Leading Hand Parks Maintenance - North

Role overview

Mackay Regional Council is looking for a hands-on Leading Hand Parks Maintenance professional to support the upkeep of parks, gardens, cemeteries and camping grounds across the Northern region. This position suits someone who enjoys outdoor work, takes pride in well-kept public spaces, and can guide a team while setting the standard through their own work.

In this role, you will help ensure maintenance activities are delivered safely, efficiently and to a consistently high standard, while contributing directly to the region’s liveability.

Key duties

• Assist with supervising and coordinating a dedicated parks maintenance crew.
• Help plan and carry out scheduled maintenance work across open spaces.
• Make sure tasks are finished on schedule, safely, and in line with agreed service standards.
• Support ongoing improvements to day-to-day operational processes.
• Promote a constructive, safety-first team environment based on respect and collaboration.
• Deliver quality maintenance outcomes for turf, gardens, trees, cemeteries and camping grounds.
• Represent Council positively when dealing with community members and other stakeholders.
• Take on other related duties as needed.

About you

You are a practical and dependable parks worker with proven leadership ability. You are comfortable working hands-on, taking responsibility for results, and contributing to a workplace that values teamwork, safety and quality.

Essential qualifications and licences

• Qualification in horticulture or a related discipline, with diploma-level training preferred.
• Current Queensland C class driver licence, or the ability to transfer it within 3 months.
• White Card for general construction induction.
• Chainsaw Level 1 certification.
• Medium Rigid (MR) licence.
• ACDC weed spraying licence.

Desirable qualifications

• Chainsaw Level 2 certification.

Experience needed

• Experience leading or supporting a team and giving clear work direction.
• Background in planning and delivering maintenance programs or projects.
• Ability to build strong and positive working relationships.
• Commitment to safety, wellbeing and accountability in the workplace.
• Previous work in parks or open space maintenance.
• Minor project delivery experience will be considered an advantage.

Skills and knowledge

• Strong understanding of parks maintenance methods and applicable legislation.
• Ability to organise, prioritise and complete work efficiently.
• Clear communication and practical problem-solving skills.
• Good judgement and the ability to resolve workplace issues.
• Basic computer literacy.
• Experience using and maintaining a range of plant and equipment.
• Strong time management and collaboration skills.

Benefits

• Annual salary of $67,054 to $69,524, plus superannuation of up to 18%.
• 9-day fortnight roster for better work-life balance.
• 4 to 5 weeks of annual leave with 17.5% loading.
• Access to training, development and study support.
• Corporate discounts and active social clubs.
• Employee Assistance Program and wellbeing initiatives.
• Salary sacrifice options, subject to eligibility.

Additional requirements

• Occasional weekend or after-hours work may be required.
• Regular travel within the local area is part of the role.
• The job involves physical outdoor work in changing weather and site conditions.

Application and pre-employment checks

Applicants should submit a cover letter and resume. Candidates who move beyond interview will need to complete pre-employment assessments, which include medical screening and drug and alcohol testing.

Equal opportunity and fit

This role is suited to someone who wants to lead by example, support high-quality parks maintenance, and make a visible difference across local open spaces in the Mackay region.