Heavy Plant Operator/Labourer

Annual Rate: LGEA Level 5 - $62,087 per annum

Position Type: Permanent, full-time position

Location: Mareeba, Queensland

Application Close Date: Sunday, 21 June 2026

• Join a dedicated team focussed on delivering high-quality road maintenance and construction activities
• Utilise your machinery operator and maintenance skills
• Work in a physically demanding environment, maintaining a focus on health and safety
• Work across a 9 day fortnight

About Mareeba Shire Council

Located in beautiful Far North Queensland where the rainforest meets the Outback, the Mareeba Shire provides an idyllic, regional lifestyle with the convenience of being only an hour from an international airport, cafes, restaurants, theatres and tropical beaches in the regional city of Cairns.

Mareeba Shire Council is a high-performing, community-focussed organisation with over 200 dedicated staff. Our recent budget was praised in the media for its considered and sensible approach, demonstrating our commitment to financial responsibility and community investment. This is a unique opportunity to join a well-regarded council making a real impact across the region.

The role

Our Heavy Plant Operator/Labourers are responsible for the operation and general maintenance of Council plant and equipment for Council's construction and maintenance teams. This may include heavy plant such as rollers, backhoes, excavators and loaders as well as job trucks and slashers. When not operating plant, the position also involves undertaking labouring duties and manual handling tasks, as required. Maintenance of a safe working environment and application of correct manual handling techniques are essential requirements for this position.

This role will be required to work in a variety of locations across Mareeba Shire Council, including Works programs that may involve working and camping in remote locations for specific periods of time.

The position requires physically demanding work to be undertaken in a hot and humid climate on a daily basis. It is the responsibility of the Heavy Plant Operator/Labourer to ensure they are physically fit and able to efficiently and consistently undertake these tasks. This includes a requirement to maintain their weight at or below the Safe Working Load (SWL) for the machinery and equipment the position is required to operate.

What we are looking for

• You will be a competent and safe plant operator who works to exact specifications in civil construction environments
• You will have a mechanical aptitude which allows you to recognise faults in heavy plant and apply the correct maintenance or identify the correct repair action to be taken
• You will be a results-focused individual with a strong work ethic who enjoys contributing to a team environment with both team members and supervisors
• You will have sound written and verbal communication skills and be able to follow instructions
• You will have the physical ability to undertake manual handling and labouring tasks for extended periods in hot and humid conditions

The role is physically demanding and requires you to be physically fit and will be subject to the satisfactory completion of a pre-employment medical assessment.

You will be an Australian or New Zealand citizen, Australian permanent resident or have unrestricted work rights in Australia. Mareeba Shire Council does not offer employer visa sponsorship.

What we can offer you

• Permanent, full-time position
• LGEA Level 5 - $62,087 per annum
• Mareeba Allowance of $2,080 per annum
• 12% employer superannuation contributions
• 5 weeks annual leave with 17.5% leave loading
• Work life balance - 9 day fortnight
• Lifestyle benefits such as access to Fitness Passport, discounted health insurance, gift cards and corporate banking
• Learning and development opportunities
• Salary sacrificing options

For further information

Please refer to the Position Description, or contact William Morgan, Foreperson Construction & Maintenance, on 0409 064 278 (during business hours only).

How to apply

Click the Apply Now button to begin your application. Applications must contain your current resume and a short cover letter (Word or PDF files only). Please note, your resume and cover letter may be considered examples of your written communication skills.

We review applications as they are received to ensure we secure the best talent for our organisation. In some cases, interviews may be scheduled and roles filled before the advertised closing date. We therefore strongly encourage applicants to submit their applications as early as possible after a position is advertised.

Please note, Mareeba Shire Council does not offer visa sponsorship and you must be either an Australian or New Zealand citizen, Australian permanent resident or have unrestricted work rights in Australia to be considered for this position.

Applications close Sunday, 21 June 2026.

Mareeba Shire Council is committed to the principles of Equal Opportunity and workplace diversity. We encourage a diverse workforce reflective of our community to better meet the needs of our customers.