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Consultant Focus: Meet Paul Cullen
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Consultant Focus: Meet Paul Cullen
4 months ago By Emily Harris
Within the Public Sector, there are many different departments and divisions that require very specific knowledge and skills. Which is why at Public Sector People we have a number of consultants who specialise on recruiting for these particular areas- whether Finance and HR or Construction and Engineering. By focusing on one or two disciplines, our consultants can absorb and develop an extensive knowledge on the market and know what organisations are looking for when hiring new talent. Our consultants can then utilise this knowledge to ensure their candidates have the best and most-up-to-date information when applying for roles as well as guiding them to roles that will best match their needs.
One of our key consultants for the Construction and Engineering space in Sydney is Paul Cullen. We’ve provided a little more information on what Paul does at Public Sector People below; how he manages the recruitment process, the relationships he builds with both clients and candidates and the current roles he has available.
Can you explain your role at Public Sector People?
I am a full 360 consultant, working across local governments in NSW.
What are the types of positions you recruit for?
While I work across a lot of industries my focus is technical roles. These can be Project Manager roles within both the construction and engineering space. Some of the roles I have recently placed in the engineering space would be design, drainage, traffic, assets and development.
Within engineering and construction, what are the key skills and capabilities you look for on a resume?
A lot of councils I work with will specify the software skills and experience a successful candidate must have- especially for contract work - so that they can easily transition into a role, so having software experience for a candidate is invaluable. Obviously, for project manager roles I recruit for, the more project experience a candidate can demonstrate - especially multidisciplinary projects- the better.
You’ve built some lasting relationships with both clients and candidates while at Public Sector People. Can you explain the key to maintaining and strengthening these connections?
I think the best way to build trust with your clients is through transparency and honesty. I always try and be honest with both my clients and candidates in regard to feedback, rejections or any job or market updates. I think it’s also important to get back to people regularly so they feel they can rely and depend on you. Finally, being able to check in with your clients and candidates, ask how they are, how their day’s been and showing a general interest demonstrates a level of care that I think people appreciate and can help foster stronger connections.
What commitment will you make to the active job seekers you choose to work with?
For my candidates, I will always have their best interests at heart and do right by them. I try to demonstrate this through letting them know of all suitable opportunities which might be of interest to them and assisting them to the best of my ability to secure the right role for them This will include providing tips and checking in with them before each interview, helping to format their resumes and providing general market advice.
How do you conduct the aftercare process in the roles you recruit for?
It’s important to ensure that the candidates you’ve placed are happy in their new role, as starting a new job can be a daunting process. I like to regularly check in with my candidates every few weeks after they start their role to make sure they are happy, they are enjoying working in the team and the workload is manageable. If the client is going well, I might extend these check-ins to every few months and if the candidate flags anything negative, I can identify these issues as they arise and act as a facilitator to both the candidate and the client to negotiate a best outcome for both parties.
Paul’s Current Opportunities
Project Engineer
Location: Sydney
Contract Type: Contract
Job Summary: A local council is looking for a Project Engineer to work with their Infrastructure Projects Engineer, Works Manager and Roads Work Crew in implementing operations, maintenance and renewal strategies and works programs for council’s road infrastructure assets.
Click here for more information
Design Engineer
Location: Sydney
Contract Type: Contract
Job Summary: A local Sydney government’s City Infrastructure and Traffic Operations (CITO) Unit is looking for a Design Engineer to join their team on a 12-month basis to provide technical, operational and business support to the unit’s core responsibilities.
