Organisation: Port Stephens Council
Job Title: Trainee Building Surveyor
Location: Port Stephens
- Organisational Skills Knowledge and Capacity
Demonstrated commitment to a customer service culture and delivery of quality service
I have a strong commitment to delivering excellent customer service, and have demonstrated the ability to anticipate and meet customer needs. I currently own and operate my own handyman business which I created from start-up, and this included establishing and maintaining a strong client base. To retain clients, I need to guarantee the provision of a quality service at all times. I always listen carefully to my clients, making sure I have understood what they need, so that in turn I can deliver a cost effective service.
I have found that by offering a prompt and professional service at all times, I have established a good rapport and a cooperative relationship with these clients. I am always honest and open in my dealings with them, and I take responsibility for any issues that arise, and I work hard to find a solution that works for the client. I have found that this responsiveness, combined with treating clients in a respectful and courteous manner, fosters a working relationship that allows for the resolution of any problems that occur. I also go beyond the agreed requirements of a job, undertaking additional work towards the highest quality of service is provided to my clients.
- Understanding of the Australian Business Excellence philosophy
I have undertaken research regarding the Australian Business Excellence Framework (ABEF) and understand it is a leadership and management system that sets out the elements essential for high levels of business performance. It is also used to review, and then improve, parts of an organisation, including leadership, planning, people, information and knowledge, safety, service delivery, product quality and results. As the ABEF acts as a global model, it gives the Council a way to guarantee that any plans or initiatives it puts in place, all work together to achieve business goals.
I understand that the Port Stephen’s Council has adopted the philosophy of the ABEF to ensure that it continues to improve its services across all areas. The ABEF gives the Council a tool to improve communication and team building, to make sure its organisation matches its goals, and a way to increase savings. As it is one of many types of Council that have adopted the ABEF, Port Stephens can also share information about what works best to achieve these things as well.
I can see that this approach would be particularly important to the Council’s role in overseeing development, and the use of land in its boundaries. This function is one of the most visible areas of any Council. The efficiency of development assessment services is of vital importance to the community that a Council serves. It is therefore essential that Port Stephen Council works at continuously improving those services.
- Development, implementation and maintenance of up to date Council plans which integrate relevant Council policy, planning and decision making framework
I am a dedicated, hard-working employee with a wide breadth of expertise in the building industry. Currently I am employed as a Formwork Carpenter for International Formwork and I am working on a range of diverse projects. Prior to this role, I held a number of positions as a Formwork Carpenter, often acting as the Foreman or Leading Hand on large scale, complex projects. I recently obtained the required licenses and qualifications to operate a registered handyman business. These experiences have given me excellent technical skills in the building industry, along with a strong, practical understanding of the built environment.
During my career I have participated in the process of reviewing the building plans of the projects I worked on. I have also built a class 10a outbuilding for my own use (using the Building Code of Australia and referenced standards). This helped develop my understanding of developing plans for applications, and ensuring compliance with the standards.
I am currently enrolled in the Diploma of Building Surveying and have completed three subjects (see criterion 3.2). I also intend to seek credit in recognition of my knowledge of, and experience in, the building sector.
- Conduct that demonstrates to others Council’s commitment to Safety, Excellence, Teamwork, Respect and Integrity
Throughout my professional career I have always worked safely, provided excellent service, and demonstrated strong teamwork skills, and shown respect and integrity in all my conduct. I have completed the WorkCover NSW Workplace Health and Safety (WHS) Induction Training and hold a current White Card. The training required that I demonstrate personal awareness of WHS legislative requirements, and the basic principles of risk management and prevention of injury and illness in the construction industry. I always wear the appropriate personal protective equipment, work safely, minimise risks and avoid hazards. I also actively participate in the daily tool box talks, and encourage others to work safely, and to fully contribute to these sessions.
In previous positions, I was required to deliver these talks and I always emphasised how important they were to ensuring ongoing safety in the workplace. I made sure that the talks were an opportunity for everyone to raise any areas of concern or issues relating to a safe workplace, and to work together to resolve them. I enforced the idea that every day you need to make a commitment to working safely.
