Public Spaces Team Member

Ongoing Full time

Our Region
Ingham is uniquely positioned just over an hour north of Townsville and approximately three hours south of Cairns and is within the tropical paradise of the Hinchinbrook Shire. With Ingham at its centre, the region is surrounded by rugged mountain ranges, giant waterfalls, the Great Barrier Reef, wild beaches and tropical islands. It’s a place where breathtaking scenery, unique wildlife, world-class fishing experiences, delicious, locally sourced food, inspirational art and 60,000 years of culture are all weaved into one incredible story: The Hinchinbrook Way.
  
Our Council
Hinchinbrook Shire Council is proud to be one of the largest employers in the region, with a diverse team of around 200 people working across technical, administrative, operational, and senior management roles. We’re committed to creating a fair, flexible, and supportive workplace where our staff can thrive while enjoying the unique attractions and vibrant community life of Hinchinbrook. With benefits such as a nine-day fortnight for most roles, generous superannuation, and leave entitlements, we offer opportunities to grow your career while embracing the lifestyle you love. By joining us, you’ll be part of an organisation that values its people, promotes collaboration, and strives to make a lasting, positive impact on the Hinchinbrook community.
  
What Council Offers:
 

• 76-hour fortnight with roster variations depending on the position (9-day fortnight - RDOs in accordance with Council policy)
• Up to 12.5% Superannuation employer contribution for contributing members
• 5 weeks annual leave plus 17.5% annual leave loading
• 15 days paid sick/parental leave
• Salary Packaging options
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Accredited Mental Health First Aid Officers
• Annual Flu vaccinations + Skin Checks
• Corporate Uniforms (annual allowance) and PPE supplied

The Opportunity 
A key function within the Natural Assets Department, the Public Spaces Team is responsible for developing, maintaining and enhancing the condition and presentation of designated public spaces across the Hinchinbrook Shire, in alignment with the priorities outlined in the service standards.
  
The Public Spaces Team Member undertakes a range of general labouring duties to support the upkeep and presentation of public areas, including parks, gardens and amenities. Work is performed to a high standard, with a strong focus on safety, service quality and community satisfaction.
  
To be successful, you will demonstrate personal attributes that are consistent with Councils values of Integrity, People Focused, Excellence and Sustainability and you will possess the following:
  
Key Responsibilities
 

• Maintain Council’s Parks and amenities within the Shire’s public spaces, such as playgrounds, shelters, footbridges, seating and similar public infrastructure;
• Assist in the construction of fencing, paths, railings, signage and other infrastructure within Council’s public spaces;
• Collect and process tree and garden refuse via mulching, composting or waste facility disposal.   Collect public litter from parks, gardens and reserves;
• Assist other Public Spaces team members with the care and maintenance of planted areas and the application of herbicides and pesticides;
• Maintain plant, equipment and assets used in daily operations and carry out housekeeping of all work areas, ensuring all public areas are maintained in a clean and safe condition;
• Implement Council strategies for reducing adverse environmental impacts;
• Update status and feedback regarding tasks to the Team Leader (or supervisor) using verbal, written and electronic devices;
• Work efficiently and accurately across multiple tasks within a scheduled timeframe.  Actively strive for continuous improvements in established work procedures; and
• Assist in other areas of Natural Assets, Infrastructure Operations and across Council.

See the Position Description for a more extensive list of key responsibilities.

Our Ideal Candidate 
Our ideal candidate will be reliable, possess a strong team spirit and work ethic with a passion for outdoor work and maintaining public spaces to a high standard. You’ll have experience using a range of gardening tools and equipment, with a good understanding of safe work practices. To be successful, you will be a strong team player, possess a positive attitude, and have the ability to undertake physical tasks in an outdoor environment.
  
Key Selection Criteria
If our values resonate with you ‘Integrity, People Focused, Excellence and Sustainability’ and you possess the following qualifications and experience, read below about how to apply:  
 

• Demonstrated experience in the maintenance of parks and gardens. Some skills in construction or asset repairs would be an advantage;
• Sound interpersonal skills with the proven ability to build positive working relationships with team and communicate with members of the public in a courteous and effective manner;
• Proven ability and willingness to follow directions and safely manage multiple tasks within the required timeframe;
• Demonstrated physical ability necessary to safely undertake manual handling and labouring requirements of the role;
• Basic computer literacy; General Construction Induction Card (mandatory); and
• Current Queensland ‘C’ Class Drivers Licence (minimum P1).

Desirable:
 

• Commercial Operator’s Licence for the application of herbicides (or willingness to obtain);
• Level II Chainsaw accreditation;

General Salary Information:
Level 2 $60,918 per annum including allowances plus superannuation.

The Selection Process
We welcome candidates to inform us of any adjustments they may need to ensure a supportive and inclusive recruitment experience and workplace environment. Hinchinbrook Shire Council is an equal opportunity employer, and we encourage Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people and disadvantaged job seekers to apply.

Celebrating the rich diversity of our community, we are dedicated to attracting and employing people who reflect the community we serve. We value and respect the unique contributions of our employees and are committed to fostering an inclusive and safe workplace where everyone is supported to reach their full potential.

Please note that only individuals with the right to work in Australia are eligible to apply. As part of the recruitment process, the preferred candidate will need to undertake a National Police Check and pre-employment medical assessments, which may include drug and alcohol testing, to confirm their ability to meet the role's inherent requirements.

How to Apply 
To apply, submit your application online by clicking 'Apply For Job' and follow the steps. Please provide:
 

1. A current resume
2. A cover letter addressing the “Our Ideal Candidate” section (max. 2 pages).

Applications close on ‘Friday 6 June at 5.00pm AEST’

Applications that do not meet the above requirements may not be shortlisted. The advertisement will be closed either when a successful applicant is identified or on the application close date, whichever is sooner.
  
For More Information:
Thank you for your consideration and interest in this position. For a confidential discussion, contact Peter Larragan Public Spaces Team Leader on 0417 648 067 Apply For Job