Click here for more information
Contact Us
To Find out more about any of the roles listed above, or to reach out to Paul for a confidential chat about the job market within the public sector and his upcoming opportunities within the NSW construction and engineering space, you can contact him at:
Email: paul@publicsectorpeople.com.au
Phone: 0403 242 600
Linkedin: Click here
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Paul Cullen's Job
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Catchment Support Officer
SydneyAbout the role: The role will be responsible in providing assistance to the Catchment Projects Officer to develop and deliver stormwater and catchment management planning and on- ground activities to improve waterway health and enhance the livability for the community. Key Responsibilities: Assist in the project management and delivery of activities funded through the Environmental Stormwater Management Program Monitor, evaluate and report progress on Environmental Stormwater Management projects Work with other sections of Council to develop and deliver projects to improve waterway health and deliver livability outcomes for the community Conduct site inspections as part of project management activities or stormwater and catchment management investigations Analyse data and conduct cost benefit analysis to prioritise catchment and stormwater related projects Write consultant briefs for professional investigation, consultancy services and on-ground works Provide professional technical advice relating to stormwater and catchment management planning to all areas of council as required Remain informed of and apply any advances in stormwater and catchment management Undertake community engagement in catchment and stormwater management Develop and distribute publications and educational resources in relation to catchment and waterway management Apply for and administer grant funded projects or activities to ensure grant obligations are successfully met Key Skills: Act in accordance with the NSW WHS Act 2011, WHS Regulation 2017 and the Work Health and Safety (WHS) Management System. Degree in Environmental Science, Natural Resources, Environmental Engineering or related field Demonstrated knowledge of stormwater and catchment management Demonstrated analytical and critical thinking skills Excellent interpersonal skills to effectively work with internal and external stakeholders Experience in the use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) including ESRI ArcGIS or similar If you meet the above criteria and are looking for your next contract opportunity please apply via the appropriate link with a CV attached. For a confidential discussion regarding this opportunity please contact Paul Cullen on 0403 242 600
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Road Access Engineer
SydneyAbout the role: This role will be responsible for the proper oversight of road occupancy, road opening and restoration processes and achieve applicant compliance with Council standards, fees and charges, consent conditions and relevant legislation and regulations. You will manage the timely implementation of Council initiatives including Road Naming and Alcohol Free Zones in accordance with established guidelines and procedures. Key Responsibilities: Contribute to the provision of well managed public assets and engineering services through: Responsive management of customer requests and/or applications for infrastructure services and associated compliance. Achieve project & program delivery goals (encompassing quality, time, cost, creativity, governance, environmental, safety, community & stakeholder expectations). Contribute to the successful development, acceptance and implementation of policies, strategies, procedures and specifications through effective liaison, communication and engagement and developing and maintaining effective working relationships with all stakeholders both internal and external to the organisation. Review, develop, update and execute operational policies, procedures, goals and business plans that ensure relevance, effectiveness and compliance with regulations Timely provision of professional/ technical advice and recommendations to both internal & external customers. Efficient implementation of the public street naming and alcohol free zone processes to meet legislative requirements and council policies and directives. Assisting with the regular review of Council road opening, road occupancy and development engineering related policies, procedures and specifications to maintain currency and relevance to Council objectives and community expectations. Key Skills: Comprehensive experience in the successful management of 3rd party access to, impact on and interface with, municipal infrastructure. Working knowledge of the Roads Act, Council’s powers and duties as a Roads Authority, and other agency and public utility legislation and procedures relating to access to road reserves and public lands. Knowledge and understanding of road and infrastructure technical specifications and standards. Civil Engineering Degree with background in road management, traffic engineering and /or development engineering. If you meet the above criteria and are looking for your next contract opportunity please apply via the appropriate link with a CV attached. For a confidential discussion regarding this opportunity please contact Paul Cullen on 0403 242 600
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Stormwater and Asset Planning Engineer
