Plant Operator Parks & Gardens

Tablelands-Regional-Council; Tolga; On-site; AUD 53,000 - 59,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working arrangements with RDO

5 weeks annual leave with 17.5% leave

Discounted health insurance

Job summary

Tablelands Regional Council is seeking a reliable Plant Operator based in Tolga to operate and maintain a range of plant and equipment supporting Parks & Gardens construction, maintenance and open space programs. You will contribute to keeping high-profile parks and public spaces in premium condition.

The role requires practical horticultural knowledge and a hands-on approach, with a strong focus on safety, teamwork, and delivering quality outcomes for the Tablelands community.

Qualifications

• Practical horticultural knowledge and experience.
• Ability to undertake open space maintenance activities including plant care and soil health.
• Commitment to safety and high-quality public spaces.

Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain plant and equipment supporting Parks & Gardens programs.
• Undertake open space maintenance activities including plant care, soil health, pest and weed management.
• Maintain high-profile parks and public spaces to a premium standard.

Skills

Practical knowledge

Team player

Safety conscious

Tools

Horticulture tools

Plant equipment operation

Job description

Our Tolga-based Parks & Gardens team is looking for a reliable, practical and hands-on team player who takes pride in their work, prioritises safety and is committed to maintaining high-quality public spaces.

As a full-time permanent Plant Operator, you’ll operate and maintain a range of plant and equipment supporting Parks & Gardens construction, maintenance and open space programs across the Tablelands Region.

We’re looking for someone who brings practical horticultural knowledge and experience, with the ability to undertake a range of open space maintenance activities including plant care, soil health, pest and weed management. You’ll play an important role in keeping high-profile and heavily trafficked parks, gardens and public spaces looking their best and maintained to a premium standard.

If you enjoy working outdoors, operating plant and equipment, we’d love to hear from you.

About Tablelands Regional Council (TRC)

TRC is a forward-thinking, progressive, and inclusive organisation, delivering a range of services and programs for our community. We have a highly skilled workforce who provide innovative solutions to problems. We seek and recruit people who are passionate about the region, work well in a team environment, and have the skills and abilities to produce quality outcomes.

The Atherton Tablelands is one of the most exciting places in North Queensland to live and work. Located within a 90-minute drive from Cairns, our enviable lifestyle, vibrant landscapes, untouched rainforests, dramatic mountains, and stunning lakes & waterfalls make the Tablelands region extremely attractive for your new career

Tablelands Regional Council offers:

• Flexible Working Conditions - we encourage a healthy work-life balance.
• Employment Security - we offer long-term employment opportunities.
• Diverse Training Opportunities - we support staff in their roles.
• Career Progression - we provide opportunities to continually grow and build a career in local government.
• Equal Remuneration - we offer equal employment opportunities.

A pplications Close 5pm, Tuesday 20 October 2026

• Base salary package from $62,195.63 per annum ($2,392.14 per fortnight)
• A range of allowances included in base salary
• Attractive work/life balance - 76 hour / 9-day fortnight (fortnightly RDO)
• Flexible working arrangements with RDO incentive
• 5 weeks annual leave with 17.5% leave loading
• Access to pro-rata long service leave after 7 years' of service
• Uniforms & personal protective equipment supplied
• Hearing checks, flu shots & skin checks (subject to availability)
• Discounted health insurance available

PositionQueries

For more information about the role please contact Jethro Russell Foreperson Parks & Gardens during office hours - 0428 513 555.

Technical Issues Contact:

For application enquiries, please contact Human Resources during office hours - 07 4089 2315.

We encourage applicants from all backgrounds including First Nations People, people from different cultural backgrounds and people with disabilities.

Personal Details * Required field

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Questions

Please indicate when you would be able to commence in this position if you were the successful applicant? *

• Immediately
• 1-2 weeks
• 2-3 weeks

Do you have the legal right to work in Australia for the duration of this role? *

• Yes - Citizen of Australia or New Zealand
• Yes - VISA/Working Rights Holder
• No

Do you understand if successful, you may be required to participate in a pre-employment medical and/ or drug and alcohol testing? *

• Yes
• No

Do you understand if successful, you may be required to complete a Criminal History check? *

• Yes
• No

Do you identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander? *

• Yes
• No
• Do not wish to disclose

I confirm that I have read, understood, and agree to the Position Specific Conditions outlined in the Position Description. *

• Yes

Do you have a valid drivers licence? *

• C Class
• LR Light Rigid
• MC Multi Combination
• None of the Above

Select the qualifications you currently hold from the 'mandatory' list below *

• General Construction Induction (White/Blue) Card
• Working in Proximity to Traffic 1&2
• None of the above

Select the qualifications you currently hold from the 'desirable' list below. *

• Level II Chainsaw
• Safe Handling of Sharps & Infectious Waste
• Commercial Operators Licence (ACDC)
• First Aid & CPR
• Certificate II Horticulture or equivalent
• Tractor Slasher Ticket
• Bobcat Ticket
• Elevated Work Platform
• None of the above
• Please refer to the Position Description and address the Selection Criteria in detail. Provide as much information as possible to demonstrate how your work history, skills and experience align with the selection criteria and use clear examples where possible to support your responses. *