The incumbent will be expected to adhere to all Gippsland Water policies and procedures, and in doing so, demonstrate our organisational values.

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1 POSITION DESCRIPTION Livestock Overseer 1 POSITION DETAILS Position Title: Reports to: Department: Location: Livestock Overseer Assistant Manager Assets & Commercial Business Dutson Downs Date: January 2018 Document Reference: COR/17/ PURPOSE OF POSITION The Livestock Overseer will form an integral part of the team to effectively operate and maintain a profitable and sustainable livestock production systems that the manage across the Central Gippsland Region. 3 ABOUT GIPPSLAND WATER Our vision We take pride in partnering with the community in providing quality water and waste services so we can enjoy a healthy and sustainable Gippsland for generations to come Our values Safety and wellbeing go home safe Customer focussed customer first Innovation clever solutions Accountability make it happen Collaboration working together treat others as we wish to be treated The incumbent will be expected to adhere to all Gippsland Water policies and procedures, and in doing so, demonstrate our organisational values. About us Gippsland Water is the second largest regional urban water corporation by revenue in Victoria, comprising a diverse, complex and geographically dispersed asset base spread across a 5000 km 2 region which is serviced through an asset base of in excess of $1 billion. Page 1 of 7

2 We exist to deliver reliable, high-quality water, wastewater and waste recovery services to ensure the economy and liveability of the central Gippsland region. Our service area is diverse in area and needs, from the fast growing region in the west, to the transitioning challenges of the Latrobe Valley to providing water and wastewater services to Victoria s largest industrial water uses. There has been significant change throughout the Gippsland region, in particular, the closure of major businesses. While this changing landscape presents many challenges to Gippsland Water, it also highlights the importance of the role Gippsland Water plays in the region, and the role we play in the region s transition. Gippsland Water will continue to focus on: maintaining quality water and wastewater services for our customers at an affordable price our sustainable future and the future of the region, and the role we play in the future. To enable the corporation to meet these needs Gippsland Water has introduced a new approach and strategy that better reflects the needs of the communities and positions the organisation to deliver sustainable environmental and financial outcomes. Gippsland Water engages an inclusive and diverse workforce of around 270 employees across six departments and prides itself on achieving a work-life balance for all employees, allowing us to deliver on the strategic priority of having the right people in the right jobs. This position, therefore, provides the opportunity for flexible working arrangements. 4 ORGANISATION STRUCTURE Manager Administrartion Officer Wastewater Treatment & Irrugation Operator Assistant Manager Livestock Overseer Multi Skilled Operator Page 2 of 7

3 5 KEY ACCOUTABILITIES The Livestock Overseer will form an integral part of the team to effectively operate and maintain livestock systems that the manage. Specific responsibilities include- low stress stock handling, livestock husbandry, livestock health, livestock nutrition, maintenance of land and water systems and assisting with other activities during peak periods. The use of technology to capture and utilise data is an important aspect of farm management. 6 KEY RESPONSIBILITIES The Livestock Overseer will contribute to the achievement of the group s business and operational objectives through accountability in the following key areas: Livestock Undertake a range of animal handling activities associated with cattle management in a low stress and passive manner. Adopt exceptional animal husbandry standards consistent with the Code of Practice for the Welfare of Animals (Cattle & Sheep) Australia. Development and implementation of grazing, reproductive, animal health and finishing programs in conjunction with the management team. To meet the objectives described in our management calendars and overall business plan. To react to the daily challenges and problem solve when required. General Monitoring and maintenance of fencing and water supplies and carrying out maintenance tasks, in conjunction with contractors where required. Ensure high quality housekeeping standards across the farm, including machinery and vehicles. Providing accurate and timely verbal and written reports as required and keep accurate records of all activities on a regular basis. Use technology to capture farm data and apply this to farm management activities. Irrigation Operation of the irrigation systems in accordance with operating procedures from time to time covering absences within the team. Utilise technology including soil moisture monitoring and the Ag sense app to efficiently operate irrigation systems. Page 3 of 7

4 Cropping and Fodder Safety Assist with and undertake various tasks in the cropping and fodder programs during periods of peak demand. Operating and range of agricultural and industrial machinery safely and efficiently as required. Live and breathe OH&S in the workplace. Ensure your own safety and lead safety activities for other stakeholders. Participate in the development, implementation and operation of safe work procedures. Participate in safety tool box talks and risk assessment activities on a regular basis. Operation and maintenance of plant in accordance with manufacturer s specifications and to Safe Operating Procedures. Participation in approved training programs as directed. Quality Management Systems Understand and comply with Gippsland Water s Quality Management System. This includes overall policy, operating procedures and record keeping standards that are required. Ensure records are kept to comply with regulations, quality assurance programs and livestock transactions. Teamwork Continually develop positive staff relationships within the business unit to promote a culture of teamwork and excellence and to ensure that the continually strives to be an industry leader. Carry out tasks across a number of sites in the region as required to ensure timely completion of seasonal tasks and to cover staff leave. Actively engage with other workgroups such as the Soil Organics Recycling Facility (SORF), Water treatment (WWTG) and Environmental teams. Communication Communicating with the Assistant Manager and other staff on a regular basis the condition of livestock, pasture, health and fodder systems. Effective and regular communication within the workgroup to ensure all are informed and activities are carried out in a timely and efficient manner. Interacting with a range of external contractors and service suppliers to ensure effective and efficient service provision in a timely manner. Taking pride in their work to portray a positive and professional image to both internal and external customers, including neighbours and industry stakeholders. Page 4 of 7

