Plant Operator Excavator

About the Role

Townsville City Council is actively seeking skilled Plant Operators specialized in operating excavators to become part of our Construction and Maintenance teams within the Infrastructure & Operations Division. This permanent full-time role offers a 9-day fortnight schedule with a 38-hour workweek based in Townsville, Queensland.

As a Plant Operator (Excavator), you will play a crucial role in executing road, drainage, and municipal infrastructure projects across Townsville. Your responsibilities include operating excavators and various civil construction machinery safely and efficiently, contributing to essential community asset construction, maintenance, and renewal while upholding strict safety, quality, and customer service standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Operate excavators and other civil construction equipment proficiently and safely.
• Carry out road construction, maintenance, and infrastructure tasks meeting required specifications and tolerances.
• Perform pre-start inspections, risk assessments, and comply with all site safety protocols.
• Develop work plans and engage in job analysis for assigned projects.
• Conduct routine equipment inspections and undertake basic maintenance operations.
• Report any equipment malfunctions, breakdowns, or maintenance needs promptly.
• Safely manage the loading, transportation, and securing of plant and equipment as necessary.
• Participate actively in toolbox discussions and contribute to ongoing process improvements.
• Assist construction and maintenance crews with general labor duties when required.
• Maintain adherence to Council’s Workplace Health and Safety and Quality Assurance guidelines.

Candidate Profile

We are looking for dependable and experienced operators well-versed in civil construction or local government sectors, possessing a dedicated safety mindset, strong teamwork abilities, and a passion for delivering high-quality community services.

Essential Qualifications and Experience

• Demonstrated experience in operating excavators and various civil construction machinery.
• Commitment to workplace health and safety practices.
• Capability to collaborate effectively within team environments.
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to prioritize tasks.
• Experience performing equipment servicing checks and routine maintenance.
• Understanding of road, drainage, and municipal infrastructure construction and maintenance operations.
• Customer-oriented approach focused on quality delivery.
• Possession of a current Queensland HR Class Driver Licence.
• Relevant Plant Operator Certificates of Competency covering operated machinery.
• Experience with Trimble machine control systems.
• Certification for Safe Working Near Live Exposed Parts training.
• Year 10 Certificate or demonstrated equivalent literacy and numeracy skills.
• Proven background operating excavators, graders, loaders, road rollers, and backhoes.

Preferred Knowledge and Skills

• Previous experience working within civil construction or local government contexts.
• Familiarity with Aus-Spec and Australian Standards.
• Knowledge of load restraint guidelines.
• Understanding of Work Health and Safety legislation and Quality Assurance systems.
• Experience operating heavy rigid vehicles and related plant machinery.
• Basic mechanical aptitude related to plant and equipment maintenance and servicing.

Additional Information

Townsville City Council is the principal local government authority in Northern Australia, committed to fostering a supportive work environment that emphasizes work-life balance, inclusion, and meaningful community impact.

Benefits include:

• Five weeks of annual leave plus 17.5% leave loading.
• Three weeks of Personal/Carers Leave.
• Fourteen weeks of paid Parental Leave.
• Domestic and Family Violence Leave.
• Natural Disaster Leave.
• Provision of uniforms and PPE where applicable.
• Annual salary increments.
• Up to 13.5% superannuation employer contributions for contributing members.
• Salary sacrifice options.
• Access to diverse learning and development programs.
• Fitness Passport providing discounted health and wellness facility memberships.
• Employee Loyalty Program offering local business discounts.
• Employee Assistance Program.

Successful candidates must consent to mandatory drug and alcohol testing aligned with Council’s strict zero-tolerance policy.

We encourage applications from individuals of diverse backgrounds, including but not limited to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, individuals with diverse gender identities, cultures, disabilities, and veterans.