Plant Operator- Multiple Positions

Palm Island Aboriginal Shire Council; Palm Island Aboriginal Shire; On-site; AUD 43,000 - 47,000; Full time

Job summary

Palm Island Aboriginal Shire Council is seeking a Plant Operator to safely operate council plant, machinery and equipment across Palm Island, supporting civil construction, road maintenance and infrastructure projects.

This hands-on role requires pre-start checks, adherence to WHS, and the ability to work with a small team to deliver essential services to the community. Casual and full-time opportunities are available with application closing 28 September 2026.

Qualifications

• Experience operating plant in civil construction, maintenance or similar environment.
• Manual labouring experience in construction/maintenance.
• Commitment to workplace health and safety.
• Ability to read and follow work instructions, procedures and schedules.
• Current Queensland C Class Driver Licence.
• White Card (Construction Induction) or willingness to obtain.
• Experience in local government or remote communities.
• Experience operating and maintaining a range of plant, machinery and equipment.

Responsibilities

• Safely operate Council plant, machinery and equipment.
• Conduct pre-start inspections and routine equipment checks.
• Assist with road maintenance, drainage works and civil construction activities.
• Undertake labouring duties associated with infrastructure and maintenance works.
• Support loading, unloading and transportation of materials and equipment.
• Assist with barge and freight operations as required.
• Maintain plant, equipment and work areas in a safe and serviceable condition.
• Identify and report hazards, defects and maintenance requirements.
• Work collaboratively with team members, contractors and stakeholders.
• Contribute to a safe, respectful and inclusive workplace.

Skills

Plant operation

Manual labour

Teamwork

Safety awareness

Documentation

C Class Licence

Job description

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander viewers are advised that this website may contain images of people who have died.

Applications closing on 28 September 2026, 12:00 PM

Contract: Multiple Positions Available- Casual and Full Time

Salary: $31.11 per hour+ Super

Location: Palm Island

Summary

At Palm Island Aboriginal Shire Council, our work is about more than delivering services-it's about supporting our people, strengthening community and building a future led by local capability.

We're committed to building a strong, self-sufficient work force on Palm Island, and we're looking for a Plant Operator who wants to be part of that journey.

This is a hands‑on role that plays an important part in maintaining and improving Palm Island's infrastructure. From operating plant and machinery to supporting civil works, road maintenance and community projects, you'll help deliver essential services that make a real difference across the Island.

About the Role

As a Plant Operator, you'll be responsible for the safe operation of Council plant, machinery and equipment while supporting civil construction, maintenance and infrastructure activities across Palm Island.

Working as part of the Civil & Open Spaces team, you'll contribute to road maintenance, drainage works, community projects, barge operations and other operational activities that support Council service delivery. Council is currently recruiting for multiple Plant Operator positions, with both full‑time and casual opportunities available. Successful applicants may be considered for either employment option based on operational requirements, availability, experience and suitability for the role.

This role is ideal for someone who enjoys practical work, takes pride in operating equipment safely and wants to contribute to projects that improve community infrastructure and services.

Key Responsibilities

• Safely operate Council plant, machinery and equipment.
• Conduct pre‑start inspections and routine equipment checks.
• Assist with road maintenance, drainage works and civil construction activities.
• Undertake labouring duties associated with infrastructure and maintenance works.
• Support the loading, unloading and transportation of materials and equipment.
• Assist with barge and freight operations as required.
• Maintain plant, equipment and work areas in a safe and serviceable condition.
• Identify and report hazards, defects and maintenance requirements.
• Work collaboratively with team members, contractors and stakeholders.
• Contribute to a safe, respectful and inclusive workplace.

Required

• Demonstrated experience operating plant, machinery and equipment in a civil construction, maintenance or similar environment.
• Experience undertaking manual labouring duties associated with construction, maintenance or operational works.
• Knowledge of safe work practices and commitment to workplace health and safety.
• Ability to read, understand and follow work instructions, procedures and schedules.
• Ability to identify and report plant defects, hazards and maintenance requirements.
• Strong teamwork skills and ability to work collaboratively with others.
• Ability to maintain basic records, plant logs and workplace documentation.
• Current Queensland "C" Class Driver Licence.

If you don't meet every requirement but have relevant experience and are willing to obtain any required licences, tickets or training, we encourage you to apply.

• Plant operation tickets, licences or demonstrated competency operating equipment such as loaders, excavators, rollers, graders, backhoes or similar machinery.
• Heavy Rigid (HR) Driver Licence or higher.
• White Card (Construction Industry Induction) or willingness to obtain.
• Traffic Management or Traffic Control qualifications.
• Experience in civil construction, road maintenance, drainage works or infrastructure projects.
• Experience working in local government, remote communities or operational service environments.
• Experience operating and maintaining a range of plant, machinery and equipment.

Applications close: 23rd September 2026 (unless filled prior).

Want to Know More?

For full details about the role, responsibilities, qualifications and selection criteria, please refer to the Position Description.

For more information, contact the Recruitment Team.