Building Surveyor - Selection Criteria Examples

Organisation: Bankstown City Council

Job Title: Building Surveyor

Location: Bankstown Sydney

ESSENTIAL:

Tertiary Qualification in building surveying (or equivalent)

I have completed the Diploma in Building Surveying at TAFE (OTEN) and recently completed the Certification Short Course (UTS, Sydney) which is a requirement for accreditation in NSW by the Building Professionals Board. I have built up my professionalism in the building surveying area by gaining work experienced within the building compliance unit at Local Council. I am knowledgeable in the assessing wide ranges of development e.g. exempt development and complying development etc.

Current Class C driver’s licence

I have a current MR class driver’s licence and possess an excellent driving record.

A high level of technical knowledge and experience related to relevant Acts, BCA and other statutory controls

My high level technical knowledge and experience of relevant Acts, BCA (Building Code of Australia) and other statutory controls has been developed through my employment with the City of Sydney Council. Currently employed as a Compliance Officer (Ordinance) with the Council, I accepted a work experience opportunity in the building compliance department to further my professional development and gain practical experience while completing my Diploma of Building Surveying. I have developed a thorough understanding of regulatory compliance matters in relation to the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979, relevant planning policies and building codes and regulations, including the Building Code of Australia, Council policies and environmental health legislation, codes and policies together with all relevant Australian Standards.

This knowledge has been applied in a real world setting as evidenced by my experience conducting investigations into enforcement matters such as unauthorised building works, sediment control, illegal dumping, construction site noise and pollution. In some instances, I have been required to issue infringements for a breach and have supported these findings with the presentation of evidence and accurate interpretation of relevant statutory requirements such as the Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997 as it relates to building assessment, compliance and enforcement. Prior to this experience, I was employed as a Community Enforcement Officer (Regulations Inspector) with the Ashfield City Council where I was involved primarily in the administration of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979, Local Government Act and the Road Act amongst others.

Keen to continue my personal and professional development in this area, I have completed the Certification Short Course and a Certificate IV in Local Government (Regulatory Services) Take Action on Non-Compliance. I am now eligible for acceptance into the NSW Building Professional Board Accreditation Scheme and with additional experience, I have the ability to achieve A3 accreditation in the immediate future. My objective is to secure a role with a government organisation where I have the opportunity to develop my skills in a professional environment.

Extensive knowledge of building certification matters, including assessment of Construction Certificates, undertaking building inspections and the responsibilities of the Principal Certifying Authority (PCA).

Through my experience and education to date, I have developed extensive knowledge of Building Certificates (s149D) and Planning Certificates (s149) matters, including conducting comprehensive building inspections. This includes liaising with owners, builders and developers regarding the application of statutory codes and Council policies which regulate building, plumbing and drainage processes and advising on energy efficiency, environmental impact and sustainable construction. I have performed assessments, determinations and inspections required to process applications associated with new and existing buildings and structures in accordance with building approvals and legislation such as construction certificates (CC), complying development certificates (CDC) and critical stage inspection. I also understand the requirement to engage a PCA at least two days prior to the commencement of building or subdivision work when a CC or CDC is required to ensure all required checks and inspections take place before and during the construction. The role of the Principal Certifying Authority (PCA) is to ensure that all building work has and is being executed in accordance with the development consent and relevant building regulations to the community’s expectation and I am confident in my capability to carry out the duties of this role.

A good example of my ability to conduct effective site inspections occurred when an inspection revealed that the guttering down pipes attached to the residential dwelling were dilapidated and not connected to an approved storm water management system, causing storm water to overflow onto the adjoining properties. Therefore, the Council intended to issue an Order No. 12, pursuant to section 124 of the Act to install guttering and downpipes to the roof attached to the residential dwelling, to direct water into Council’s Stormwater Management System and prevent surface water overflowing onto the adjoining properties. Accordingly, I explained the reasons of the order (section 136 of the Act), period of compliance with the order (section 137 of the Act) and failure to comply with the order (section 628 of the Act) in which the Council may commence civil enforcement proceeding in the Land and Environment Court of NSW, commence summary criminal proceeding and/or issue a penalty notice including right of appeal against the order (section 138 and 180 of the Act).

