Plant Operator (Excavator)

**Division/Section:**Infrastructure and Operations / Property Fleet and Emergency Management

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

**Salary Range:**Base Salary $36.75 per hour + super, plus overtime and penalty rates dependent on work performed. Additional entitlements and overtime do not form part of the advertised base salary

Location: Dalrymple Road Depot - Garbutt

**Application Close: 11:45pm,**Wednesday 2nd September 2026

About the Role

Join our Fleet Services team as an Excavator Operator and play a key role in delivering essential road construction and maintenance works across the region. This role suits an experienced operator who takes pride in their work and consistently delivers high-quality outcomes in a team environment.

You will operate excavators and other plant to complete assigned tasks safely and efficiently, while planning your work and carrying out pre-start and pre-work checks to ensure equipment is operating effectively. You’ll also be responsible for maintaining plant condition through routine inspections, minor maintenance, and timely reporting of any faults or breakdowns. Working as part of a team, you’ll contribute to a strong safety culture, participate in toolbox discussions, and assist with general site and labouring duties as required. A strong commitment to safety, teamwork, and customer service is essential to success in this role.

Qualifications and ExperienceOur ideal candidate will have:

• Current "HR" driver's licence.
• Skid Steer Operators Certificate with final trim experience.
• Certificate associated with the successful completion of the Safe Working Near Live Exposed Parts training course.
• Demonstrated ability to prioritise tasks to achieve set outcomes and ability to create effective working relationships to ensure team objectives are met.
• Knowledge and experience in the efficient and safe operation of heavy ridged vehicles and other item of plant; including servicing requirements and prestart checks and basic mechanical knowledge associated with day-to-day maintenance of plant and trucks.
• Knowledge of Aus-Spec, Australian Standards, Load Restraint Guide, Work Health and Safety legislative requirements, Quality Assurance procedures and all other relevant standards, guidelines and codes in the operation of heavy vehicles in a civil construction / local government environment.

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:

• 17.5% annual leave loading
• Up to 5 weeks annual leave
• Up to 3 weeks Personal/Carers Leave
• 14 weeks paid Parental Leave
• Domestic and Family Violence Leave
• Natural Disaster Leave
• Up to *13.5% Superannuation employer contribution for contributing members
• Salary Sacrifice opportunities
• Long Service Leave available pro rata after seven years
• Salary Sacrifice opportunities
• Learning and Development opportunities
• Fitness Passport program offering discounted membership to selected gym, pool, and yoga 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:     Mick (Team Leader)

Contact Email:       [email protected] (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.

For further information review the Position Description.

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[email protected] or phone [07 4727 9004](tel:07 4727 9004) for a confidential discussion.