I firmly believe in doing a job right the first time, and have built my professional reputation on this philosophy. I have always focused on delivering excellent products and services during my career as a Formwork Carpenter, and as a Foreman or Leading Hand, often on large scale, complex projects. I also adopt this approach with my own business, taking pride in providing an excellent service at all times.
I have substantial experience in both participating in large, complex teams, and leading a team of diverse workers. I have always worked hard to build positive, productive relationships with other team members. Working in a large team means treating everyone with respect and courtesy, sharing learning and supporting the contributions of others. My job as both a team member, and a supervisor, was to get the best performance possible, by being supportive, and encouraging the input of other team members, especially in busy or stressful situations.
I have always shown the highest level of respect and courtesy to my employer, colleagues, and clients. I treat everyone fairly, and equally, and am strongly committed to equity of opportunity and access in all circumstances. I understand, and am committed to the principles of Equal Employment Opportunity, and firmly believe that everyone should be assessed on their merits. I also believe that in an environment where all workers are valued and respected and have opportunities to develop to their full potential, morale and productivity are bound to improve.
Within the construction industry, I have worked with people from a diverse range of social and cultural backgrounds, and have a proven ability to interact effectively and respectfully with people from all walks of life. I also recognise the value of individual differences, and the benefits that come from having different perspectives and views in the workplace.
During my professional career, I have always demonstrated the highest level of integrity and ethical behaviour. I have always been completely honest and transparent in all my dealings with clients, team members and supervisors.
- Interpersonal Skills Knowledge and Capacity
Position is actively involved in and concerned with the influencing and convincing of others in the pursuit or achievement of specific and set objectives
Often large scale building projects have to be completed within strict deadlines. In these circumstances it is essential that the team works cooperatively to meet targets, while maintaining a safe and supportive workplace. Teams regularly need to work overtime to meet deadlines. In these circumstances everyone needs work together, sharing information and helping each other as much as possible. I have found that when acting as a team supervisor, a positive, friendly, and cheerful attitude really helped to keep staff motivated and focused.
I have acted as a mediator to resolve issues on site, and to ensure that teams have met progress targets. I have organised meetings between workers to talk through problems, and have acted as a liaison between workers and site supervisors. In all these circumstances, I helped influence people to complete a project on time, and within budget.
- Demonstrated facilitation and negotiation skills
In past positions I was required to negotiate with building supervisors regarding resources required, construction targets, and the type, and number of workers needed for particular projects. It was my role to work with the supervisor to come to a mutually acceptable agreement on these items. I was always firm but courteous, committed to delivering the service, while ensuring the quality of the work undertaken, and the safety of the people I was supervising.
I also negotiated with the workers in relation to hours of work, overtime, and types of duties. I needed to have a good relationship with these workers, while ensuring we met our targets. I was also responsible for maintaining their safety and any negotiations that I undertook (both with supervisors and workers) were based on this important consideration.
I also have good facilitation skills. As a Supervisor I ran the daily tool box talks, which were aimed at preventing incidents and reducing injuries and ill health at work. I consistently delivered the talks in a manner that provided an opportunity for everyone to exchange ideas and raise any areas of concern. I encouraged participation by asking questions designed to draw responses from the more reluctant participants. I actively listened to all contributions, often summarising what was said to confirm I understood correctly. I also made sure the talks stayed on track, and that discussions stayed relevant to the topics being covered.
- Demonstrated well-developed written and oral communication skills
I have well developed written communication skills, and throughout my professional career I have been required to write reports on the work that I was undertaking. I always focus on covering key points succinctly, present the message clearly, and use appropriate language for the audience. While I was employed as a Security Officer and Supervisor, I was required to write detailed daily reports outlining the duties I had undertaken during that shift, as well as providing information on any incidents that occurred.
