Grader Operator at Central Highlands Regional Council, Emerald, Queensland, Stream B, Level 8. Salary: $55.16 per hour inclusive of superannuation & allowances. Indicative annual salary circa $110,000 per annum inclusive of allowances and overtime when available, depending on operational requirements. Position type: Permanent Full Time. Choose your path at CHRC. Build an incredible career without compromising your lifestyle. Join CHRC for a short commute, 9-day fortnight, and work that truly matters. One region. One council. So many possibilities. At Central Highlands Regional Council (CHRC), a great career and the lifestyle you want come together. Across 60,000 square kilometres, we support and build communities and careers that matter. Want interesting work, connection to community and the opportunity to grow your career? You’ll find it here.

- Operate graders and other heavy machinery to maintain roads and town facilities across the local government region.
- Work as part of an experienced rural maintenance crew, carrying out plant operation and general labouring duties.
- Develop and maintain civil construction skills in a supportive team workplace while enjoying a good work-life balance.
- Build and maintain vital road infrastructure in a role that keeps you home with family every night.

Key Impact Areas

- Maintaining vital road infrastructure: Operating graders and heavy plant to maintain roads, shoulders and town facilities across the Central Highlands region
- Building safer, reliable roads: Completing grading, levelling and maintenance works to support quality road networks and access for local communities
- Working as part of a skilled team: Undertaking plant operation and labouring duties while developing your civil construction skills in a supportive environment

What you’ll bring

- Demonstrated experience in grader operation in a road construction and/or maintenance setting




- Willingness to work on rural job sites which will involve staying in a camp environment when required
- Previous experience working in the civil construction industry
- Current Queensland Class HR Drivers Licence
- Statement of Attainment or Ticket for Grader Operations
- Roller Operations statement of attainment or ticket (or ability to obtain).
- Construction White Card

Desired additional skills

- A team-oriented, down-to-earth attitude: You work well both autonomously and in a dedicated team
- A practical, solution-focused mindset: You’re someone who isn't afraid to roll up your sleeves, take initiative, and solve problems on the ground
- A strong safety focus: You have a proactive attitude towards risk management, ensuring you and your team get home safely every night

Why work with CHRC?

Looking for a better balance and the life you want? Here, you’re home every night, and your commute is measured in minutes, not hours. No FIFO and more time for what counts - family, friends and the things you love to do.

Benefits

- Financial security: A generous superannuation scheme to secure your future
- More time off: 5 weeks of annual leave with a 17.5% leave loading
- True work-life balance: The option to work a 9-day fortnight
- All the gear: Annual uniform allocation and necessary PPE supplied
- Peace of mind: Access to salary sacrificing options and our confidential Employee Assistance Program
- Continuous development: Ongoing on the job and paid training and accreditations

We encourage individuals from diverse backgrounds to apply, including those living with a disability, from culturally or linguistically diverse backgrounds, part of the LGBTI community, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. If you require reasonable adjustments or would like to share your pronouns at any stage of the application or interview process, please let us know.

Applications close Wednesday 21st October 2026 at 12noon.

📌 Plant Operator Grader Emerald
🏢 Central Highlands Region
📍 Emerald