Operator Plant

Council Jobs; Mackay Regional; On-site; AUD 64,000 - 78,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual leave

9‑day fortnight

Superannuation 18%

Salary sacrificing

Career development

Job summary

Mackay Regional Council is seeking a Plant Operator (Level 5) at the Mirani Depot to operate ride‑on equipment and heavy trucks, support road, drainage and civil works, with a focus on safety, quality and customer service.

You will carry out plant operation, labouring and documentation, with opportunities for skill development and flexible overtime as part of a high‑performing team in the Mackay region.

Qualifications

• General Construction Safety White Card.
• Certificate of Competency to operate road construction plant (such as skid steer, roller, loader or backhoe).
• Traffic Management Implementation (TMI) qualification or ability to obtain within 12 months.
• Certificate III in Civil Construction.
• Experience in concrete works.
• Previous experience in road and drainage construction or maintenance.
• Ability to read, write and perform basic numerical calculations.

Responsibilities

• Operate ride‑on equipment and light to medium mechanical plant safely and competently.
• Operate heavy rigid trucks (≥22.5t GVM) and rigid truck and trailer combinations (up to 42.5t GCM).
• Undertake construction and maintenance works including earthworks, drainage, concreting, pipelaying, bitumen and vegetation activities.
• Perform hands‑on labouring tasks associated with civil infrastructure works.
• Complete daily plant pre‑start checks and assist with ongoing plant maintenance.
• Provide traffic management and assist with safe worksite setups.
• Maintain accurate records and complete required documentation.
• Deliver high‑quality service to internal and external customers.
• Participate in training and support skill development within the team.
• Work in accordance with WH&S and environmental legislation and best‑practice standards.

Education

General Construction Safety White Card

Certificate III in Civil Construction

Certificate of Competency to operate road construction plant (e.g. skid steer, roller, loader or backhoe)

Traffic Management Implementation (TMI)

Job description

Looking for hands‑on work that makes a real difference in your community? Join Mackay Regional Council's Civil Operations team at our Mirani Depot as a Plant Operator (Level 5), operating plant and trucks to build and maintain the region's roads, drainage and other essential civil infrastructure.

About this opportunity:

Reporting to a Supervisor or Leading Hand, you'll carry out a combination of plant operation, truck driving and labouring duties with limited supervision. This Level 5 (Stream B) role supports the construction and maintenance of roads, drainage and other essential civil infrastructure across the Mackay region, working as part of a high-performing team with a strong focus on safety, quality and customer service. In this role you will:

• Operate ride‑on equipment and light to medium mechanical plant safely and competently.
• Operate heavy rigid trucks (≥22.5t GVM) and rigid truck and trailer combinations (up to 42.5t GCM).
• Undertake construction and maintenance works including earthworks, drainage, concreting, pipelaying, bitumen and vegetation activities.
• Perform hands‑on labouring tasks associated with civil infrastructure works.
• Complete daily plant pre‑start checks and assist with ongoing plant maintenance.
• Provide traffic management and assist with safe worksite setups.
• Maintain accurate records and complete required documentation.
• Deliver high‑quality service to internal and external customers.
• Participate in training and support skill development within the team.
• Work in accordance with WH&S and environmental legislation and best‑practice standards.

Flexibility to work overtime and to operate other construction equipment when required is also part of the role.

Essential Qualifications, Experience & Skills:

To be successful in this role, you will bring a strong work ethic, a positive attitude and the ability to adapt to changing work environments. You will also demonstrate sound plant operation and truck driving skills, along with the ability to work cooperatively within a team. You must hold:

• General Construction Safety "White" Card.
• Certificate of Competency to operate road construction plant (such as skid steer, roller, loader or backhoe).
• Traffic Management Implementation (TMI) qualification or the ability to obtain within 12 months.

You will also have sound experience driving trucks in varying road conditions, operating road construction plant (e.g. roller, backhoe, loader) and constructing or maintaining roads and drainage infrastructure, along with sound knowledge of preventative machinery maintenance and construction workplace health and safety requirements. The ability to read, write and perform basic numerical calculations relevant to the role is essential.

• Certificate III in Civil Construction.
• Experience in concrete works.
• Previous experience in road and drainage construction or maintenance.

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 1,200 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.

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

• Base annual salary of $70,813.93 ($1,361.81 weekly) plus allowances as applicable.
• 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.
• Study and assistance programmes for career development.
• Learning and career development opportunities.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Employee health and wellbeing initiatives.
• Active Social Clubs.

Want to know more about this role?

Applications Close:

Thursday, 26 November 2026

***Important information for applicants:

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.