Ganger Parks & Gardens

Shire of Mareeba; Mareeba Shire; On-site; AUD 66,000 - 68,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Mareeba Allowance

12% employer superannuation

5 weeks annual leave

9 day fortnight

Fitness Passport access

Discounted health insurance

Gift cards

Salary sacrificing options

Job summary

Mareeba Shire Council is seeking a Foreperson Parks & Open Spaces to lead a dedicated team in maintaining open spaces across the Mareeba Shire. The role requires supervision, safety compliance, and hands-on operation of park equipment in hot, humid conditions.

You will hold relevant licences and demonstrate horticultural knowledge, with a focus on safe, efficient work practices and teamwork. Salary reflects LGEA Level 6 with annual allowance and generous leave.

Qualifications

• Experience in open space maintenance and parks & gardens procedures.
• Demonstrated supervision and leadership skills.
• Strong verbal and written communication.
• Ability to work as part of a team.

Responsibilities

• Lead and supervise Parks & Gardens staff in day-to-day operations.
• Ensure compliance with safety standards and policies.
• Operates and maintains machinery safely and efficiently.
• Conduct toolbox talks and risk assessments.

Skills

Team supervision

Open space maintenance

Safety compliance

Plant operation

Horticulture knowledge

MR Class licence

CIC/Assets maintenance

Education

QLD MR Class licence

Construction Induction Card

Chainsaw ticket

Custodial Awareness certification

Tools

Mowers

Brush cutters

Chainsaws

Job description

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-focused 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

• Lead and supervise a dedicated team responsible for maintaining Mareeba Shire's open spaces
• Ensure compliance with Council's safety standards and operational policies
• Operate and maintain a range of machinery and equipment in a safe and efficient manner
• Work life balance with a 9 day fortnight

The Ganger Parks & Gardens provides direction and hand-on supervision to Parks & Gardens staff tasked with routine day-to-day operations of the Parks & Gardens section. While carrying out general labouring activities, you will ensure that crew members perform all tasks and operate plant and machinery in a safe manner, conduct toolbox meetings, risk assessments and other safety processes as required, as well as ensuring the accurate and timely completion of paperwork. The position calls for physically demanding work to be undertaken in a hot and humid climate on a day to day basis. It is the responsibility of the incumbent to ensure they are physically fit and able to efficiently and consistently undertake these tasks. This includes a requirement for the incumbent to maintain their weight at or below the Safe Working Load (SWL) for the machinery and equipment the position is required to use or operate.

What we are looking for

We are looking for someone with demonstrated knowledge and experience in open space maintenance and parks & gardens procedures, who fosters a positive work culture and ensures compliance with safety practices. You will have demonstrated supervision and leadership skills, a high standard of verbal and written communication skills and be able to work as part of a team.

You will:

• Be able to safely operate Council owned plant such as mowers, brush cutters and chainsaws and have the ability to perform general maintenance on these plant
• Be able to demonstrate your knowledge and experience in horticulture
• Hold a current Queensland MR Class driver's licence and current Queensland General Construction Induction Card
• Hold, or be eligible to hold, Traffic Management qualifications, ACDC (Agricultural Chemical Distribution Control) Licence, chainsaw ticket and certificate in Custodial Awareness
• Be physically fit to undertake manual handling and labouring tasks in hot and humid conditions

You will be an Australian or New Zealand citizen, Australian permanent resident or have unrestricted work rights in Australia. You must be able to provide evidence that you can legally work in Australia upon request. Mareeba Shire Council does not offer employer visa sponsorship.

What we can offer you

• Permanent, full-time position
• LGEA Level 6 - $66,261 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 Ryan Drury, Foreperson Parks & Open Spaces, on 0427 648 582 (during business hours only).

Applications close Sunday, 15 November 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.