Principal Civil Designer - Yeppoon Location

Precruitment - Recruitment Agency Cairns & Brisbane; Rockhampton Regional; On-site; AUD 117,000 - 124,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Fortnightly RDO

RDO banking

4 weeks annual leave

Leave loading 17.5%

Salary packaging options

Job summary

Livingstone Shire Council invites applications for a Principal Civil Designer based in Yeppoon. You will lead design, drafting and project documentation for municipal infrastructure, guiding a small team and ensuring compliance with engineering standards.

Key responsibilities include civil design development, site surveys, and mentoring staff while delivering major projects across the Livingstone Shire region. A strong Civil 3D capability and a relevant degree are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor/degree in civil engineering or equivalent with practical experience.
• Experience in civil infrastructure design and drafting.
• Proficiency with Civil 3D software.
• Current C Class Driver Licence and White Card.

Responsibilities

• Develop and refine civil designs, estimates and docs for municipal works.
• Coordinate site surveys and data collection.
• Lead a small team and mentor staff.
• Ensure designs meet standards and codes.

Skills

Civil design

Leadership

Quality control

Engineering judgement

Education

BEng Civil

Tools

Civil 3D

12D

Job description

Principal Civil Designer - Yeppoon Location

$116,666 - $123,656 a year

Permanent

Principal Civil Designer - Livingstone Shire Council - Based in Yeppoon, Queensland

Livingstone Shire Region

Livingstone Shire is a thriving coastal region in Central Queensland, centred around Yeppoon and stretching across the picturesque Capricorn Coast. Combining beautiful beaches, national parks, rural landscapes and growing communities, the region offers an exceptional lifestyle within easy reach of Rockhampton. Continued population growth, business activity and investment are creating strong opportunities for sustainable development, while a clear focus on liveability and protecting the Shire’s unique character ensures growth is carefully managed. With its relaxed coastal lifestyle, strong sense of community and positive economic outlook, Livingstone Shire is an attractive and ambitious region with an exciting future.

Role Overview

Reporting to the Coordinator Design Engineering, the Principal Civil Designer is responsible for delivering investigation, survey, civil design, drafting, estimating, reporting and project documentation services across a range of significant municipal infrastructure projects.

The position combines hands‑on technical design responsibilities with leadership, mentoring and specialist advice to other team members and you will manage a team of 2 others (1 x Civil Designer and 1 x Cadet Civil Designer). You will play an important role in progressing Council's infrastructure design program, reviewing complex designs and ensuring projects are delivered in accordance with relevant engineering standards, specifications, codes and Council requirements.

• Salary range: $116,666 - $123,656
• 12.5% employer superannuation
• Permanent full-time position
• 72.5-hours per fortnight
• Fortnightly RDO
• Ability to bank RDOs
• 4 weeks annual leave
• 17.5% annual leave loading
• Salary packaging options
• Relocation assistance available
• Opportunity to play an important role in shaping the future growth and development of Livingstone Shire
• Senior technical role within Council's Infrastructure Design Team
• Contribute to significant municipal infrastructure projects across the region
• Provide technical leadership, mentoring and specialist advice within an experienced engineering environment

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, assess and refine civil engineering designs, plans, quantities, budgets and supporting documentation for major Council infrastructure works.
• Carry out or coordinate site-based surveying activities, including collection of existing conditions, surface modelling and construction set‑out requirements.
• Coordinate the day‑to‑day technical workflow and associated administration required to meet Infrastructure Design Team priorities and deadlines.
• Support the capability of the design team through technical direction, coaching, knowledge sharing, training and ongoing professional guidance.
• Apply relevant Council requirements, engineering practices, statutory standards, technical specifications and quality controls throughout the design process.
• Establish appropriate engineering and design criteria for projects and track delivery against the approved infrastructure design schedule.
• Liaise closely with Council departments, engineering consultants, government bodies, contractors and other relevant parties to help projects progress efficiently.
• Respond to technical enquiries and provide reliable engineering information to Council staff, external organisations and community members where appropriate.
• Apply sound engineering judgement and independent problem‑solving skills when resolving challenging or unusual civil design issues.
• Keep comprehensive and up‑to‑date technical, design and project records to support accountability, sound decision‑making and efficient project delivery.

Qualifications and Experience

• Relevant tertiary qualifications in civil engineering, such as a Bachelor of Engineering Technology (Civil), Associate Degree in Engineering (Civil) or equivalent and supported by substantial practical experience.
• Strong experience in civil infrastructure design, drafting, estimating and preparation of technical documentation, together with sound knowledge of engineering standards, codes, specifications and design practices.
• Demonstrated capability using civil design software particularly Civil 3D
• Proven ability to review technical designs and documentation, manage multiple priorities and apply sound professional judgement when resolving complex engineering matters.
• Strong leadership and communication skills, including experience mentoring technical staff, coordinating workloads and providing clear specialist advice to internal and external stakeholders.
• Hold a current C Class Driver Licence and a Construction Industry Induction White Card, or have the ability to obtain one.

Highly Desirable

• Previous civil engineering or infrastructure design experience gained within Local Government.
• Practical proficiency with 12D civil design software along with practical knowledge of engineering surveying and survey equipment.
• Completion of Working in Proximity to Traffic – Awareness Parts 1 and 2.
• Substantial experience acting as a senior technical resource, including coaching staff and providing specialist civil design guidance within an infrastructure or engineering environment.

Learn More About Livingstone Shire Council

Please visit the Livingstone Shire Council website to learn more about the organisation, community and Council's strategic direction.

https://www.livingstone.qld.gov.au/Home

Closing Date

Monday 28th September 2026 - please let me know if you need more time!

Please note - Applications for this position may be assessed as they are submitted.