Maintain trails. Lead a crew. Make a real difference.
You’ll run a small team of trainees (17–24) on practical, on-ground projects across the Atherton Mountain Bike Park & Tablelands—keeping people safe, on task and proud of the work they deliver. If you enjoy hands-on work, coaching others, and leaving a site better than you found it, this is for you.

Why you’ll like it

Outdoors, not desk-bound: Atherton Forest Mountain Bike Park and Tablelands sites.

Lead from the front: Set the plan, run the day, mentor the crew.

Visible results: Tracks fixed, trails shaped, creeks restored—work you can point to.

Solid package: ~$85,000 + super + portable LSL, plus generous charity salary packaging (up to $15,900 + $2,650 entertainment).

Extra break: VPG shuts down between Christmas & New Year.

The work

VPG’s Tablelands Trail Builders gives local job seekers paid experience while maintaining the Atherton Forest MTB Park. Two crews of four work full-time over two 22-week intakes. You’ll plan and supervise:

Track maintenance and upgrades

Landscaping and horticulture at trails and trailheads

Revegetation, weed control and creek restoration

Community nursery tasks

Partner projects with community groups

On-the-job skills development and mentoring

What you bring

Crew leadership: Proven supervision, team-building and “get it done” mindset

Youth coach: You understand the challenges young people face and how to guide them to work-readiness

Fit for the job: Comfortable operating equipment and doing physical work in all conditions

Organised & calm: Strong at time/priority management and resource planning; steady under pressure

People skills: Clear communicator, fair but firm, confident resolving conflict

Safety first: Practical WHS knowledge and standards

Inclusive leadership: You create a culturally safe, respectful crew environment

Trail interest: Genuine knack for MTB/walking trail upkeep

Essential/Desirable

Qualifications/experience in Conservation & Land Management (or related)

Qualifications/experience in youth work, education, community engagement, social sciences (or related)

First Aid Certificate

Working with Children Check

Current C-class QLD driver’s licence

Highly regarded: Ag. Chemicals Licence, Chainsaw ticket (or willingness to obtain at your expense)

About VPG

We’re a values-driven, Advantaged Thinking organisation—supportive, inclusive and responsible. We back young people to build skills and step into meaningful work. If that sounds like you, let’s talk.

Salary & benefits

Base: ~$85,000 (depending on quals/experience) + super + portable LSL

NFP salary packaging: Up to $15,900 tax-free + $2,650 entertainment per year

Contract: 12-month fixed term (government funded)

Roster: Monday–Friday, business hours (interviews held within these times)

How to apply

Read the position description at vpginc.com.au

Email one PDF to Angela Wienert (Executive Assistant) at [email protected] with:

Current résumé with two professional referees

Copies of relevant qualifications

A short cover letter explaining your interest and how you meet the role requirements

Keen to lead a crew, keep standards high, and leave quality work behind you each day?
Apply now and help us build better trails—and stronger futures—for young people in the Tablelands.