Summary
Overview
Work History
Skills
Certification
Timeline
Generic

Gavin Nicholson

Victoria Point,QLD

Summary

Dynamic and qualified plumber with extensive experience in plumbing, roof plumbing, drainage, gasfitting, and LP gasfitting for diverse clients across government, commercial, industrial, and residential sectors in QLD and NSW. As a Senior Plumbing Inspector, skilled in conducting proactive and reactive inspections to identify non-compliance while providing valuable education and technical advice to the Plumbing and Drainage Industry and customers. Proven expertise as a Senior Plumbing Investigator in assessing defective work, non-compliant products, and unlicensed tradespeople to ensure high standards are maintained. Recognized for exceptional leadership qualities, strong planning abilities, and a commitment to compliance with relevant codes and regulations, consistently achieving project goals within budget and on schedule.

Overview

32
32
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Senior Plumbing Inspector

Queensland Building and Construction Commission
01.2023 - Current
  • Provide a high level of technical advice to consumers, internal customers, stakeholders and industry groups relating to plumbing and drainage work in the state of Queensland by Interpreting and providing advice on legislation, standards, policies, guidelines and practices.
  • Managing a case load of inspections that includes, conducting reactive and proactive technical inspections and the preparation of detailed reports surrounding breaches of the Plumbing and Drainage Act and the Queensland Building and Construction Commission Act 1991.
  • Interpret and provide technical advice regarding the QLD Plumbing and Drainage Act 2018, QLD Plumbing and Drainage Regulation 2019, Plumbing Code of Australia (PCA), AS/NZS 3500 Standards, QLD Building Construction Commission Act 1991, and other related legislation and regulations.
  • Representing the Commission and contributing high quality technical advice and presentations as required in forums, groups and committees. Preparing communication materials, (e.g., submissions, reports, correspondence and briefing papers etc.) on a range of plumbing and drainage matters and providing high quality written and oral advice to managers, senior executives and stakeholders.
  • Undertake fire audits and licence checks associated with plumbing and drainage work, including undertaking site inspections for the purpose of ensuring licensing and technical requirements of work performed is being adhered to.
  • Planning and implementing operational procedure and system improvements in response to organizational and regulatory changes.
  • Preparing technical reports, and statements for disciplinary proceedings and giving evidence as a technical witness before Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal and other Courts.
  • Provide exceptional customer service to all staff of the Commission and external customers to instill a high level of trust and confidence in the QBCC among its stakeholders and the general public.

Casual TAFE Teacher

Tafe Queensland Acacia Ridge Campus
01.2022 - Current
  • Train and Assess Certificate IV Plumbing and Drainage Students.
  • Preparing lesson plans and learning content for the respective modules.
  • Develop training content relevant to the modules being taught.
  • Marking assessments and providing feedback to students.
  • Engage with manufacturers to obtain relevant content and specifications.

Senior Plumbing Investigator

Queensland Building and Construction Commission
01.2015 - 01.2023
  • Manage a caseload that includes, conducting reactive and proactive technical investigations on plumbing works. Investigate and audit plumbers including licence checks.
  • Provide expert technical advice to consumers, internal customers, stakeholders and industry groups relating to plumbing legislation, standards, policies, and practices in the State of Queensland.
  • Mediate between contractors and consumers to resolve disputes relating to plumbing and drainage work.
  • Prepare technical reports and statements for disciplinary proceedings and give evidence before the Queensland Civil and Administrative (QCA) Tribunal and other Courts.
  • Prepare prosecution briefs for matters before the Magistrates Court.
  • Prepare communication materials, submissions, briefs, reports and correspondence regarding a range of plumbing issues.
  • Represent the Commission and provide technical advice and customer service to the Director, Manager, Principal Investigator, forums, committees and other community groups.

Team Leader Plumbing Services

Redlands City Council
01.2011 - 01.2015
  • Responsible for leading, supervising and participating in a highly skilled technical team, providing expert advice on hydraulic assessment services, plumbing and drainage legislation and standards.
  • Design, assess and authorise development applications for plumbing and drainage works.
  • Coordinate project applications submitted by private certifiers and other hydraulic consultants and ensure compliance with legislation and standards.
  • Perform onsite hydraulic inspections. Assess solutions regarding complex hydraulic issues. Ensure compliance with Council regulations, legislation and standards.
  • Investigate and resolve unlawful or non-compliant plumbing and drainage works. Provide briefing notes to senior managers promptly along with recommendations.
  • Interpret and provide technical advice regarding the Plumbing Code of Australia (PCA), Building Code of Australia (BCA), ISO 9001, AS/NZS 3500 Standards, QLD Plumbing & Drainage Act 2002, QLD Plumbing & Drainage Regulation 2003 and the QLD Building Construction Commission Act 1991, and other related legislation and regulations.
  • Roster and allocate daily workload to staff. Develop safety documentation. Conduct toolbox meetings and on-site observations of staff to ensure they comply with regulations and policies.
  • Conduct accident and incident investigations. Report all safety incidents, near misses and corrective actions in the “vault”.
  • Perform the duties of the Service Manger when required. Provide troubleshooting services and resolve all issues promptly and effectively.
  • Negotiate and liaise between hydraulic consultants, plumbers and builders.
  • Attend Institute of Plumbing Inspectors meetings in personal time to keep abreast of changes within the industry and network with other Council inspectors and managers.
  • Liaise with various suppliers and manufacturers regarding in house training for staff on their particular products, relating to treatment plants and back flow valves.
  • Review and update changes to Council Policies and Guidelines.

