Cessnock City Council Position Description

Cessnock City Council Position Description

Date Created November 2010
(January 2013 New Format)
Date Amended
Authority Level Approval Group Leader

Position Title Plant Operator – Tractor / Slasher Operator

Salary Level Grade 5

Group Community Services

Standard Hours 38 hours per week (FTE)

__________________________________________________________________________

PRIMARY PURPOSE

 Undertake plant operator duties as a part of a multi-skilled team undertaking the
maintenance of councils road reserves primarily in the rural areas and/or drainage
reserves

 Undertake general labouring duties associated with the maintenance and construction of
roads, paved areas and drainage facilities.

STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS AND CORPORATE REQUIREMENTS

All aspects of this position will be performed by the incumbent to:
 satisfy all relevant legislative and statutory obligations
 satisfy the Cessnock City Council Code of Conduct
 comply with Council’s policies and procedures in relation to workplace diversity
 contribute to and support the achievement of the Cessnock City Council Community

Strategic Plan
 comply with Council’s policies and procedures
 project a friendly and professional approach at all times and treat all staff members as

valued customers
 undertake other relevant duties as directed, consistent with the employee’s skill,

competence and training

OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH & SAFETY – Responsibility Authority Accountability (RAA)

The Tractor / Slasher Operator has a responsibility for the health and safety of self and of
others in the workplace and to co-operate with Council through complying with
Workplace/Occupational Health and Safety Policies, Procedures and Regulations.

ORGANISATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS

Reports to: Team Leader
Supervises:

DELEGATIONS
As described in Council’s Delegations Register.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

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PRIMARY DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES KEY RESULT AREAS

1. Undertake tractor operator duties  Tractor operated in a reliable,
efficient and safe manner.
including:-
Tasks performed in accordance with
 relevant work standards, works
 Operate the tractor, configured as a schedule and standard operating
procedures.
slasher to control vegetation and/or
Tractor operated in accordance with
cut grass on road verges, , drainage the Motor Traffic Regulations and
Council procedures and guidelines.
lines and designated open grassed 
areas. Tractor and attachments maintained
in a well presented, serviceable and
 Operate the tractor and all roadworthy condition by effectively
servicing and maintaining the tractor
attachments.  in accordance with the
 Undertake daily pre-start check in Manufacturer’s Specifications and
Council procedures and guidelines.
accordance with councils policies.
Tractor operated in a safe manner in
 Select the most appropriate route both on and off road situations.

for the execution of duties. Output and wear and tear on the
tractor and attachments is balanced
 Maintain the tractor and to maximise productivity.

attachments in a clean and well Tractor operated under worksite
conditions minimising impact to
presented condition.  survey marks, public utilities, traffic
control devices and any
 Undertake minor servicing on a improvements or other works being
undertaken.
daily basis or as required. 
The most appropriate route is used to
 Perform major servicing of the execute duties.

tractor and attachments in

conjunction with the workshop 

personnel as required.



2. Undertake general labouring duties  Tasks performed in accordance with
including:- relevant work standards and standard
operating procedures.
 Manual handling of materials, eg.
excavation and spreading of  Tasks carried out in a reliable, efficient
material, pipe laying, concrete and safe manner.
works, erection of roadside
furniture and roadside cleaning. 3
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 General concreting works
including erection of formwork, 2/6
fixing of reinforcement, placement
and finishing of concrete.

 General asphalt and bituminous
sealing works, eg. pothole
patching, asphalt works and
sealing operations.

 Erection of erosion and sediment

PRIMARY DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES KEY RESULT AREAS

control measures such as silt
fences, gabions, turfing.

 Landscaping works, eg. tree  Knowledge and work skills improved
lopping, spreading of topsoil, by active participation in Council
turfing associated with minor civil training programs.
works.
 Individual and team work procedures
3. Adopt best practice work methods on reviewed and alternative work
works tasks. methods continually sought to
improve work output.

