Parks Maintenance Officer - Botanic Areas

Overview

Mackay Regional Council is looking for a hands-on Parks Maintenance Officer to join the Parks & Open Spaces team. The role focuses on caring for and protecting Council’s botanic spaces, including the Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens and Queens Park, so they continue to be attractive, safe and enjoyable for the community.

What you will do

• Carry out routine horticultural work across garden and turf areas, such as pruning, mowing, weeding, chemical spraying, whipper snipping and basic tree care.
• Support the upkeep and presentation of selected plant collections and bio-regional plantings.
• Inspect gardens, turf and park areas visually to identify maintenance needs.
• Use, operate and look after small plant, power tools and other equipment used in park maintenance.
• Help prepare and maintain green spaces for community events.
• Use digital tools for communication, collecting data and managing work orders.
• Complete scheduled maintenance tasks and contribute to project work as required.
• Provide strong customer service while supporting Council’s public image and reputation.
• Follow all Workplace Health & Safety requirements and procedures.

About you

You are a practical and dependable team player who enjoys outdoor work and takes pride in keeping public spaces well maintained.

Essential requirements

• General Construction Induction Training (White Card).
• Current Queensland Class C driver licence, or the ability to transfer to a QLD licence within three months.
• Hands-on experience in public gardens, landscaping and/or general labouring.
• Experience using and maintaining small plant, power tools and equipment.
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively.
• Good communication skills and a strong focus on customer service.
• Ability to keep accurate records.
• Working knowledge of horticultural principles and practical experience in horticulture.

Desirable qualifications and experience

• Certificate II in Horticulture or Arboriculture.
• Experience applying herbicides and pesticides.
• ACDC Commercial Operators Licence.
• Chainsaw Level 1, pole saw or irrigation qualifications.
• Experience with irrigation repairs and installation.
• Experience maintaining or displaying plant collections.

Special requirements

• Occasional work outside standard hours, including weekends.
• Regular travel within the local area.
• Ability to perform physical outdoor work in changing weather conditions.
• Willingness to assist with emergency management response when needed.

Benefits

• Annual salary from $64,517 to $67,054, plus applicable allowances; pay level depends on qualifications and experience (Level 3-5).
• Superannuation of up to 18%, subject to conditions.
• Choice of 4 or 5 weeks of annual leave, plus 17.5% leave loading.
• 9-day fortnight roster.
• Possible access to salary sacrificing.
• Membership in a lifestyle benefits program with corporate discounts.
• Study support and assistance programs for career development.
• Learning and career growth opportunities.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Health and wellbeing initiatives.
• Active social clubs.

Application process

Applicants should submit a cover letter that explains their experience and suitability, together with a resume. The vacancy may close sooner than expected, so early applications are encouraged.

Important information for applicants

Applicants must have the right to work in Australia. International applicant criteria are available through Council’s careers information, and Australian work rights will be checked during recruitment.

Candidates who move beyond interview stage will need to complete pre-employment checks, including a full medical assessment and drug and alcohol testing.

Mackay Regional Council is an equal employment opportunity employer. All applicants are treated fairly and respectfully, with equal access to opportunities. The organisation values diversity and aims to maintain a respectful, inclusive workplace where different perspectives and contributions help achieve strong outcomes.