Parks Maintenance Officer - Botanic Areas

Do you love the smell of fresh-cut grass and the sight of thriving gardens? Join our team as a Parks Maintenance Officer (Botanic Areas) and help keep Mackay's beautiful botanic spaces looking their best! If you're passionate about plants and enjoy working with a fun, supportive crew, this is your chance to make a real impact-one garden bed at a time!

As a Parks Maintenance Officer (Botanic Areas), you'll play a vital role in maintaining and preserving Mackay Regional Council's stunning botanic areas. Your days will be filled with hands-on horticultural duties, general maintenance, and supporting community activities and events.

We have two positions available - one fixed-term role until 05/07/2026 & one permanent role.

Key Responsibilities:

• Maintain garden areas and plant collections using horticultural best practices (pruning, mowing, weeding, chemical application, whipper snipping, tree maintenance).
• Assist with the care of plants and trees from specific bio-regions.
• Conduct visual inspections of gardens and turf.
• Operate and maintain horticultural equipment and power tools.
• Help set up for community events at the Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens and Queens Park.
• Use technology for communication, data collection, and work order management.
• Complete scheduled works and contribute to special projects.
• Deliver excellent customer service and uphold Council's reputation.
• Other duties as directed by your supervisor.

Qualifications & Skills

Essential

• General Construction Induction Training (White Card).
• Current QLD "C" Class Driver's Licence (interstate licences must be transferred within 3 months).
• Practical experience in public gardens, landscaping, or general labouring.
• Experience with small plant and power tools for maintenance tasks.
• Strong communication and client service skills.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Accurate record-keeping skills.

Desirable

• Certificate II in Horticulture or Arboriculture.
• Experience with herbicides, pesticides, and irrigation systems.
• Knowledge of horticultural principles and integrated pest management.

Special Requirements:

• Occasional out-of-hours work (including weekends).
• Regular local travel.
• Physical work in outdoor environments.
• Participation in emergency management response as needed.

Why Join Us?

• Base annual salary of $64,517 - $67,054 plus allowances as applicable (the level offered will be determined on the successful candidates' qualifications and experience. This is a banded Level 3/4/5 position)
• Up to 18% superannuation (conditions apply).
• Choice of 4 or 5 weeks' annual leave with 17.5% leave loading.
• 9-day fortnight roster.
• May be eligible for salary sacrificing options.
• Membership to lifestyle benefits program including corporate discounts.
• Study and assistance programs for career development.
• Learning and career development opportunities.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Employee health and wellbeing initiatives.
• Active Social Clubs.

Applications

If you're ready to roll up your sleeves, get your hands dirty, and help our parks bloom, we want to hear from you! Apply now with your cover letter & resume and join a team where every day is different, the scenery is unbeatable, and your work truly makes a difference. Let's grow something amazing together! Applications close Thursday, 25 September 2025.

***Important information for applicants:

To be considered for this position, all candidates must have the appropriate working rights for Australia, Please visit Mackay Regional Council - Careers at council webpage regarding International Applicant criteria. Your Australian work rights will be verified during the recruitment process.

Applicants who progress beyond the interview stage will be required to undergo a pre-employment process, which includes comprehensive Pre-Employment Medical Assessments (inclusive of Drug and Alcohol testing)

We are an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer, where all applicants are treated fairly and respectfully and have equal access to all available opportunities. At Mackay Regional Council, diversity is about creating a respectful and inclusive workplace that recognises our employees' unique contributions and perspectives, working together to deliver extraordinary results.