Work Health & Safety Advisor (Expected Vacancy)

Australian Department of Industry, Science and Resources – Canberra ACT

The Department of Industry, Science and Resources and our broader portfolio are integral to the Australian Government’s economic agenda. Our purpose is to help the government build a better future for all Australians through enabling a productive, resilient and sustainable economy, enriched by science and technology. We do this by:

- Growing innovative & competitive businesses, industries and regions
- Investing in science and technology
- Strengthening the resources sector.

The APS and the department offer a clear direction and meaningful work. You will be able to create positive impact in people’s lives whilst contributing to improved outcomes for Australia and our people.

If you would like to feel a strong connection to your work and you are accountable, committed and open to change, join us in shaping Australia’s future.

Please see the APSC’s APS Employee Value Proposition for more information on the benefits and value of employment within the APS.

About the team

The Work Health Safety (WHS) and Wellbeing Section supports the Department to meet its work health and safety obligations, strengthen safe systems of work, and promote a workplace culture that supports both physical safety and psychological wellbeing. The team works in partnership with leaders, managers, workers and specialist stakeholders to provide advice, manage WHS systems and programs, support incident and hazard reporting, coordinate consultation arrangements, and deliver practical tools and initiatives that prevent harm and improve workplace health, safety and wellbeing.

We are part of People Branch, which sits within the Chief Operating Officer Division. People Branch leads the department’s strategic and operational human resources functions, including workforce planning, recruitment and employment programs, capability and talent, employee relations, people support, inclusion, work health and safety, and wellbeing. As part of the COO Division, the branch contributes to the department’s enabling services by supporting a safe, capable, inclusive and high-performing workforce, and by helping leaders and employees access practical people-related advice, systems and support.

The opportunity

The APS4 WHS Advisor supports the delivery of practical WHS and wellbeing services, advice and administrative functions that contribute to a safe, healthy and legislatively compliant workplace. The role works under general direction to apply established legislation, policies, procedures and systems to routine and moderately complex WHS matters.

Please note, this is an anticipated vacancy. This round will be used to fill positions as they arise over the next 18 months.

What’s in it for you?

Joining our team will give you exposure to a wide range of contemporary WHS issues across a large and diverse organisation. You will have opportunities to build your capability in WHS operations, incident management, consultation, reporting, training and continuous improvement.

- Foundational understanding of WHS legislation, risk management principles and organisational WHS systems,



or the ability to quickly acquire this knowledge.
- Ability to interpret and apply policies, procedures and guidance material to routine and moderately complex WHS matters.
- Strong written communication skills, including the ability to prepare minutes, reports, brief updates, correspondence and procedural material.
- Exceptional organisational skills, attention to detail and ability to manage competing priorities within agreed timeframes.
- Ability to work collaboratively, maintain confidentiality and communicate respectfully with a range of stakeholders.
- Confidence using Microsoft Office applications, electronic records management systems and WHS reporting or incident management systems.
- Sound judgement, initiative and problem-solving skills

Our ideal candidate

- Foundational understanding of WHS legislation, risk management principles and organisational WHS systems, or the ability to quickly acquire this knowledge.
- Ability to interpret and apply policies, procedures and guidance material to routine and moderately complex WHS matters.
- Robust written communication skills, including the ability to prepare minutes, reports, brief updates, correspondence and procedural material.
- Exceptional organisational skills, attention to detail and ability to manage competing priorities within agreed timeframes.
- Ability to work collaboratively, maintain confidentiality and communicate respectfully with a range of stakeholders.
- Confidence using Microsoft Office applications, electronic records management systems and WHS reporting or incident management systems.
- Sound judgement, initiative and problem-solving skills

The key duties of the position include:

The APS4 WHS Advisor provides key administrative support functions to the broader WHS and Wellbeing Team, including management of the WHS Inbox, tasking allocation within the WHS incident system and supporting the Health and Safety Representative and First Aid Officer programs. Key responsibilities include:

- Day-to-day management and tasking allocation of queries received through WHS inbox, WHS phone hotline and incident management system.
- Supporting the administration of Health and Safety Representative (HSR) and First Aid Officer programs, including coordinating expressions of interests and ensuring adequate coverage across work groups/sites.
- Providing first-level procedural advice on established policies and controls, escalating matters requiring interpretation or risk-based judgment.
- Assisting with the management of WHS incidents, hazards and near misses, including triage, data entry, follow-up actions (including escalating incidents that may meet notifiable thresholds) and records management.
- Maintaining accurate WHS records, dashboards,



spreadsheets and reporting products to support compliance monitoring and management decision-making.
- Coordinating WHS training, awareness activities, inspections, and other wellbeing or safety initiatives, as required.
- Liaising with internal stakeholders, service providers and external contacts to obtain information, resolve routine issues and support timely delivery activities.
- Contributing to procedure reviews, guidance material, communication products, trend mapping and continuous improvement activities within the WHS function.

Eligibility

To be eligible for employment in the APS and the department, candidates must be Australian Citizens.

Positions require a Baseline security clearance and successful candidates will be required to obtain and maintain a clearance at this level.

Notes

Desirable qualifications or experience:

- Certificate IV in Work Health and Safety, or progress towards a relevant WHS or human resources qualification.
- Experience using WHS incident management systems

A merit pool may be established and used to fill future vacancies within 18 months from the date the vacancy was first advertised in the Gazette.

The department does currently offer flexible work opportunities for many roles. This vacancy is ACT - Industry House based, although flexible or remote work arrangements may be considered. Please reach out to the contact officer to discuss this further.

Getting to know the Department of Industry, Science and Resources (DISR)

The department’s Enterprise Agreement and policies provide for a flexible working environment to assist staff balance their work and home life. Staff and managers work together to balance the operating needs of the department with the needs of the individual. Options may include full time/part time working arrangements, working from home or other arrangements.Our employees say they recommend our department as a good place to work. Our workplace is one that encourages and supports all employees to have a sense of belonging and a culture that allows them to bring their authentic selves to work every day.Our reconciliation vision supports a workforce with opportunities and career pathways for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The vision allows them to feel empowered and helps to ensure that the department and broader community can benefit from the knowledge and experience of Australia’s First Peoples.We encourage applications from people of all ages, abilities, nationalities and backgrounds including Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people, mature age, culturally and linguistically diverse people, people of the LGBTIQA+ community and people with disability.The department wants to give candidates the opportunity to demonstrate their full potential during a recruitment process. We encourage candidates who require any adjustments or support as part of the recruitment process to reach out and discuss them with the job’s contact officer. Candidates are also welcome to contact our Inclusion team at *********@industry.gov.au for a confidential discussion if you identify from any of these diverse backgrounds and would like to discuss how we can support you.

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📌 Work Health & Safety Advisor (Expected Vacancy) (Canberra)
🏢 Australian Department of Industry, Science and Resources
📍 Canberra