Experience in carrying out Fire Safety Audits

Under The Environmental Planning and Assessment Regulations 2000, essential fire safety measures in relation to equipment and construction must be maintained and adhered to in order to ensure the safety of a building in the event of fire. This includes, but is not limited to, automatic fire suppression systems, fire hose reels, fire hydrants, and smoke detection and alarm systems. For all new buildings, the construction certificate must have a fire safety schedule attached where fire safety measures are required. Prior to issuing an Occupation Certificate for a building, a final Fire Safety Certificate needs to be submitted for class 1b and class 2–9 buildings (excluding class 1a), stating that the services have been inspected by a suitably qualified person and installed to the relevant standards. Failure to comply is an offence and Council may issue a penalty infringement notice.

The City of Sydney Council jurisdiction contains a vast array of development types, all requiring different regulations, levels of fire safety measures and monitoring procedures. The development types include terrace houses, retail tenancies, commercial premises, industries, boarding houses, mixed uses, hospitals, schools, restaurants, high-rise apartments, hotels and office buildings. This experience has provided me with exposure to an extensive range of building classes and respective fire safety and monitoring measures. For example, the owner of a building or premises must provide the City and Fire and Rescue NSW with a statement certifying all fire safety measures are functioning correctly and this statement must be assessed by qualified personnel and displayed prominently within the building. I am confident in my ability to carry out effective and thorough Fire Safety Audits in the capacity of Building Surveyor.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Boasting strong practical experience in addition to offering multiple qualifications, I have a proven track record bringing value to a business, as well as possessing valuable customer facing skills and an agile technical mind that is able to come up with considered recommendations solutions and solve complex diagnostic problems within the scope of my role. A professional and experienced communicator, I possess superior interpersonal, communication and relationship building skills as evidenced by my ability to positively contribute to the objectives of a government organisation. I am pleased to say that I have achieved a great deal of success in building meaningful and effective working relationships with appropriate social sensitivity and an informed understanding of cultural awareness.

I have proven ability to maintain confidentiality and consult, negotiate and provide authoritative information and advice on a variety of topics and the technical, business and financial acumen to communicate with internal and external stakeholders. With fluent English and Thai language skills, I strive to meet stakeholder needs through effective questioning, active listening, careful analysis of information and provision of services and solutions in accordance with organisational guidelines and learning principles. I have often been involved in managing sensitive information and am confident using my initiative, communication skills and sound judgement to respond to situations accordingly.

My ability to communicate effectively in writing has been demonstrated through completion of higher level education which has provided me with systematic training in professional and clear communication and the ability produce concise correspondence, reports and summaries with a strong attention to detail. With the innate ability to tailor my communications to my audience, I am able to deliver meaningful and relevant information in a clear and articulate way. For example, I am adept at interpreting legislation and Acts and communicating this information to various key stakeholders in a way that is easy to understand and apply to the construction, repair, maintenance or renovation of a structure.

In my current and previous positions, I have successfully carried out stakeholder management by using my skills, experience and resources such as TRIM and Pathway programs. Utilising these systems effectively allows me to manage my workflow in accordance with customer requests, concerns and deadlines and provide a consistently high level of customer satisfaction. In addition, I have successfully gained professional skills in the conduct of building surveying by using these systems to upload official documents and researching and investigating complaints.

Adaptability and flexibility to accommodate change and provide responsive services to meet the changing needs of customers, the unit and Council

My experience with the City of Sydney Council and the Ashfield Council has allowed me to develop a comprehensive understanding of Local Government functions and the ability to protect the integrity of the Council and community interests through confidential advocacy and complaint mechanisms. Adhering to the Council’s Code of Conduct at all times, I actively promote a culture of sustainability through participation in the Council’s business excellence framework and continuous improvement strategies. My sound knowledge and practical experience in construction regulation, including works zone applications, hoisting activity, temporary works approval, managing waste in a public place, operating a public carpark, carrying out stormwater drainage works, street awnings and signs and installing or operating an amusement device has lent me the ability to provide responsive services to meet the changing needs of customers, the unit and Council.

