Plant Operator Backhoe

Townsville City Council; Townsville City; On-site; AUD 60,000 - 81,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

5 weeks annual leave + 17.5% leave loa

3 weeks Personal/Carers Leave

14 weeks paid Parental Leave

Uniforms and PPE provided

Salary progression

Up to 13.5% Superannuation employer

Learning and development opportunities

Fitness Passport program

Employee Loyalty Program

Job summary

Townsville City Council is seeking experienced Plant Operators (Backhoe) to join our Infrastructure and Operations team. You will operate a backhoe and civil plant to support road and drainage construction, maintenance and repair projects across council infrastructure.

As part of a dedicated crew you will deliver high quality outcomes while maintaining safety, efficiency and compliance with standards. The role involves pre-start checks, risk assessments and collaboration with teammates.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience operating a backhoe and other civil construction plant.
• Commitment to workplace health and safety practices.
• Sound knowledge of construction activities for local government infrastructure.
• Ability to work effectively within a team and prioritise tasks.
• Basic mechanical knowledge and plant inspections/maintenance.
• Good communication skills and customer-focused approach.

Responsibilities

• Operate a backhoe and civil construction plant including road rollers and excavators.
• Complete construction and maintenance activities on roads and drainage.
• Undertake pre-start checks, risk assessments and safety requirements.
• Maintain plant through routine inspections and maintenance.
• Report faults and breakdowns promptly.
• Safely load, restrain and transport plant when required.
• Participate in toolbox meetings and continuous improvement.
• Assist with labouring duties and other construction tasks.
• Work collaboratively within a crew to achieve objectives.
• Champion safety to keep everyone safe.

Skills

Backhoe operation

Safety focus

Teamwork

Communication

Education

HR Class Driver Licence

Plant Operator Certificates of Competency

Safe Working Near Live Exposed Parts training

Backhoe certification/ticket

Final trim experience

Job description

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 $70,058 per annum + super

Application Close: 11:45pm, 30 October 2026

About the Role

Townsville City Council is seeking experienced and safety-focused Plant Operators (Backhoe) to join our Infrastructure and Operations team. In this hands-on role, you will operate a backhoe and a range of civil construction plant and equipment to support the construction, maintenance and repair of Council's road and drainage infrastructure.

Working as part of a dedicated crew, you will contribute to delivering high-quality outcomes for the Townsville community while ensuring all work is completed safely, efficiently and to required standards.

What You'll Do

• Operate a backhoe and other civil construction plant including road rollers, skid steers and mini excavators.
• Complete construction and maintenance activities on roads, drainage and other municipal infrastructure.
• Undertake pre-start checks, risk assessments and worksite safety requirements.
• Maintain plant and equipment through routine inspections, cleaning and minor maintenance.
• Report faults, defects and breakdowns promptly.
• Safely load, restrain and transport plant and equipment where required.
• Participate in toolbox meetings and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives.
• Assist with labouring duties and other construction activities as required.
• Work collaboratively within a crew environment to achieve operational objectives.
• Champion Council's commitment to safety by ensuring everyone goes home safe today.

About You

You are a reliable and experienced plant operator who takes pride in delivering quality work while maintaining a strong focus on safety. You enjoy working outdoors, contributing to your local community and being part of a team that delivers essential infrastructure services.

You will possess:

• Demonstrated experience operating a backhoe and other civil construction plant.
• A strong commitment to workplace health and safety practices.
• Sound knowledge of construction and maintenance activities associated with local government infrastructure.
• The ability to work effectively within a team and prioritise tasks to meet project requirements.
• Basic mechanical knowledge and experience undertaking plant inspections and daily maintenance.
• Good communication skills and a customer-focused approach.

Mandatory Requirements

To be successful in this role, you must hold:

• Current Queensland HR Class Driver Licence.
• Relevant Plant Operator Certificates of Competency.
• Certificate of completion for Safe Working Near Live Exposed Parts training.
• Backhoe certification/ticket
• Final trim experience

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
• 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.

Contact Person: Mick

Contact Email: ***@townsville.qld.gov.au (for position enquiries only)

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 **************@townsville.qld.gov.au or phone [phone]*** for a confidential discussion.