Plant Operator Excavator

Division/Section: Infrastructure & Operations

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

**Salary Range:**Base Salary $72,621 per annum + super

Location: Townsville

Application Close: 11:45pm, 20 October 2026*We are recruiting for multiple opportunities. Townsville City Council may interview suitable applicants and progress the recruitment process prior to the advertised closing date if required.

About the Role

Townsville City Council is seeking experienced Plant Operators (Excavator) to join our Construction and Maintenance teams within the Infrastructure and Operations Division.

In this role, you will safely and efficiently operate excavators and a range of civil construction plant to support the delivery of road, drainage and municipal infrastructure projects across the city. Working within a dedicated crew environment, you will contribute to the construction, maintenance and renewal of essential community assets while maintaining a strong commitment to safety, quality and customer service.

This is an excellent opportunity for skilled operators looking to apply their expertise on meaningful projects that support the growth and development of Townsville.

What You'll Do

As a Plant Operator (Excavator), you will:

• Operate excavators and other civil construction plant in a safe and efficient manner.
• Undertake road construction, maintenance and infrastructure works to required specifications and tolerances.
• Complete pre-start inspections, risk assessments and worksite safety requirements.
• Develop work plans and participate in job analysis activities for assigned projects.
• Conduct routine plant inspections and perform basic maintenance activities.
• Report equipment faults, breakdowns and repair requirements.
• Safely load, transport and restrain plant and equipment as required.
• Participate in toolbox talks and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives.
• Assist construction and maintenance crews with labouring tasks when required.
• Maintain compliance with Council's Workplace Health and Safety and Quality Assurance systems.

About You

You are a skilled and reliable operator with extensive experience working in civil construction or local government environments. You have a strong safety focus, excellent teamwork skills and take pride in delivering quality outcomes for your community.

You will bring:

• Proven experience operating excavators and other civil construction plant.
• A strong commitment to workplace health and safety.
• The ability to work collaboratively within a crew environment.
• Effective problem-solving and task prioritisation skills.
• Experience undertaking plant servicing checks and daily maintenance.
• Knowledge of construction and maintenance activities associated with roads, drainage and municipal infrastructure.
• A customer-focused approach and commitment to delivering quality outcomes.

Mandatory Requirements

To be successful in this role, you must possess:

• Current Queensland HR Class Driver Licence.
• Relevant Plant Operator Certificates of Competency for plant operated.
• Previous experience with Trimble machine control.
• Certificate of completion for Safe Working Near Live Exposed Parts training.
• Year 10 Certificate or demonstrated literacy and numeracy skills relevant to the position.
• Demonstrated experience operating excavators and/or graders, together with other plant such as loaders, road rollers and backhoes.

Desirable Knowledge and Experience

• Experience working in a civil construction or local government environment.
• Knowledge of Aus-Spec and Australian Standards.
• Understanding of Load Restraint Guide requirements.
• Knowledge of Work Health and Safety legislation and Quality Assurance procedures.
• Experience operating heavy rigid vehicles and associated plant.
• Basic mechanical knowledge relating to the maintenance and servicing of plant and equipment.

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.

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.