Organisation: Department of National Parks, Sport and Racing
Job Title: Ranger
Word Limit: 2 pages Maximum
Location: Manly Queensland
Re: RANGER (Job No. QLD/197246/15)
Dear Mr Hoseck,
Please accept my application for the position of Ranger as advertised on the SmartJobs careers board. Leveraging off a successful career in waterways maintenance, conservation, fire management, emergency response and general construction spanning over 19 years, I have demonstrated experience planning and delivering projects with respect to regulatory compliance matters, enforcement and environmental legislation. Currently employed as a Waterways Maintenance Worker with the Gold Coast City Council (GCCC) and with previous experience in bushland restoration, I am aware of and support the Department of National Parks, Sport and Racing (NPSR) vision of “flourishing parks and forests, physically active Queenslanders and public confidence in the racing industry.” With a strong background working in partnership with local communities and other stakeholders to contribute to land management, recreational and conservation outcomes, I possess an impressive skillset that will allow me to successfully carry out the duties of a Ranger. In accordance with the application process, please find below responses outlining my suitability to the position.
Supports Strategic Direction
With over 11 years of experience working within the local government, I have a proven track record contributing to the development of plans, programs and business objectives as they relate to the strategic direction of an organisation. Working across a range of geographies and business circumstances, I have, managed, developed and implemented strategies for the maintenance of natural and infrastructure resources in accordance with budgetary constraints. In my current role, I work independently in the field performing inspections and gathering data to maximise the water quality within the GCCC area as it passes through stormwater drainage systems into natural water systems and wetlands. To achieve this, I record information on an iPad to develop work plans, determine a regular visitation schedule and set milestones accordingly. Depending on the category of work to be undertaken, I perform inspections on a fortnightly, monthly, quarterly or bi-annually basis and analyse this data to make considered recommendations to maximise my time and the use of company resources. For example, I use this information to determine whether a waterway requires harvesting of aquatic growth or would benefit from the presence of plant species to absorb toxins and cleanse the water. Through accurate and comprehensive record keeping, I am able to respond to enquiries and provide authoritative information and advice in a timely manner. This allows the department to have a better understanding and visibility of the resources required to support the organisation’s vision and annual work programs.
Achieves Results
Throughout my career, I have demonstrated the ability to achieve consistent results across a range of key areas, taking full command, responsibility and ownership for outcomes that reflect the values and objectives of the organisation. This was evident in my previous role as Conservation Bush Regenerator and Fire Management Coordinator with Redland City Council, where I effectively utilised advanced resource coordination, personnel and time management skills to achieve project milestones. As the leading hand of a small conservation team, I maintained full responsibility for the planning and scheduling of work allocation, which involved site inspections, public consultations and liaising with key stakeholder and community organisations, including indigenous land rights groups. My ability to remain flexible and adapt to uncertain, critical or changing circumstances was demonstrated by my effective management of prescribed burns on North Stradbroke Island. In this instance, I conducted extensive pre-assessment research to identify existing and potential risks and implemented risk mitigation strategies to ensure the safety, compliance and integrity of the project. Due to unfavourable weather conditions, I continuously re-evaluated the resources we would need, adapted to each individual situation, monitored deadlines and communicated with key stakeholders. By maintaining focus on and encouraging quality outcomes, I was able to ensure the success of the project and was commended for my ability to effectively lead a large workgroup in the achievement of business objectives.
