Plant Operator

Division/Section: Infrastructure and Operations

Position Type: Permanent Full Time (9 day fortnight,38 hours week)

Salary Range: Base Salary LGE5 $69,960 per annum + super

Location: Townsville

Application Close: 11:45pm, Monday 30 th August 2026

About The Role

With a strong focus on the delivery of aquatic weed management activities, this role is responsible for operating Council’s aquatic weed harvester and marine support vessel to deliver scheduled aquatic weed maintenance activities, delivery schedules, technical compliance, worksite safety, budget compliance and communication with relevant stakeholders during works.

The role involves participating in a rotation of environmental restoration and management maintenance activities, assisting other team members in works completion when the demand for aquatic weed maintenance activities are not high, or there are environmental conditions (such as weather events) preventing the operation of the aquatic weed harvester. These rotational tasks involve labouring activities in a park, open space and natural environment setting.

About You

This is an exciting opportunity for a highly skilled individual to make a difference for the community and the environment. With your passion for weed management, the following are mandatory to secure the role:

Certificate III in Maritime Operations Master up to 24 meters near coastal Coxswain Grade 2 near coastal commercial operator’s Licence Marine Radio Operators Certificate of Proficiency "C" class manual licence

Desirable Skills And Qualifications For The Role Include

Certificate III in Conservation and Land Management or equivalent qualification or relevant commensurate experience Construction Safety (White Card) (30215 QLD Agricultural Chemical Distribution Certificate (ACDC) accreditation Inspect and clean machinery for plant, animal and soil materials First Aid Certificate

You will clearly be able to maintain all necessary licences, skills and competencies to operate the specified plant and machinery and have an understanding of the legislative requirements and guidelines set by the Queensland Government on the management of invasive plants within Queensland.

With your knowledge of the Workplace Health & Safety Act, Advisory Standards, industry Codes of Practice and all other associated legislation and guidelines, your ability to operate computerised equipment (e.g. mobile phone, tablet PC, mobility applications, data loggers, GPS, etc.) and sound communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to engage with others effectively and professionally you will excel at this role.

For Further Information Review The Position Description.

Townsville City Council is the largest local government authority in Northern Australia. We’re committed to supporting our people through a strong focus on work–life balance, a positive and inclusive culture, and a shared passion for making a meaningful impact in our community.

We have a range of benefits that confirm this commitment:

5 weeks annual leave + 17.5% leave loading 3 weeks Personal/Carers Leave 14 weeks paid Parental Leave Domestic and Family Violence Leave Natural Disaster Leave Uniforms and PPE provided (if applicable) Annual wage progression Up to *13.5% Superannuation employer contribution for contributing members Salary Sacrifice opportunities Access to a range of learning and development opportunities, including on-the-job learning and formal training programs Fitness Passport program offering discounted membership to selected health and wellbeing facilities Employee Loyalty Program offering discounts at selected local businesses Employee Assistance Program The Council contribution to employees' superannuation for contributing employees shall be 13.5% of the employees' ordinary time earnings subject to the employee contributing a minimum of 6% of their ordinary time earnings.

Contact Person: Matt

Contact Email: mmg@townsville.qld.gov.au (for position enquiries only)

How To Apply

Your application can be submitted through the 'Apply' button. Please include a cover letter (maximum 2 pages), outlining how your skills, qualifications and experience would allow you to achieve success in this role. We also will require your resume which should confirm any licences and qualifications your hold.

We are committed to creating a safe and inclusive workplace where diverse styles, backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives are valued, encouraged, and respected. People from diverse backgrounds (including but not limited to, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, people with diverse gender identities and sexualities, people from different cultural and linguistic backgrounds, people with disability, and veterans) are encouraged to apply!

All successful candidates are required to undergo drug and alcohol testing as part of the recruitment process. Please be aware Townsville City Council has a ‘zero tolerance’ policy to drugs and alcohol in the workplace.

If you need any adjustments to be made to the recruitment process or if you would like to discuss any accessibility requirements, please contact hr_recruitment@townsville.qld.gov.au or phone 07 4727 9004 for a confidential discussion.

Attachments

PD Plant Operator – Aquatic Weed Management.pdf