Land Protection Officer

• Join a dedicated team focussed on environmental stewardship and land management
• Engage with the community to promote sustainable land management practices
• Work in a dynamic outdoor environment, tackling challenges in various weather conditions
• Contribute to the implementation of vital pest management plans within the Mareeba Shire

About Mareeba Shire Council

Located in beautiful Far North Queensland where the rainforest meets the Outback, the Mareeba Shire provides an idyllic, regional lifestyle with the convenience of being only an hour from an international airport, cafes, restaurants, theatres and tropical beaches in the regional city of Cairns.

Mareeba Shire Council is a high-performing, community-focussed organisation with over 200 dedicated staff. Our recent budget was praised in the media for its considered and sensible approach, demonstrating our commitment to financial responsibility and community investment. This is a unique opportunity to join a well-regarded council making a real impact across the region.

The role

The Land Protection Officer assists with the implementation of pest plant and animal controls across the Shire in accordance with Council’s Pest Management Plan, the Biosecurity Act 2014 and the Land Protection (Pest and Stock Route Management) Act 2002.

In this role, you will utilise your up-to-date knowledge on land management practices, pest plants and animals, relative diseases and treatment/eradication practices to carry out a range of activities for the control, eradication and/or containment of targeted pest plants and animals across the Mareeba Shire. Providing accurate and timely advice to internal and external customers, assisting with the delivery of training and field events, using chemicals and poisons, conducting inspections and collecting field data are all in a days work in this role.

The position requires physical work to be undertaken in hot, humid and difficult conditions on a daily basis. As such, it is the responsibility of the Land Protection Officer to ensure they are physically fit and able to efficiently undertake these tasks consistently.

What we are looking for

We are seeking a motivated and capable individual who has an interest in land protection and experience working safely in regional and remote field environments. You will have well-developed communication and written skills, enjoy working in a team environment and contribute to the team in a positive manner. You will:

• Be able to accurately identify and report on pest plant and animal species while out in the field
• Have a good working knowledge of the use of computers and GPS devices
• Be able to demonstrate your ability to use chemicals and poisons correctly
• Have a current Queensland C class Driver’s Licence
• Have a current Queensland Construction Industry White Card and current Commercial Chemical Distribution Licence

You will be an Australian or New Zealand citizen, Australian permanent resident or have unrestricted work rights in Australia. Mareeba Shire Council does not offer employer visa sponsorship.

What we can offer you

• Permanent, full-time position
• LGOA Level 2/1 – $68,955 per annum
• Mareeba Allowance of $2,080 per annum
• 12% employer superannuation contributions
• 5 weeks annual leave with 17.5% leave loading
• Work life balance – 9 day fortnight
• Lifestyle benefits such as access to Fitness Passport, discounted health insurance, gift cards and corporate banking
• Learning and development opportunities
• Salary sacrificing options

For further information

Please refer to the Position Description, or contact Graham Wienert, Coordinator Land Protection, on 0438 241 592 (during business hours only).

How to apply

Click the Apply Now button to begin your application. Applications must contain your current resume and a short cover letter (Word or PDF files only). Please note, your resume and cover letter may be considered examples of your written communication skills.

We review applications as they are received to ensure we secure the best talent for our organisation. In some cases, interviews may be scheduled and roles filled before the advertised closing date. We therefore strongly encourage applicants to submit their applications as early as possible after a position is advertised.

Please note, Mareeba Shire Council does not offer visa sponsorship and you must be either an Australian or New Zealand citizen, Australian permanent resident or have unrestricted work rights in Australia to be considered for this position.

Applications close Tuesday, 2 June 2026

Mareeba Shire Council is committed to the principles of Equal Opportunity and workplace diversity.  We encourage a diverse workforce reflective of our community to better meet the needs of our customers.