As mentioned in the previous criterion, as a Carpenter Supervisor, I carried out all the preparation for the daily tool box talks. I found that these talks were most effective when I had undertaken proper preparation, including having a planned, written agenda. The talks covered such things as duties for that day, working with other trades, potential hazards and risks, and safety requirements. Afterwards, I put together a concise report, covering what items were dealt with, what topics were discussed, and what issues were raised. I then forwarded it to the Builder for review.
Another requirement that I have fulfilled on many projects, was the completion of daily safety reports (pre-work, during work and after work). These safety reports included a range of information such as potential hazards, safety requirements, and incident reporting.
While working for Bettaplex as a Formwork Foreman on a multimillion dollar retail complex, the project was audited by Workcover. I achieved a 97% compliance rate from this audit which was in part a testament to the thoroughness and accuracy of the written reports that I prepared and submitted in relation to all WHS matters.
My oral communication skills were also demonstrated during the daily tool box talks I held for a team of up to 25 workers. These talks were fundamental to the ongoing safety of the workplace. It was imperative that I communicated in a way that captured the attention of my audience and that my language was non-technical and jargon-free. I always succeeded at helping workers to understand all the safety requirements, and that they were committed to them on the job.
- Demonstrated skills in problem solving and conflict resolution to enable effective liaison with people at all levels.
Acting as Leading Hand and Foreman I met situations that required problem solving and conflict resolution on a daily basis. I am able to think strategically and out-side of the box when solving problems and dealing with any issues that arose. Working in the building industry, I was often required to be flexible, and to generate alternatives and options when it was not possible to proceed on a project as planned. This could be caused by issues with materials, equipment, resources or workers. My role was to find solutions that worked for the supervisor, the workers and the project.
Often, plans changed on a daily basis and this meant being pro-active towards resolution. In these circumstances I would need to resolve whatever problems or difficulties were caused by the changes. I also gained experience liaising effectively between the builder and the work team in relation to any changes. I would consult with the builder for information on current issues and plan revisions, and then co-ordinate between the site foreman, leading hands and carpenters.
While I was employed in the security industry, I was required to liaise constantly with members of the public. A primary aspect of my role was to provide a safe environment for the patrons. I consistently provided a professional, courteous and respectful service. I remained calm and polite when dealing with any issues that arose, and did my utmost to find solutions that the customer was satisfied with. I developed excellent skills in resolving conflicts, and ensuring that disputes were not escalated. I also consulted with staff at the venues and with other security personnel to enable a coordinated service.
- Qualifications and Experience Skills Knowledge and Capacity
Commencement of or eligibility for a Degree or Diploma qualification in Building Surveying
I am currently enrolled in the Diploma of Building Surveying and have completed the following subjects:
- Evaluate materials for construction of domestic scale buildings
- Produce working drawings for residential buildings
- Apply legislation to urban development and building controls
- Desire for development of knowledge of contemporary development and building issues and legislation
My career in the building history has provided me with a desire to understand and learn more and grow with the industry as it grows ad transforms. Concurrent with this desire is the desire to develop a knowledge bank of contemporary development and widen my understanding of building issues and legislation. I have a natural ability and enjoyment reviewing building plans. I have applied my understanding and knowledge in a project where I built a class 10a outbuilding from scratch using the Building Code of Australia and referenced standards. I found a great deal of satisfaction in developing the plans for the application, and ensuring compliance with the standards and legislation.
Paramount to my professional ethic is the ethos that all buildings are safe, accessible and energy efficient whilst being aesthetically pleasing. I derive great pleasure contributing to this outcome. My critical thinking skills and ability to think outside of the box means that I am a key person when design issues arise. My strategic thinking skills enable the ability to assess various construction techniques and materials available that may help address such issues.
After considering all the different aspects of the construction processes that interest me and that I am skilled in, I am confident that I am a perfect candidate for a career as a building surveyor and something I would find rewarding. As a successful Formwork Carpenter with extensive experience in my trade, I am excited about taking a step back to become a trainee in this field. It is a great opportunity to learn a range of new skills. I see this as an exciting new career opportunity, where my experience and maturity will provide me with the strong foundation of knowledge and ability that will allow me to excel in this role.
- Drivers License – Class C
I have a current Class C Licence