SydneyAbout the role: Public Sector People are currently seeking an experienced Stormwater and Asset Planning Engineer to join our local government client. The successful candidate will have experience across asset management, flood management and stormwater drainage projects. Key Responsibilities: Achieve project & program delivery goals (encompassing quality, time, cost, creativity, governance, environmental, safety, community & stakeholder expectations) Achieve industry best practice in the development of infrastructure, asset management and stormwater management strategies and solutions. Ensure the successful development, acceptance and implementation of strategies and programs through effective liaison, communication and engagement and developing and maintaining effective working relationships with all stakeholders both internal and external to the organisation. Assist risk minimization by The competent preparation and review of: Stormwater asset management / maintenance plans, flood studies and floodplain risk management plans, local emergency management plans, capital works priority programs, dam safety emergency management and maintenance plans, stormwater quality, harvesting and reuse strategies & plans. Key Skills: Comprehensive experience in developing and implementing ‘best practice’ management of urbanised floodplains, catchments and stormwater infrastructure with the capacity for innovative thinking. Demonstrated understanding and ability to implement NAMS and IIMM guidelines for asset management planning and requirements of LG Integrated Planning & Reporting Framework. Tertiary qualifications in civil engineering, asset management or other appropriate discipline recognised by relevant Australian professional institute. Current NSW Class C Driver’s License. If you meet the above criteria and are looking for your next contract opportunity please apply via the appropriate link with a CV attached. For a confidential discussion regarding this opportunity please contact Paul Cullen on 0403 242 600
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Environmental Engineer
SydneyAbout the role: The successful candidate will develop, implement and manage environmental projects and service contracts to enable responsible, holistic environmental management of the City’s parks. Coordinate the management of environmental issues with internal and external stakeholders. Key Responsibilities: Manage complex projects and contracts relating to contaminated land management, environmental testing analysis and reporting, recycled water and landfill gas to meet defined time, quality, risk and budget parameters. Deliver projects and contracts in line with the City’s processes and policies. Develop specifications, technical investigations, contracts and other service delivery arrangements for environmental projects and programs, and ensure service provider compliance with specifications through appropriate controls and effective performance management. Provide expert environmental advice, respond to emerging issues and provide input into the development of services, service delivery arrangements and performance management systems for the City’s environmental management programs, services and related strategies and initiatives. Undertake detailed review, critical analysis and assessment of technical environmental reports provided by consultants and provide expert advice and clear direction to resolve issues and drive improved environmental outcomes. Effectively manage risks associated with environmental issues and contaminated land management. Contribute toward the City achieving its strategic environmental objectives in relation to water use and being a leading environmental performer. Undertake other duties as may be required from time to time by the Contract Manager – Parks Services. Adhere to all relevant Council policies and procedures, including EEO, WHS, Environmental Management and Cultural diversity Principles. Key Skills: Tertiary qualifications at degree level in Environmental Engineering or Environmental Science or a similar engineering or science discipline that deals with such fields as hydrology, water quality, soil conservation, contaminated land management and the treatment, discharge and assimilation of pollution. Extensive professional experience in mitigating or managing human impacts on water and soils, such as remediation of damaged land or degraded water bodies, management of emissions/discharges of landfill gas or leachate, or improvement of stormwater quality via use of recycled water infrastructure, bio-retention zones, wetlands and other biological means. If you meet the above criteria and are looking for your next contract opportunity please apply via the appropriate link with a CV attached. For a confidential discussion regarding this opportunity please contact Paul Cullen on 0403 242 600
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Project Engineer - Stormwater
North SydneyAbout the role: Reporting to the Team Leader, Stormwater Design and Delivery, the role of Project Engineer is to plan, design and implement the timely and efficient delivery of Stormwater Capital Works. The role will be responsible for larger civil infrastructure projects mainly across stormwater and flood. Key Responsibilities: Ability to manage large civil infrastructure projects from design to construction phase. Extensive experience in investigation, analysis, design, project scoping, and implementation of stormwater drainage systems Provide technical advice with the aim of developing cost effective and practical solutions to meet project objectives, designs, and cost estimates Demonstrated understanding of total catchment management processes and issues, especially those related to stormwater and floodplain management Excellent knowledge of legislation, regulations, design standards, and code of practice relation to the construction and management of infrastructure Proven experience in preparation of tenders, specifications, and related contract administration documentation Track record of managing consultants, delivering projects on-time, to budget and to agreed standards Demonstrated prioritisation skills and the ability to control and coordinate multiple significant projects simultaneously Excellent written and verbal communication skills including the ability to prepare correspondence, reports, research new subject areas, with an ability to present information accurately Develop and implement detailed program of ongoing renewal of Council’s stormwater network that is prioritised against risk and condition. Key Skills: Educational and Licence Requirements Degree level qualifications in Civil or Environmental Engineering or equivalent Current Class C NSW Driver Licence or equivalent NSW WorkCover Construction Induction (White Card) or equivalent Project Management qualifications and experience. Local government experience. Experience in Civil Construction works. If you meet the above criteria and are looking for your next contract opportunity please apply via the appropriate link with a CV attached. For a confidential discussion regarding this opportunity please contact Paul Cullen on 0403 242 600