Senior Maintenance Officer- HVAC

Job Details

Job Title: Senior Maintenance Officer- HVAC

Employment Type: Ongoing

Classification: Parliamentary Service Level 5

Closing Date: 11:30pm AEDT, 9 April 2025 

Contact: Jon Langejans, 0461 584 443, jon.langejans@aph.gov.au

The Opportunity

The Department of Parliamentary Services (DPS) is recruiting for a Parliamentary Service Level 5 Senior Maintenance Officer- Heating, Ventilation, Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration (HVACR) position within Property Services Branch. 

No two days are the same as a HVAC-R technician at DPS- some days you will be reacting to urgent maintenance jobs to ensure the smooth running of Parliament, and others you will conduct routine statutory maintenance. The work is a varied mix of maintenance and installation, and there is a lively and vibrant work environment.

The HVAC-R technician position works within the Mechanical Services area, which is responsible for building maintenance across a range of vital trades such as fitting and turning, vehicle mechanics and Plumbing. These trades come under the umbrella of Maintenance Services, which encompasses a large range of building maintenance activities.

The work you will conduct directly contributes to the continuation of the work of Parliament, and, as such, plays a small but vital part in the support of our democratic nation.

The key duties and responsibilities of the role include, but aren’t limited to:

• Maintaining key Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration infrastructure, including air reticulation & air handlers, VAV boxes, CRAC units, Fire Dampers, split systems, glycol & Bitzer racks, industrial chillers and boilers and BMS control systems.
• Provide timely and accurate trade advice to a broad range of stakeholders, including Members, Senators and Ministers
• Lead a small team with trade knowledge, team building and apprentice supervision
• Adhere to WHS laws and regulations as stipulated by the Work Health and Safety Act (2011)
• Other duties as directed- see the Duty Statement and Selection Criteria
• Parliament house offers a highly unique work environment, and you will work on hundred of kilometres of ductwork, Air handler Units that a bus can park in and industrial grade chillers.

Who we are looking for

We are looking for candidates with a can-do, positive attitude who are strongly committed to working within, and leading, a small team. We operate in a tight-nit, honest and dedicated unit, and we value the ability to work with people from all backgrounds in a positive manner.

The candidate must possess a certificate III in Air Conditioning and Refrigeration , with ArcTick registration and a Restricted Electrical License. Dual Trade candidates will be highly regarded.

 You will bring a broad range of experience from either a maintenance, construction or industrial background, and ideally you have led small teams previously.

Our clients are unique at Parliament House, and you must be calm under pressure, with a customer centric focus. For a full list of qualifications, skills and duties, please see the Selection Criteria and Duty statement- be sure to address these briefly in your one-page pitch and Curriculum Vitae. Please note that the successful candidates will require a physical examination and must complete a NCCHC and security assessment for a Baseline Clearance.

Job Specific Requirements: 

• Certificate Ill (Trade Qualification) air-conditioning and refrigeration, current restricted electrical license and current arctick license.
• Safety related qualifications such as manual handling training, working at heights, confined spaces entry, chemical handling or elevated work platform.
• Ability to work at heights.
• Work flexible working arrangements (up to 30% including 9 weekend days) to meet operational requirements including Parliamentary sitting, shifts, on-call rosters, out of hours works, weekends  and duties as required, in the current Departmental Enterprise Agreement 2024 and any future agreements.
•  The successful applicant will be required to obtain and maintain a Baseline Vetting (Protected/Restricted) security clearance.

At DPS, we acknowledge the value diversity brings. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace that ensures all our people can contribute to our shared purpose. We welcome applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, mature age people, people from diverse backgrounds and people with disability.

Duty Statement

Classification: Parliamentary Service Level 5 

Branch: Property Services Branch 

Section: Maintenance Services 

Immediate supervisor: Manager 

Under limited/general direction undertake duties in accordance with the agreed standards for the Parliamentary Service Level 5 classification. The duties will include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. Proactively complete all work requiring the application of relevant trade skills, ensuring the highest levels of maintenance for the building, plant, and equipment.

2. As a senior member of the Mechanical Services team, perform tasks in a workshop and in the field with minimal supervision, including after-hours, sitting periods, shifts, and on-call duties as needed.

3. Assist Mechanical Services with all business requirements to ensure that all scheduled tasks/program delivery, and project representation are met.