Team Leader

Jeremy Macpherson Plumbing
01.2010 - 01.2011
  • Responsible for providing the following plumbing services for industrial, commercial and residential clients:
  • Hot & Cold-Water Service Installation
  • Natural & LP Gas Installation
  • Thermostatic Mixing Valves Installation
  • Rainwater Tank Installation
  • Backflow Prevention Devices Installation
  • Fire Service Installation
  • Macerator Tanks & Pumps Installation
  • Septic Tank Installation
  • Sydney Water Mains Connection
  • Trade Waste Installation
  • Sewer & Stormwater Drainage
  • Pipe Relining
  • CCTV Inspection of Drainage Lines
  • Leak Detection
  • Metal Roof, Guttering & Downpipe
  • Water Filtration
  • Core Hole Drilling & Concrete Cutting
  • Sydney Water Construction
  • Responsible for supervising and allocating work to a team of plumbers.
  • Liaise and work closely with clients, property developers and other building specialists in new installations, repair & maintenance works.

Supervisor

Woronora Plumbing and Caltex Refinery
01.2001 - 01.2010
  • Exclusive contract with Caltex. Responsible for maintaining the Plumbing Contract Agreement with Caltex Refinery.
  • Responsible for supervising and directing a team of 6 plumbers providing the following plumbing services in all of the buildings / plants in the refinery:
  • Installation, repair and maintenance of freshwater lines, utility water lines, gas lines, steam lines and air lines.
  • Repair and maintenance of roofing.
  • Operate Loss Prevention System.
  • Confined spaces work including tunnelling.
  • Elevated Platform work.
  • Provide drainage services including CCTV and major drainage clearing.
  • Install firefighting equipment: fire extinguishers, hose reels, hydrant valves and safety Equipment installations.
  • Perform work that affects any of the systems such as concrete encasement or deviation of pipes and more.
  • Perform Quality Checks (Audit) and ensure all work complies with legislated standards.
  • Perform the duties of the Chairman of OH&S Committee for all Contractors and ensure all OH&S regulations are maintained and all work conforms to Australian and International Standards.

Leading Hand

Duck Bathrooms & Wheeler Plumbing
01.1997 - 01.2001
  • Responsible for providing the following plumbing services to residential, commercial and industrial organisations:
  • Water & Gas Plumbing installation & repair.
  • Installation of new roofing, sewer lines, stormwater lies and gas lines.
  • Perform the functions of a Leading Hand. Supervise and train up to 9 plumbers and apprentices. Coordinate and plan all activities. Optimise the utilisation of labour, material and logistics.
  • Maintain AS 3001 / ISO 9002 Quality Standards, Company Standards and legislated OH&S Rules, guidelines and procedures.

Qualified Plumber

Woronora Plumbing
01.1994 - 01.1997
  • Responsible for providing plumbing services to government, residential, commercial and industrial clients.
  • Provide the following services:
  • General and Preventive Maintenance including
  • Plumbing
  • Drainage
  • Gasfitting
  • LPG Installation
  • Backflow Prevention Services including Installation, Testing and Maintenance
  • Hot and Cold-Water Services including
  • ZIP Water Systems & Water Filter Coolers
  • Hot Water Installations & Maintenance
  • Water Saving Devices Installation
  • Water & Gas Plumbing installation & repair.
  • Installation and maintenance of firefighting and Safety Equipment.
  • Refurbishment of office kitchens and toilet blocks.
  • Roof & Gutters Cleaning and Repairs
  • Waterproofing, Painting, Gyprocking & Plastering
  • Confined Space Work including Tunnelling.
  • CCTV and Major Drain Cleaning

Skills

  • Detailed report writing
  • Interview techniques
  • Due diligence
  • Ethical and honest

Certification

  • QLD Plumbing & Drainage Licences
  • NSW Contractor Licence Plumbing, Drainage Gasfitter, LP Gasfitter & Roof Plumbing
  • Certificate IV in Training and Assessment TAFE Queensland 2022
  • Certificate IV in Domestic Wastewater & Environmental Plumbing Skillstech 2011
  • Certificate IV in Government Investigations KPS October 2017
  • Advanced Certificate in Plumbing Southern Sydney Institute of TAFE, 1995
  • Trade Certificate in Plumbing Southern Sydney Institute of TAFE, 1993
  • Certificate IV in Work Health & Safety Disconnect / Reconnect Electrical Equipment Working at Heights – Elevated Work Platform Redlands City Council Mandatory Training Queensland Driver's Licence, Class MR Queensland Waterways Boat Licence Bobcat Licence
  • Backflow Prevention Thermostatic Mixing Valves OHS Consultation Mediation & Conciliation Solar Heat Pump Excavator Licence

Timeline

Senior Plumbing Inspector

Queensland Building and Construction Commission
01.2023 - Current

Casual TAFE Teacher

Tafe Queensland Acacia Ridge Campus
01.2022 - Current

Senior Plumbing Investigator

Queensland Building and Construction Commission
01.2015 - 01.2023

Team Leader Plumbing Services

Redlands City Council
01.2011 - 01.2015

Team Leader

Jeremy Macpherson Plumbing
01.2010 - 01.2011

Supervisor

Woronora Plumbing and Caltex Refinery
01.2001 - 01.2010

Leading Hand

Duck Bathrooms & Wheeler Plumbing
01.1997 - 01.2001

Qualified Plumber

Woronora Plumbing
01.1994 - 01.1997

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Gavin Nicholson