Supports Productive Working Relationships
Throughout my career, I am pleased to say I have achieved a great deal of success building and maintaining meaningful relationships to improve productivity and workplace interactions. With an informed understanding of cultural awareness, I am able to effectively collaborate with a diverse group of colleagues, customers, supervisors and the wider community to facilitate cooperation and support the provision of quality community services. Persuasive, confident and capable I have held several leadership roles and actively participated in all aspects of human resources management including training and staff development. In my position as Leading Hand with Redland City Council, I worked collaboratively with my team of four staff to promote a culture of shared enthusiasm and accountability in order to encourage individuals to be confident working across a wide range of tasks. My style of leadership is one that is strong in influencing, persuading and motivating teams to produce best practice by individual adoption, not just management instruction. In this way, I am able to effectively identify areas for development and reduce performance gaps. Committed to team performance, I am prepared to work overtime or complete additional tasks, remaining responsive to the department as a whole by assisting my staff and colleagues in times of absence or increased operational demands. Working closely with management and forming productive relationships with all staff has recently provided me with the opportunity to step in as a temporary replacement into higher-level roles.
Displays Personal Drive and Integrity
As a highly skilled and experienced Australian Public Service (APS) professional, I possess an informed understanding of public service professionalism and the APS Code of Conduct, including a strong commitment to organisational values, workplace diversity, workplace health and safety and equal employment opportunity. I take great pride in the quality of work I produce and act with honesty and fairness, demonstrate moral strength, behave with impartiality and practice tolerance and patience. Leading by example, I consistently operate within the boundaries of organisational guidelines, as demonstrated throughout my career where I have developed strategies, conducted risk assessments and managed conservation projects in accordance with legislative and policy frameworks. I have regularly displayed my ability to maintain confidentiality and to exercise tact, discretion and initiative through roles involving all aspects of stakeholder management with a strong community focus. My experience with the Gold Coast City Council and the Redland City Council has lent me a comprehensive understanding of local government functions and the importance of protecting the integrity of the Council and community interests. I actively promote a culture of sustainability through participation in training, initiatives and continuous improvement strategies designed to improve my performance and the performance of the business. In this way, I remain up-to-date with employer objectives and am able to constructively challenge business issues and justify my own position to verify my ideas.
Communicates with influence
A confident and experienced professional, I possess superior oral and written communication skills and ability to interact with staff at all levels, supported by my experience delivering information in the form of work plans, project schedules, reports and public consultations. Throughout my career, I have assumed a high level of responsibility that has demanded exceptional negotiation and conflict resolution skills, including managing and supervising staff, working closely with executive teams, facilitating staff training and handling customer enquiries and complaints. My experience working in public, private and commercial organisations has lent me the innate ability to tailor my communications to my audience in order to meet the needs of the enquirer. I achieve this through effective questioning, active listening, careful analysis of information and the provision of services and solutions in accordance with organisational guidelines. For example, I am adept at interpreting legislation and technical knowledge and communicating this information to the public in a way that is easy to understand and apply to the maintenance of park infrastructure, plant operation, fire management and weed and pest control. Effective communication is the most important issue in any organisation and I endeavour to be clear and concise at all times to mitigate the risk of confusion or misunderstanding; common factors that may lead to conflict in the workplace or the wider community.
Technical/Knowledge
My extensive technical knowledge has been acutely developed through my practical experience with the local government, lending me a comprehensive understanding of the principles of conservation and natural resource management as they relate to workplace health and safety, compliance and emergency response. Using judgement, intelligence and common sense, I am able to apply this knowledge to make informed decisions within the scope of my role. For example, when identifying sites that may require pest or weed control, my understanding of the Nature Conservation Act 1992 ensures I use the correct materials and processes to protect the native wildlife, habitat, soil, water and minerals. Through these inspections and my expertise in the industry, I am able to apply my well-developed financial management skills to ensure my recommendations align with departmental budget allocations. To achieve this, I capture relevant data and use operational systems and standard operating procedures to assess the financial feasibility of equipment, overtime and contractors. With a trade certificate in engineering fabrication and extensive structural and building knowledge, I have demonstrated experience leading a team in the maintenance and construction of National Park projects, such as boardwalks and trails. At all times, I ensure works are carried out in a safe manner in accordance with building codes and liaise with cultural spotters to protect and preserve cultural significance. I would bring the above values, strengths and experience to any future role and am confident in my ability to make a valuable contribution to the NPSR. I look forward to speaking further at your convenience.