4. Supervise, guide, and support staff and contractors in both technical and operational matters.

5. Report and record completed tasks and other requirements to the supervisors, and ensure relevant information is entered in the computerised maintenance system.

6. Have and maintain adequate levels of fitness for work-related activities such as working at heights, providing first aid, confined space entry and rescue, climbing ladders, gaining access to elevated platforms, lifting, extensive walking, and other physical activities as needed.

7. Ensure the highest levels of safety in all areas of operation, in accordance with Work Health and Safety policies, and participate in all job-related training.

Employees of DPS are required to be able, and to be seen to be able, to provide professional advice and services to all Senators and Members without favour or prejudice.

Selection Criteria

1. Practical experience and demonstrated ability to plan, supervise and undertake preventative maintenance and repairs in HVAC Services (Refrigeration Plant and Equipment) with minimal guidance and supervision required.

2. Experience working on large commercial buildings with an emphasis on planning and completing repairs and maintenance on HVAC services.

3. Demonstrated ability to use a fully integrated Building Management System to monitor and control HVAC Services with the ability to identify deficiencies and/or changes in the operating parameters.

4. Recent experience completing high-level tasks, managing resources, and supervising staff in a maintenance-based environment, as well as the ability to work as a productive team member.

5. Exceptional communication and negotiation skills, a strong client focus, and relevant levels of experience in developing and maintaining effective working relationships.

6. Demonstrated understanding and ability to work with computerised building maintenance, management, and information systems.

How to apply

Please attach your responses to the four questions below (maximum of 250 words per question) in one attachment, using relevant examples to showcase your skills and experience. Your answers will be evaluated against the duty statement and selection criteria and considered alongside your CV.

1.    Can you describe a time when you had to troubleshoot a complex fault in a building’s plant or equipment? Walk us through your approach, including how you analysed schematics, identified the issue, and maintained a safe work environment. How did you keep senior managers informed throughout the process, manage their expectations, and communicate the outcome effectively?

2.    Can you provide an example of a time when you managed resources and supervised staff in a maintenance-based or similar environment? How did you prioritise tasks, allocate resources, and ensure your team worked effectively to meet operational requirements? What reporting processes did you utilise?

3.    Can you share an example of a time when you had to use your communication and negotiation skills to resolve a challenging situation with a client or stakeholder? How did you approach the situation, and what was the outcome, and how did you communicate the situation to your supervisor? 

4.    At DPS, excellence means taking pride in your work and maintaining the highest level of safety. Describe a time when you went above and beyond to ensure a job was done to a high standard whilst maintaining a safe work environment.

Our purpose and values

We proudly provide innovative, unified, and client-focused services to the Australian Parliament and parliamentarians. We are a values driven department, placing our values at the heart of everything we do; from our service offerings and decision making to our interactions with stakeholders and each other.  

Our people are employed in a broad and unique range of professional, customer service and trade-based roles, all joined by a shared purpose: to make an enduring contribution to Australia’s parliamentary democracy. We have an inclusive workplace that reflects the diversity of the community we serve. While we come from all walks of life, we share a commitment to care for and protect our iconic workplace. 

Every year, almost one million people visit Australian Parliament House to experience the parliamentary process, the building’s architecture, nationally significant art collections, events, tours, and food and dining experiences – all made possible by our people, who are active participants in an environment where no two days are the same.

What we can offer

Join our community based on innovative, unified, and client-focused services, where your skills and development will be nurtured. You will also enjoy:  

•    access to flexible work arrangements 
•    ongoing opportunities to learn and develop new capabilities 
•    a competitive remuneration package
•    free secure underground parking
•    free gym membership and access to recreational facilities
•    on-site childcare, banking services, post office, value-for-money dining options and more.

Salary

Currently, the salary range for this position is $89,410 - $95,924 per annum.

Conditions of Employment

Employment opportunities at Department of Parliamentary Services are subject to a range of conditions prescribed in the Parliamentary Service Act 1999 which include:

•    Australian citizenship – to be eligible for employment with DPS, applicants must be an Australian Citizen. 

•    Security clearance and character clearance – the preferred applicant will be required to obtain and maintain a security clearance at the level specified, as well as complete and be deemed suitable through a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check. 

•    Health assessment – a pre-employment health assessment will be required where there are physical or medical requirements for the role.