Division/Section: Infrastructure and Operations

Position Type: Permanent Full Time (9 day fortnight,38 hours week)

Salary Range: Base Salary LGE5 $69,960 per annum + super

Location: Townsville

Application Close: 11:45pm, Friday 16 October 2026

Make a visible difference on Townsville’s waterways

Every day in this role is practical, purposeful and outdoors. As Council’s Aquatic Weed Harvester Operator, you’ll take the lead in operating a hardworking machine that removes an average of 5,500 cubic metres of aquatic weeds each year, helping protect local waterways and improve the places our community enjoys.

About The Role

You’ll operate Council’s aquatic weed harvester and marine support vessel, carrying out scheduled aquatic weed maintenance across Townsville’s waterways. It’s a hands-on role where your care, judgement and attention to safety will directly support healthier natural spaces and better outcomes for the community.

When harvesting is not required, or when weather and environmental conditions prevent work on the water, you’ll join the team in a variety of environmental restoration and maintenance activities. This may include practical labouring work across parks, open spaces and natural environment areas, so you’ll always be contributing to meaningful work.

About You

You might be someone who enjoys being outdoors, working with plant and equipment, and seeing the results of your work at the end of the day. You take pride in operating safely, communicating clearly and being part of a team that looks after important community and environmental assets.

To be successful in this role, you’ll need to hold the following mandatory licences and qualifications:

- Certificate III in Maritime Operations Master up to 24 meters near coastal
- Coxswain Grade 2 near coastal commercial operator’s Licence
- Marine Radio Operators Certificate of Proficiency
- "C" class manual licence





The following skills and qualifications would also be highly regarded:
- Certificate III in Conservation and Land Management or equivalent qualification or relevant commensurate experience
- Agricultural Chemical Distribution Certificate (ACDC) accreditation

We’ll support you to maintain the licences, skills and competencies needed to operate the required plant and machinery, while giving you the opportunity to build on your experience in environmental operations. You’ll bring a robust understanding of workplace health and safety, confidence using technology such as mobile phones, tablets, mobility applications, data loggers and GPS, and a clear, practical communication style.

For Further Information Review The Position Description.

Townsville City Council is the largest local government authority in Northern Australia. We’re committed to supporting our people through a strong focus on work–life balance, a positive and inclusive culture, and a shared passion for making a meaningful impact in our community.

We have a range of benefits that confirm this commitment:

- 5 weeks annual leave + 17.5% leave loading
- 3 weeks Personal/Carers Leave
- 14 weeks paid Parental Leave
- Domestic and Family Violence Leave
- Natural Disaster Leave
- Uniforms and PPE provided (if applicable)
- Annual wage progression
- Up to *13.5% Superannuation employer contribution for contributing members
- Salary Sacrifice opportunities
- Access to a range of learning and development opportunities,



including on-the-job learning and formal training programs
- Fitness Passport program offering discounted membership to selected health and wellbeing facilities
- Employee Loyalty Program offering discounts at selected local businesses
- Employee Assistance Program
- The Council contribution to employees' superannuation for contributing employees shall be 13.5% of the employees' ordinary time earnings subject to the employee contributing a minimum of 6% of their ordinary time earnings.

Contact Person: Matt Contact Email: [email protected] (for position enquiries only)

How To Apply

Your application can be submitted through the 'Apply' button. Please include a cover letter (maximum 2 pages), outlining how your skills, qualifications and experience would allow you to achieve success in this role. We also will require your resume which should confirm any licences and qualifications your hold.

We are committed to creating a safe and inclusive workplace where diverse styles, backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives are valued, encouraged, and respected. People from diverse backgrounds (including but not limited to, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, people with diverse gender identities and sexualities, people from different cultural and linguistic backgrounds, people with disability, and veterans) are encouraged to apply!

All successful candidates are required to undergo drug and alcohol testing as part of the recruitment process. Please be aware Townsville City Council has a ‘zero tolerance’ policy to drugs and alcohol in the workplace.

If you need any adjustments to be made to the recruitment process or if you would like to discuss any accessibility requirements, please contact [email protected] or phone 07 4727 9004 for a confidential discussion.

Attachments

- PD Plant Operator – Aquatic Weed Management.pdf

📌 Aquatic Weed Harvester Operator (Townsville)
🏢 Townsville City Council
📍 Townsville