Verge Maintenance Officer

As a valued Verge Maintenance Officer, you will use your practical skills in vegetation management, machine and equipment operation, and civil labor to maintain and enhance the presentation and safety of public verges across the Shire of Carnarvon. Working as part of a dedicated Verge Crew, you will carry out a range of tasks including mowing, brush cutting, weed control, minor kerb and footpath repairs, and street tree maintenance. The Verge Crew plays a vital role in supporting the Shire’s road and streetscape network, helping to ensure clear, clean, and attractive public spaces for residents and visitors. This role also supports the identification, planting and care of new street trees and assists with larger-scale roadside verge mowing on key arterial roads using tractors and slashers.

Key role outcomes:

• Demonstrate successful leadership through the application of the Shire's core values by promoting a work culture of sustainability, quality improvement, efficiency, and excellent customer service that corresponds to our Code of Conduct and Customer Service Charter.
• A commitment to a safe work environment and WHS legislation, policy, and processes.
• Ensure compliance with the Local Government Act (WA) 1995 and any relevant legislation.
• Undertake mowing and brush-cutting activities along verges, maintaining a clear zone of approximately one metre on either side of footpaths in designated areas.
• Perform effective weed management, including manual removal and the safe application of herbicides along footpaths, kerbs, and other public verge areas.
• Maintain organised records of community programs, events, and participant information.
• Conduct routine street tree maintenance to ensure appropriate clearance for pedestrian and vehicle access, and overall streetscape safety.
• Assist in the identification, planting, and ongoing maintenance of street trees in accordance with Shire standards and urban greening objectives.
• Identify, treat, and monitor noxious weed species in accordance with legislative requirements, maintaining accurate records of all chemical applications and removal efforts.
• Carry out minor repairs to footpaths and kerbing as needed, ensuring safe and accessible public infrastructure.
• Clean and perform minor maintenance on street furniture, including public seating and street bins, to support public amenity and appearance.
• Ensure all tasks are undertaken in compliance with relevant safety procedures, environmental regulations, and organisational policies.
• Maintain tools, machinery, and plant in good working order, ensuring appropriate pre-start checks and safe operating practices are followed at all times.

Work, Health & Safety Responsibilities:

• To take reasonable care for their own safety and health and to avoid harming the safety and health of other people through any act or omission at Shire workplaces.
• Proactively comply with all Shire WHS Policies, Procedures, and Guidelines, Practice, duties and other relevant conditions.
• Comply with the WA WHS Act 2020, WHS (General) Regulations 2022, all other relevant Regulations, Codes of Practice and Australian Standards.
• Comply with instructions given by their employer or an authorised person in the interests of safety and health and in accordance with the WHS Act.
• Report to their manager, supervisor, WHS Representative, PC&S and/or other relevant contact person work related injuries, near misses and any hazards at the workplace that they cannot correct themselves.
• Use, store and maintain personal protective equipment as properly instructed, and not damage or misuse any equipment or facilities provided in the interests of safety and health.
• Participate in and where possible provide leadership for a continuous improvement culture of safety where best practice initiatives are entrenched in daily business activities.

Skills and Experience Required:

• Previous experience in grounds maintenance, parks, rural operations or civil works.
• Demonstrated ability to follow safety requirements in the use of machinery and personal safety and to actively ensure operations meet Work Health & Safety requirements.
• Proven ability to use and maintain equipment such as brush-cutters, mowers, slashers, and herbicide sprayers.
• Experience with basic civil repairs (kerbs, footpaths) is desirable.
• Sound knowledge of safe operating procedures and manual handling practices.
• Ability to work safely and efficiently in outdoor environments, including in adverse weather.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work cooperatively in a team.
• Experience in chemical handling and application practice.
• Experience in horticultural techniques.

Pre-employment screening required for this role:

• National Police Clearance - Less than 6 months old
• Pre-employment Medical Screening
• Alcohol and Other Drug screening
• Audiometric Test

It is not the intention of the position description to limit the scope or accountabilities of the position but to highlight the most important aspects of the position. The aspects mentioned above may be altered in accordance with the changing requirements of the role.