Position description

Mechanic – Milikapiti (Melville Island)

Tiwi Islands Regional Council is looking for a qualified and experienced mechanic to join our team.

The Tiwi Islands are located 80km north of Darwin in the beautiful Arafura Sea. There are two islands, Bathurst and Melville, with a total land mass of 8,320 sq km. The islands are home to the Tiwi people, who have a strong affiliation with their land, culture and language. There are school and medical facilities on the islands, with regular plane, passenger ferry and barge services operating to Darwin.

Position: Motor Mechanic

Full-time

Salary: $75,000 - $95,000

Location: Tiwi Islands, NT

About this role:

The Mechanic is responsible for inspecting, servicing, diagnosing and repairing a variety of Council vehicles and equipment used in our operations to maintain safe, reliable and roadworthy assets that support Council service delivery.

Working as a qualified tradesperson under the direction of the Town Services Manager, the position exercises trade judgment to identify faults, determine appropriate repair methods and complete preventative and corrective maintenance in accordance with manufacturer specifications, recognised industry standards and Council requirements.

The role maintains accurate maintenance records, supports safe and effective workshop operations and works cooperatively with Council employees, suppliers, contractors and community stakeholders.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Mechanical Maintenance and Repairs

- Inspect, service, diagnose and repair Council light and heavy vehicles and other mechanical equipment.
- Diagnose mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, electrical and electronic faults using appropriate testing equipment, technical information and trade judgment.
- Complete scheduled servicing, preventative maintenance, breakdown repairs and component replacement in accordance with manufacturer specifications and Council requirements.
- Undertake roadworthiness and safety inspections and promptly report defects, asset risks or repair requirements to the Town Services Manager.
- Test repaired vehicles,



plant and equipment to confirm safe and effective operation before return to service.
- May undertake welding, fabrication and minor modification work where qualified, competent and authorised.
- Respond to breakdowns and undertake field repairs at Council worksites or other locations as reasonably required.

Preventative Maintenance and Workshop Records

- Assist with the implementation and ongoing operation of preventative maintenance schedules for Council vehicles, plant and equipment.
- Maintain accurate job cards, inspection records, service histories, parts usage and repair documentation.
- Identify recurring faults, emerging maintenance issues and asset replacement risks and provide practical advice to the Town Services Manager.
- Advise the Town Services Manager of required parts, tools, tyres, oils and consumables and assist with appropriate stock control and storage.
- Use Council systems and forms to record work completed, outstanding defects, downtime and asset availability.

Workshop Safety and Compliance

- Carry out all work in accordance with work health and safety legislation, Council policies, safe operating procedures and relevant environmental requirements.
- Undertake risk assessments and pre-start checks and use appropriate personal protective equipment, isolation and lock-out procedures.
- Maintain tools, workshop equipment and work areas in a safe, secure, clean and serviceable condition.
- Store and handle fuels, oils, batteries, chemicals and waste products safely and in accordance with applicable requirements.
- Report hazards, incidents, near misses, damaged equipment and unsafe work practices promptly and participate in corrective actions.
- Ensure vehicles,



plant and machinery are not returned to service where an unresolved defect may affect safe operation.

Service Support and Working Relationships

- Plan and prioritise assigned work in consultation with the Town Services Manager to support operational requirements and minimise asset downtime.
- Liaise professionally with employees, suppliers, contractors and external repair providers regarding technical and maintenance matters.
- Provide practical on-the-job guidance and skills transfer to apprentices or other employees when requested.
- Maintain positive, respectful and culturally appropriate working relationships with Tiwi community members, elected members and Council employees.
- Perform other reasonable duties within the employee's skills, competence and classification as directed.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Skills and experience required:

- Australian-recognised mechanical trade qualification
- Experience in maintaining and repairing a broad range of vehicles, heavy plant, machinery and equipment.
- Demonstrated ability to diagnose and resolve complex mechanical faults using sound trade judgment, technical information and diagnostic equipment.
- Demonstrated knowledge of preventative maintenance, servicing, inspection and workshop record requirements.
- Sound knowledge of work health and safety obligations and safe workshop practices, including isolation, hazardous substances and environmental controls.
- Current driver licence valid in the Northern Territory.
- Effective communication and interpersonal skills and the ability to work respectfully with employees, contractors, suppliers and community members.
- Ability to work independently, organise assigned work and contribute effectively as part of a remote community-based team.

Desirable:

- Experience working in local government, a remote community or a remote Aboriginal community.
- Relevant welding and fabrication qualification or demonstrated competency.
- Automotive electrical and/or automotive air-conditioning qualification or licence.
- Experience maintaining refuse vehicles, civil construction plant or other specialist local government fleet assets.

📌 Tiwi Islands Regional Council - Motor Mechanic (Northern Territory)
🏢 Tiwi Islands Regional Council
📍 Northern Territory