With extensive knowledge of relevant Council policies, procedures and practices, I firmly believe in promoting an Equal Opportunity Workplace that is free from harassment and discrimination to ensure that every person has equal access to employment and benefits regardless of their age, gender, culture, ethnicity or other discriminating factors. Acting as a positive change advocate, I regularly seek opportunities to create, support and influence initiatives designed to improve the outcomes and performance of the business. I pride myself on the ability to remain flexible and adapt to uncertain or changing circumstances. Using short and long term planning techniques, I prioritise tasks in order of importance and deadline and remain aware of the need to re-prioritise these tasks as workflow changes. Managing multiple conflicting priorities can be a challenge, but my highly developed organisational skills make it one that I can easily overcome with personal drive, initiative and planning.

DESIRABLE:

Current knowledge and understanding of trade related issues, current trends and industry best-practice and development

Through my career success to date, I am confident that my desire for continued professional and personal development and the ability to accept new challenges has worked to achieve positive outcomes for myself and those around me. I ensure I stay regularly up to date with trade related issues, current trends and industry best-practice and development through my own research and participation in training modules and programs aimed at improving my performance and securing a role as a Building Surveyor.

Experience in development assessment matters, including the assessment of Development Applications.

Through my practical experience and communication with Town Planning staff at the City of Sydney Council, I have developed my knowledge of development application assessment under Section 79C of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act. For example, I recently assessed a development application (DA) for proposed alterations and additions to an existing terrace house including an attic conversion with front dormer window and rear addition. In order to make a determination on this DA, under Section 79C of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act, I took into consideration the economic, social and environmental impacts including building height, building setback, resident amenities and suitability of site development. I am also knowledgeable in Code SEPP which applies to different types of residential development on residential zoned land, for example, the General Housing Code, Housing Alterations Code, Demolition Code and Affordable Housing.

Original from expert selection criteria wrote

My high level technical knowledge and experience of relevant Acts, BCA (Building Code of Australia) and other statutory controls has been developed through my employment with the City of Sydney Council. Currently employed as a Compliance Officer (Ordinance) with the Council, I accepted a work experience opportunity in the building compliance department to further my professional development and gain practical experience while completing my Diploma of Building Surveying. I have developed a thorough understanding of regulatory compliance matters in relation to the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979, relevant planning policies and building codes and regulations, including the Building Code of Australia, Council policies and environmental health legislation, codes and policies together with all relevant Australian Standards.

This knowledge has been applied in a real world setting as evidenced by my experience conducting investigations into enforcement matters such as unauthorised building works, sediment control, illegal dumping, construction site noise and pollution. In some instances, I have been required to issue infringements for a breach and have supported these findings with the presentation of evidence and accurate interpretation of relevant statutory requirements such as the Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997 as it relates to building assessment, compliance and enforcement. Prior to this experience, I was employed as a Community Enforcement Officer (Regulations Inspector) with the Ashfield City Council where I was involved primarily in the administration of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979, Local Government Act and the Road Act amongst others.

Keen to continue my personal and professional development in this area, I have completed the Certification Short Course and a Certificate IV in Local Government (Regulatory Services) Take Action on Non-Compliance. I am now eligible for acceptance into the NSW Building Professional Board Accreditation Scheme and, with additional experience I have the ability to achieve A3 accreditation in the immediate future. My objective is to secure a role with a government organisation where I have the opportunity to develop my skills in a professional environment.

Through my experience and education to date, I have developed extensive knowledge of building certification matters, including conducting comprehensive building inspections. This includes liaising with owners, builders and developers regarding the application of statutory codes and Council policies which regulate building, plumbing and drainage processes and advising on energy efficiency, environmental impact and sustainable construction. I have performed assessments, determinations and inspections required to process applications associated with new and existing buildings and structures in accordance with building approvals and legislation such as construction certificates (CC), complying development certificates (CDC) and critical stage inspection. I also understand the requirement to engage a PCA at least two days prior to the commencement of building or subdivision work when a CC or CDC is required to ensure all required checks and inspections take place before and during the construction. The role of the Principal Certifying Authority (PCA) is to ensure that all building work has and is being executed in accordance with the development consent and relevant building regulations to the community’s expectation and I am confident in my capability to carry out the duties of this role.