The Opportunity Provide skilled plant operation and high‑quality horticultural and vegetation services to support project-based works, including vegetation clearing, tree transplanting, large‑scale planting, irrigation installation and maintenance. This role contributes to the delivery of major projects by operating plant and equipment safely and effectively, completing horticultural tasks to specification, and meeting Council policies, environmental requirements and industry standards. About Us Banana Shire is situated in Central Queensland, Australia located 120 km west of the growing industrial city and port of Gladstone - and an easy drive to the city of Rockhampton. Our population is approximately 15,000 people spread over 28,577 square kilometres. Major industries in the area include Coal Mining, Power Generation, Beef Production, dryland cropping and irrigation such as Lucerne and Cotton. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Deliver high‑quality vegetation and horticultural services across project sites, ensuring works meet environmental, safety, and legislative standards Safely operate and maintain civil and horticultural equipment such as backhoes, loaders, trucks, skid steers, trucks, chainsaws, brush cutters, and hand tools Assist with vegetation clearing, ground preparation, mulching, and site establishment for project works Read and interpret project plans, planting schedules, irrigation layouts, and basic site instructions Assist with setting up, maintaining, and monitoring temporary and permanent irrigation systems Prepare planting zones and work areas using both plant and manual tools Undertake planting, transplanting and establishment works in accordance with project specifications Carry out watering, weeding, fertilising, and pest/weed control as required Maintain tidy, safe work zones including removal of debris, green waste, and general site cleanup Participate actively in toolbox talks, and team meetings Contribute to the promotion of the image of the Council and the maximisation of good public relations Liaise with clients, other Council staff, the public, consultants, utility and government authorities in the performance of duties including providing and obtaining information Undertake routine administrative tasks as required by the position e.g. Timesheets Assist senior staff to continuously improve work processes and develop new practices as required Participate in training, exercises and response to disaster management and recovery as required Undertake other relevant duties as directed, consistent with skills, competence and training. QUALIFICATIONS, EDUCATION AND LICENCE REQUIREMENTS Compulsory Certificate III in Horticulture, or equivalent Civil Construction – Operator Backhoe (LB) Competency Qld General Safety Induction (white or blue card) Queensland Class ‘MR’ driver’s licence. Desirable Agricultural Chemical Distribution Control ticket (ACDC). ABILITIES, SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED Compulsory Demonstrated experience performing capital works and high profile horticultural and maintenance activities Ability to operate and maintain relevant plant and equipment Good literacy, numeracy and oral communication skills together with demonstrated ability to work in a team environment and autonomously under minimal supervision Good understanding of and commitment to EEO and WHS principles and practices. How to Apply Information on how to apply is in our application package, which can be obtained from our website www.banana.qld.gov.au or by calling 07 4992 9500 . Applications close: 12 February 2026
