Heavy Plant Operator​/Labourer

• 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

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.

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.

• 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.

• 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

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

Applications close Sunday, 9 August 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.