Trainee Plant Operator / Labourer (Civil Construction)

• Opportunity to earn while you learn in a hands-on traineeship for up to three years
• Gain practical experience and competency operating a variety of heavy plant
• On-the-job mentoring and training to complete a Certificate III in Civil Construction
• Work in a dynamic team environment focussed on delivering high-quality infrastructure projects

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

Mareeba Shire Council’s ongoing commitment to improving workforce participation and promoting job and economic growth within the Shire is being boosted by a new trainee position.

The Trainee Plant Operator/Labourer will join our Construction & Maintenance team and will work across all aspects of civil construction and maintenance within Council. The traineeship also involves completing training and tasks for the successful completion of a Certificate III in Civil Construction. The traineeship is for a period of up to 36 months and the formal training component must be completed within that timeframe.

What we are looking for

We are looking for a motivated individual with a passion for civil construction and a desire to learn. A strong focus on teamwork and communication will be essential for success in this role, along with:

• Preferably, you will have recently completed secondary school
• You will have a current, unrestricted C class driver’s licence or be able to demonstrate a positive commitment towards attaining a driver’s licence
• You will have an interest in or some knowledge of construction methods in the areas of concreting, road works and building works or the ability to acquire this
• You will need to have good interpersonal and written communication skills that will enable you to communicate effectively in the workplace and complete course work to the required standard within the specified timeframe
• You will have a willingness to perform and be functionally fit to undertake manual handling and labouring tasks in hot and humid conditions
• You will have some knowledge of and the ability to apply safe work practices including manual handling techniques and follow WHS procedures and policies
• You will need to meet the prerequisite requirements and be eligible to enrol in the required course

What we can offer you

• Opportunity to complete a Certificate III in Civil Construction and attain an accredited qualification funded by Council
• Temporary, full-time position for the length of the traineeship (nominal period is three years)
• On-the-job mentoring and formal training
• LGEA Level 1.2 – $57,924 per annum
• Mareeba Allowance of $2,080 per annum and other Award allowances as applicable
• 12% employer superannuation contributions
• Work/life balance – 9-day fortnight
• 5 weeks annual leave with 17.5% leave loading
• Lifestyle benefits such as access to a Fitness Passport, discounted health insurance, gift cards and corporate banking

For further information

Please refer to the position description here, or contact Darrin Hastie, Coordinator Transport Infrastructure, on 0429 611 049 (during business hours only).

How to apply

If you are a motivated individual with an interest in civil construction, click the Apply Now button below to begin your application. Please note, applications must contain your current resume and a short cover letter.

Applications close Wednesday, 26 November 2025.

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.