Natural Area Officer

Mackay Regional Council; Mackay Regional; On-site; AUD 68,000 - 69,000; Full time

Job summary

Mackay Regional Council is seeking a Natural Areas Officer to protect, restore and enhance our natural landscapes across the Mackay region. You will work outdoors in a small field‑based team on beaches, bushland and reserves, performing vegetation management, habitat restoration and maintenance duties.

The role involves occasional after‑hours work and local travel, contributing to environmental health and Council’s image. A strong safety focus and ability to work in varied weather are essential.

Qualifications

• Experience in weed control and vegetation restoration.
• Current C class driver licence or interstate equivalent.
• Construction White Card (General Construction Induction Training).
• Operate and maintain chainsaws – Level 1.
• Chemical Accreditation (AQF3).
• Strong communication and client service skills with internal and external stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Undertaking vegetation management, habitat restoration and weed control across natural areas.
• Assist with maintenance of natural area infrastructure and assets.
• Operate small plant and power tools relevant to natural area management.
• Maintain daily records, pre‑start checklists and work orders using technology.
• Collaborate with team members, contractors, volunteers and community groups.
• Contribute to scheduled maintenance, project works and emergency response.

Skills

Weed control

Vegetation restoration

Habitat restoration

Teamwork

Stakeholder communication

Education

Certificate II in Conservation and Land Management

Construction White Card

Driver Licence C (QLD)

ACDC Commercial Operators Licence

Chemical Accreditation AQF3

Tools

Chainsaws – Level 1

Job description

Natural Areas Officer

Protect, restore and enhance Mackay’s natural landscapes. Join Mackay Regional Council’s Facilities & Open Spaces team as a Natural Areas Officer and play a hands‑on role in caring for our region’s beaches, bushland, coastal reserves and natural areas.

About This Opportunity

Reporting to the Supervisor Natural Area Management, you’ll undertake a variety of vegetation management, revegetation, habitat restoration and general maintenance activities across Council’s natural areas, foreshores and reserves throughout the Mackay region. This Level 3–4 (Stream B) role is practical and outdoors, and your work will contribute directly to the health, presentation and long‑term sustainability of Mackay’s natural environment. You’ll be part of a small field‑based team, and your work will include:

• Undertaking vegetation management, habitat restoration, weed control, brush cutting, revegetation and ecosystem management activities.
• Assisting with maintenance of natural area infrastructure, including fencing, minor repairs, assets, amenities and public spaces.
• Operating and maintaining small plant, power tools and equipment relevant to natural area management.
• Completing daily records, pre‑start checklists and work order requests, using technology for communication, data collection and work order management.
• Working collaboratively with team members, contractors, volunteers and community groups.
• Contributing to scheduled maintenance, project works and emergency management response when required.
• Delivering quality customer service while maintaining Council’s image and reputation.

Occasional out‑of‑hours work (including weekends) and regular local travel may be required.

Essential Qualifications, Experience & Skills

To be successful, you’ll bring:

• Relevant experience in weed control, including the use of herbicides and pesticides, and vegetation restoration.
• A current QLD “C” Class driver licence or interstate equivalent.
• A Construction White Card (General Construction Induction Training).
• Operate and maintain chainsaws – Level 1.
• Chemical Accreditation (AQF3).
• Sound communication and client service skills, with the ability to build positive working relationships with internal and external stakeholders, volunteers and community groups.
• The ability to work productively in a small team in a variety of outdoor environments, including rough terrain and changing weather conditions.
• A safety‑focused approach, a passion for the natural environment and attention to detail.

A Certificate II in Conservation and Land Management, an ACDC Commercial Operators Licence, knowledge of basic vegetation management, ecosystem management and habitat restoration techniques (including revegetation and weed control), knowledge of natural environment issues, and the ability to create and maintain accurate records in line with legislative requirements are desirable.

Why work for Mackay Regional Council?

Mackay Regional Council is a dynamic, progressive and financially sound local government. We have responsibility for $3.5 billion worth of assets and employ almost 1200 dedicated staff in a vibrant, rapidly growing region where sugar, mining, beef, tourism and retail drive the economy. Mackay is located halfway between Brisbane and Cairns and is truly the heart of Queensland, covering 7,622 square kilometres of rainforest, Natural Parks, historic townships, miles of golden beaches and more than 70 tropical islands. The Region boasts a vibrant economy offering an idyllic lifestyle on the Central Queensland coast, from picturesque beaches and nearby island resorts to beautiful rainforests. The Region has a great climate coupled with high quality education and health facilities.

Discover more about the Mackay Region

https://www.discovermackay.com.au/

In addition to the above, we also offer the following benefits:

• Base annual salary: Stream B Banded Level 3 $68,187 – Level 4 $69,354, plus applicable allowances.
• Up to 18% superannuation (conditions apply).
• Choice of 4 or 5 weeks’ annual leave with 17.5% leave loading.
• Flexible work arrangements with a 9 day fortnight roster.
• May be eligible for salary sacrificing options.
• Membership to lifestyle benefits program including corporate discounts.
• Study and assistance programs for career development.
• Learning and career development opportunities.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Employee health and wellbeing initiatives.
• Active Social Clubs.

Applications Close

26 November 2026

To be considered for this position, all candidates must have the appropriate working rights for Australia. Your Australian work rights will be verified during the recruitment process.

Applicants who progress beyond the interview stage will be required to undergo a pre‑employment process, which includes comprehensive Pre‑Employment Medical Assessments (inclusive of Drug and Alcohol testing).

We are an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer, where all applicants are treated fairly and respectfully and have equal access to all available opportunities. At Mackay Regional Council, diversity is about creating a respectful and inclusive workplace that recognises our employees' unique contributions and perspectives, working together to deliver extraordinary results.