 Potential problems identified and
action taken to minimise impact.

 Work procedures enhanced by
participation in Work Improvement
Teams.

4. Operate and maintain small plant and  Demonstrated ability to prepare,
equipment, eg. chainsaws, plate operate, service and maintain a wide
compactor’s, hand mowers, hand range of small plant and equipment in
tools, brush cutters, small fuel driven an efficient and safe manner.
roller, concrete vibrators.
 Valued and respected team member.
5. Control traffic at worksites, including
placement of signs, lights and barriers.

6. Respond to emergency events on a
roster basis if required.

7. Work and participate in an enthusiastic
and co-operative team spirit.

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CESSNOCK CITY COUNCIL EMPLOYEE EXPECTATIONS

To create a united team based workplace that delivers innovation, effectiveness, efficiency
and integrity, it is the intention of all Cessnock City Council employees to:

 Participate as positive team members and support others in a cooperative and helpful
manner.

 Develop and maintain a working environment where honest behaviour, trustworthiness
and open communication is encouraged and valued.

 Produce consistently high quality outcomes.
 Demonstrate mutual respect, be flexible and show appreciation and encouragement of

the efforts of others.
 Champion innovation in all aspects of work.
 Create and maintain a working environment where safety and well being are priorities for

all.

GENERAL DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Undertake work in a prompt and efficient manner as directed.
2. Ensure safe working procedures and practices are undertaken in all activities.
3. Comply with Council’s Occupational Health and Safety Policies and Procedures, eg.

safety clothing and footwear, use of safety equipment etc.
4. Ensure the safety of the public when performing duties.
5. Ensure Council’s ‘public image’ is promoted in a positive manner in all dealings with

the community.
6. Participate in workplace skills assessment and training as required.
7. Participate in Work Improvement Teams as required.
8. Continually seeks to improve work procedures, and makes constructive suggestions

for the improvement of work output.
9. Complete timesheets and other relevant forms in accordance with relevant standards

and procedures.
10.Process material receipt and delivery dockets as required.
11.Take part in and contribute to Employee Development Reviews with supervisor or

other relevant staff as required.
12.Maintain high standards of conduct and comply with all relevant rules and

requirements.

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SELECTION CRITERIA

Essential Criteria

1. Holder of a current Class C (formerly Class 1) driver’s licence.
2. Demonstrated competence in the operation, servicing and maintenance of the Council

tractor and attachments.
3. Holder of an R.T.A Apply Traffic Control Plans Certificate (Yellow Card) or willingness

and competence to obtain.
4. Holder of an R.T.A. Traffic Control Certificate (Blue Card) and a demonstrated ability to

set up traffic control at a work site or willingness and competence to obtain.
5. Holder of a Safe Work Near Power Lines Certificate or willingness and competence to

obtain.
6. Basic knowledge of road and drainage construction and maintenance requirements.
7. Willingness to work in a team environment in a co-operative manner.
8. Experience in the use of minor plant and equipment.
9. Demonstrated competency in undertaking specified labouring duties for civil projects and

maintenance tasks.
10. Demonstrated basic literacy, numeracy, oral and written communication skills.
11. Satisfactory attendance and punctuality record.

Desirable Criteria
1. Good knowledge of councils rural road network and any features that need special

attention or consideration and type of cut required.
2. Holder of a current class MR licence.
3. Knowledge of Council’s main road network.
4. Concrete construction and finishing skills.
5. Basic carpentry skills.
6. Basic knowledge of landscaping requirements.

Desirable Personnel Attributes
1. Demonstrated motivation, reliability and co-operation.
2. Demonstrated pride in achieving a good finished product.
3. Ability to provide constructive suggestions to enhance the team performance.
4. Preparedness to be flexible in work type and location.
5. Willingness to undertake training as requested.
6. Commitment to customer service.

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Authorities
This position description meets the capability requirements of the position.

Group Leader: Date:

Employee: Date:

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