Operations Manager

Australian Department of Veterans' Affairs; City of Melbourne; On-site; AUD 100,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Australian Department of Veterans' Affairs is seeking an Operations Manager for the Office of Australian War Graves with depots in Springvale VIC and Pinnaroo Lawn Cemetery QLD. The role will develop and coordinate care and maintenance programs across Southeast Queensland and Victorian catchments, blending administration with on-site program delivery.

The position requires Australian citizenship, Baseline Vetting clearance, and a current Australian driver’s license.

Qualifications

• Australian citizenship is required under the Public Service Act 1999.
• Baseline Vetting (AGSVA) security clearance is required.
• A valid current Australian driver’s license is required.

Responsibilities

• Plan, manage and review the care and maintenance program for OAWG operations.
• Lead horticultural and landscape maintenance activities and memorial maintenance tasks.
• Engage, train and supervise staff and contractors.
• Ensure compliance with WH&S policies and procedures.
• Liaise with DVA staff, cemetery authorities and ex-service organisations.

Skills

Staff supervision

WH&S compliance

Contract management

Budget management

Stakeholder liaison

Job description

Australian Department of Veterans' Affairs - Springvale VIC

The Office of Australian War Graves (OAWG), Operations Manager position/s are based at:

QLD - The Office of Australian War Graves (Queensland Garden of Remembrance) Operations Depot - Pinnaroo Lawn Cemetery 285 Graham Road, Bridgeman Downs QLD 4035.

VIC - The Office of Australian War Graves (Springvale War Cemetery & Garden of Remembrance) Operations Depot - North Drive, Springvale Botanical Cemetery, Princes Highway, Springvale VIC 3171.

Under limited direction from the Assistant Director Operations these Operations Manager’s, will be responsible for developing and coordinating all OAWG care and maintenance activities throughout Southeast Queensland (Brisbane) and Victorian State catchments respectively. These positions are also required to provide specialist support to other OAWG Depots throughout Australia and will include a balance of administration and onsite program delivery.

The Office of Australian War Graves (OAWG), Operations Manager position/s are based at:

QLD - The Office of Australian War Graves (Queensland Garden of Remembrance) Operations Depot - Pinnaroo Lawn Cemetery 285 Graham Road, Bridgeman Downs QLD 4035.

VIC - The Office of Australian War Graves (Springvale War Cemetery & Garden of Remembrance) Operations Depot - North Drive, Springvale Botanical Cemetery, Princes Highway, Springvale VIC 3171.

Under limited direction from the Assistant Director Operations these Operations Manager’s, will be responsible for developing and coordinating all OAWG care and maintenance activities throughout Southeast Queensland (Brisbane) and Victorian State catchments respectively. These positions are also required to provide specialist support to other OAWG Depots throughout Australia and will include a balance of administration and onsite program delivery.

The key duties of the position include:

• Plan, manage and review the care and maintenance program of the OAWG operations and provide specialist operational support to other depots as directed.
• Lead a range of horticultural maintenance activities including professional turf care, maintenance of garden beds and all aspects of site arboriculture, identification and treatment of plant pest and diseases.
• Lead a range of structural maintenance activities including landscape construction, stonemasonry, concreting and memorial maintenance tasks.
• Engage, train and supervise OAWG staff and contractors.
• Implement, monitor and adhere to all WH&S policies and procedures.
• Engage and supervise contractors ensuring scope of services are delivered to the OAWG safely, effectively and compliantly meeting the requirements of Commonwealth Procurement rules and effective contract management practices
• Prepare and manage finance activities for operations and exercise the relevant delegations to approve proposals to spend public monies.
• Liaise with other DVA staff, cemetery authorities, members of the public, ex-service organisations and others as required.
• Represent the Commonwealth at international, national and state fora and in formal military commemorative events.
• Report to senior management and provide advice on issues relations to OAWG activities

Eligibility

• Under section 22(8) of the Public Service Act 1999, employees must be Australian citizens to be employed in the Australian Public Service (APS).
• Any successful candidate external to DVA offered employment will be required to undergo pre-engagement screening checks, even if they currently have a security clearance. The screening checks are conducted in accordance with the Australian Government Protective Security Policy Framework requirements.
• Any successful candidate will be required to obtain and/or maintain, a Baseline Vetting (AGSVA) security clearance as a minimum.

Mandatory Requirements

• A valid current Australian driver’s license

Notes

This recruitment process may be used to fill ongoing and/or non-ongoing position/s. For more information about the role, please see the Candidate Information Pack.

A merit pool of suitable applicants may be created which may be used to fill future ongoing and non-ongoing vacancies should they become available over the next 18 months.

Successful applicants engaged into the APS will be subject to a probation period.

We welcome people with diverse skills, experiences and perspectives. DVA is committed to building a workforce that reflects the community we serve and encourages applications from:

• Veterans and former Australian Defence Force members, whose skills and experience are highly valued across the APS
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
• People with disability
• People who identify as LGBTQIA+
• People from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds

We are a Veteran Employer of Choice! This means you benefit from a workplace actively supporting veterans and families of veterans - one that understands and values military experience. You’re joining an organisation publicly recognised for its commitment to fostering veteran-friendly employment pathways and long-term career success.

The Australian Public Service (APS) values the unique skills, perspectives, and experiences that veterans gain during their Australian Defence Force (ADF) employment and encourage veterans to apply. Support may be available to veterans transitioning to meaningful APS careers through participation in VetPaths, which offers veterans an opportunity to participate in a six-month program offering formal learning and development, career mentoring and activities for wellness and peer support. More information can be found on the DVA Website.

Getting to know the Department of Veterans' Affairs

The Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) exists to fulfil the nation’s duty to support our serving and ex-serving Australian Defence Force members and their families. We do this through programs of care, compensation, commemoration, income and Defence support services. Our aim is to enhance self-sufficiency, quality of life, financial wellbeing and community recognition for those we support.DVA is both a policy and service delivery agency. We have strong relationships with Australian ex-service organisations, Federal and State Government agencies and the veteran community.DVA’s vision is to honour veterans, and empower them and their families to continue life after service, within a society that understands and values their military service and their ongoing contribution to the community.