical and practical knowledge and extensive practical experience inenvironmental health programs i.e. food standards and food safety plans, infectiousdisease control, wastewater treatment applications, environmental and nuisance complaintsinvestigation, water quality monitoring, and health promotion and education,? detailed knowledge of local government procedures and practices,? an understanding and commitment to providing a high level of customer service in line withCouncil's vision.ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH OFFICERPage 4 of 86 MANAGEMENT SKILLSThe incumbent will:? have an ability to manage staff and share expertise and knowledge,? be able to set priorities and have the ability to achieve work objectives within a timetable,? have ability to plan, organise, set priorities and manage time, so that Council's resourcesare optimised and objectives are achieved within agreed timeframes,? have the ability to work with minimum direction,? provide efficient and effective customer service,? have a flexible approach to new and progressive ideas,? have the ability to gain the confidence and cooperation of other staff.7 INTERPERSONAL SKILLSThe incumbent will:? have proven written and verbal communication skills required for report and letter writing,phone and counter enquiries,? build positive relationships so as to gain the cooperation or assistance of clients and thegeneral public,? have the ability and willingness to work as part of a small team,? have excellent negotiation skills,? have ability to develop options, solve problems and be flexible as required.8 EXPERIENCEThe incumbent will have experience as an Environmental Health Officer.9 QUALIFICATIONSQualification Mandatory orDesirableA tertiary qualification in an environmental health discipline or otherqualifications which satisfy the requirements of membership status ofEnvironmental Health Professionals Australia? MandatoryA current Victorian Drivers Licence ? Mandatory10 ORGANISATIONAL QUALIFYING PERIODAn Organisational Qualifying period of six months applies to the position.ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH OFFICERPage 5 of 811 ANNUAL PERFORMANCE DEVELOPMENT REVIEWA Performance Development Review will be conducted each year. Every staff member is requiredto actively participate in the Annual Performance Development Review process with his or herimmediate supervisor.12 ORGANISATIONAL RELATIONSHIPSRelationship StakeholdersReports to ? Manager Community ServicesSupervises ? Arbovirus Technical OfficerInternal liaisons ? All Council staffExternal liaisons ? Clients? Public authorities? Suppliers and contractors? Local community and businesses? Local government and government sectors13 KEY SELECTION CRITERIAThe criteria for selection will be:1. a tertiary qualification in an environmental health discipline or other qualifications which satisfythe requirements of membership status of Environmental Health Professionals Australia,2. extensive experience in the provision of environmental health services and a strong familiaritywith the role in a local government environment,3. demonstrated theoretical and practical knowledge and extensive practical experience inVictorian environmental health legislation, programs and procedures,4. sound conceptual and analytical skills together with an ability to develop solutions to problemsthat members of the community may have, for which no precedence exists,5. demonstrated ability to work with minimal direction, prioritise work and manage timeeffectively,6. excellent communication skills both written and verbal, and the proven ability to negotiate,network and liaise with a broad range of stakeholders to manage conflict situations.14 REVIEWThe supervisor and incumbent will review this Position Description for any necessary amendmentsduring the annual Performance Development Review process.15 GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES OF EVERY LODDONSHIRE COUNCIL EMPLOYEEEvery employee of the Loddon Shire Council is bound to adhere to legislation, regulations, andcodes of conduct. Specific responsibilities are:ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH OFFICERPage 6 of 815.1 Council valuesAll Employees are required to uphold the Values of the Council as set out in the Council Plan andStaff and Contractors' Code of Conduct.15.2 Equal opportunity and bullying and harassmentLoddon Shire Council offers a work environment free of discrimination, sexual or other harassment,victimisation, and vilification and bullying.All Employees are required to:? respect the rights of all other employees, customers and clients,? adhere to Council's equal opportunity and bullying and harassment policies andprocedures, and? not get involved in, support, assist or encourage any form of discrimination, harassment,sexual harassment, bullying, vilification or victimisation.In addition, employees with supervisory responsibilities must also:? take appropriate actions to prevent discrimination, harassment, sexual harassment,bullying, vilification or victimisation from occurring in their work area; and? take appropriate steps to remedy the situation if discrimination, harassment, sexualharassment, bullying, vilification or victimisation has occurred.15.3 Occupational Health & SafetyAn employee, while at work, shall:? take the care of which the employee is capable for the employee's own health and safetyand for the health and safety of any other person who may be affected by the employee'sacts or omissions at the workplace,? adhere to and assist in the continuous improvement of Council's occupational health andsafety systems.15.4 Risk ManagementAn employee, while at work, shall:? ensure any issues identified as a risk to the public, contractor or members of staff arereported in accordance with Council's incident reporting procedure,? adhere to and assist in the continuous improvement of Council's risk management system.15.5 Staff and Contractors Code of ConductThe Staff and Contractors Code of Conduct applies to all employees and contractors of the LoddonShire Council. All staff must:? adhere to the Staff and Contractors Code of Conduct at all times,? familiarise themselves with the Code to ensure compliance with its principles.15.6 PrivacyThe Loddon Shire is committed to complying with the Information Privacy Act and the HealthRecords Act. All employees are required to:ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH OFFICERPage 7 of 8? adhere to the Information Privacy Act and the Health Records Act,? at all times ensure that the personal information collected and held by the Council isprotected from misuse, loss, unauthorised access, modification or disclosure,? ensure that personal information is appropriately stored and managed,? collect information only directly relating to the services being provided to clients,? not disclose personal information to any person or organisation without written consent orunless prescribed by a lawful instruction.15.7 Records managementLoddon Shire Council employees, as public officers under the Public Records Act 1973, haveresponsibilities for ensuring that records created and received are captured, managed, stored, anddestroyed in accordance with Public Records Office of Victoria standards and policies andprocedures adopted by the Council.15.8 ConfidentialityAll employees of the Loddon Shire Council have a duty:? to serve the Council with loyalty and in good faith,? not to disclose or use any information obtained in the course of employment for anypurpose other than carrying out duties of employment,? not to source Council information, or information relating to Council's ratepayers andclients, for any purpose other than carrying out duties of employment.15.9 ComplianceLoddon Shire Council is committed to implementing a compliance framework to encourageorganisation wide compliance with legislation, policy and procedures.This position is required to manage responsibilities under legislation, policy and procedures.Where relevant the incumbent must use Council's approved Advent Manager ComplianceSoftware by:? ensuring obligations and actions in Management Action Plans are attended to within thetimeframes allocated, and? signing-off obligations and actions in the system once they reach practical completion.15.1 Child Safe StandardsLoddon Shire Council is committed to the safety of children and young people and operates withinthe child wellbeing and safety amendment (Child Safety Standards) Act 2015.Staff are expected to be aware of all policies and procedures regarding the safety of children andyoung people at all times.ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH OFFICERPage 8 of 816 AGREEMENTThe manager and incumbent, by signing this section of the Position Description, agree that itreflects the current duties and responsibilities of the position.Incumbent's name: (Please print)……………………...….…………………………………………Incumbent's signature: ……………………………….……………………………... Date: ………..Manager's signature: ………………………………….………………………………………………Manager's title: …………………………...………………………………………… Date: …………