5 7 KEY CHALLENGES The incumbent will be required to adopt new methods of work on a regular basis to ensure the continues to remain productive and an innovator in agriculture. Specific challenges include improving the behaviour, genetics and productivity of our livestock, adopting rotational grazing management techniques and integrating technology into business. The must continue to improve the health, productivity, profitability and sustainability of its land and environment and integral to this will be the continuing use of the Soil and Organics Recycling Facilities (SORF) compost products. To effectively carry out this role you will be required to draw on your skills and knowledge to assist in all of these programs. 8 JUDGEMENT & REASONING This stock person position requires flexibility, dedication, self-motivation and initiative. This position demands a variety of skills and a think on your feet reactive problem solving ability. Many of the tasks are associated with unsupervised stock and machinery work as well as seasonal jobs that require teamwork and critical timing. Occasional cover for leave absences within the work group may also be required. All of these jobs may, from time to time, require attention outside normal working hours via an on- call roster system. 9 INTERPERSONAL SKILLS/COMMUNICATIONS The incumbent must have well developed interpersonal and communication skills in order to work effectively with people at all organisational levels, both internal and external to Gippsland Water. These include stakeholders such as contractors, field and office based staff. To achieve their objectives and deadlines, the incumbent will maintain regular, clear communication with the Assistant Manager and team members. They will also provide a pleasant, cooperative and friendly attitude towards all customers, stakeholders and members of the public. A willingness to learn and the ability to accept and implement new work practices are important. An absolute commitment to an agribusiness culture of teamwork and excellence is also required. External Communications Agricultural Machinery Contractors, Livestock Transport Contractors, Livestock Marketing Agent, Agronomy Provider, Veterinarian, Broadspectrum Maintenance, Goods & Services Providers, Neighbours and Miscellaneous Contractors Internal Communications Team, Assets & Group, Service Centre, Waste Water Treatment Group, Environmental Team and Soil and Organics Recycling Facility (SORF). Page 5 of 7

6 10 KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & EXPERIENCE ESSENTIAL & DESIRED SKILLS/EXPERIENCE Essential: Extensive livestock handling experience with Cattle and Sheep. The ability to learn and implement safe livestock handling with low stress stock handling techniques. Absolute commitment to teamwork with a genuine interest in agriculture. Demonstrable understanding of primary production principles. Demonstrable ability to work safely and to perform duties at a consistently high level with minimal supervision. Demonstrable understanding of OH&S in the workplace and the willingness to undertake additional training in this area. Demonstrate the ability to work un supervised at times and as part of a team. The ability and willingness to learn new work practices and techniques and display a can do attitude at all times. Technology savvy. Experience with computers particularly Microsoft Word, Excel, and Internet. Literacy and numeracy skills necessary for accurate completion of record keeping, basic reports and the interpretation of procedures. Cooperative attitude and ability to respond to occasional on call after hours tasks as required. Mechanical aptitude and the ability to operate agricultural plant and machinery. Training or willingness to do so in a range of machinery operating licences as well as confined space entry, manual handling, first aid and farm chemical user s permit. Certified occupational fitness. Current Driver s Licence. Reside within a 60 minute radius of Dutson Downs to be able to respond to callouts. Desirable: Experience in carrying out functional checks on plant and equipment, maintaining maintenance schedules and records of inspections, repairs, servicing and modifications. Training in confined space entry, manual handling, first aid and farm chemical user s permit. Heavy Rigid Truck Licence. Demonstrable practical experience in the operation of a range of agricultural plant and machinery. Page 6 of 7

7 11 SELECTION CRITERIA Demonstrate a sound understanding of primary production principles combined with extensive livestock handling experience and to promote quiet, confident husbandry techniques. Demonstrated ability to learn and adapt to new responsibilities and a genuine interest in agriculture. Well-developed communication skills, including literacy and numeracy. Effective time management skills and ability to prioritise work ensuring high quality outcomes during times of peak activity without compromising Occupational Health and Safety. A current drivers licence and demonstrated competence in operating agricultural plant and machinery. Page 7 of 7