Operator Loader

About the role

Mackay Regional Council is seeking an experienced loader operator to join its Civil Operations team in Mackay, Queensland. This position plays a practical role in supporting the upkeep and growth of essential regional infrastructure, including roads, drainage systems, and associated civil assets.

The role is best suited to someone with strong civil construction experience who can confidently operate plant and contribute directly to a broad range of maintenance and construction activities. The successful person will be based in Mackay and can expect to return home each night.

Key duties

• Use a variety of civil construction plant and equipment, including loaders, trucks, backhoes, rollers, and skid steers.
• Carry out hands-on work across road and drainage maintenance, earthworks, concrete works, pipelaying, bitumen-related tasks, and vegetation control.

Required qualifications and experience

• Current tickets or competencies for loader, backhoe, roller, and skid steer operation.
• Valid General Construction Safety White Card.
• QLD Heavy Rigid (HR) truck licence, or a willingness to obtain it within 6 months.
• Traffic Controller ticket, or a willingness to obtain one.
• Demonstrated history of operating plant and driving trucks in varied road conditions.
• Substantial practical experience in civil infrastructure work.

Benefits and working arrangements

• Base salary of $67,054.26 per year, plus any applicable allowances.
• Employer superannuation contribution of up to 18% subject to conditions.
• Choice of 4 or 5 weeks of annual leave with 17.5% leave loading.
• Flexible work arrangements, including a 9-day fortnight roster.
• Potential salary sacrificing options.
• Access to a lifestyle benefits program with corporate discounts.
• Study support and assistance programs for professional growth.
• Ongoing learning and career development opportunities.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Health and wellbeing initiatives for employees.
• Active social clubs.

How to apply

Applicants should submit a cover letter and resume tailored to the role, highlighting relevant experience. If applying through a third-party job board, candidates will be redirected to the Mackay Regional Council careers site to complete the application process.

After submission, an automated confirmation email will be sent. If it does not arrive, applicants should check that the application was submitted successfully and that the email address on the account is correct.

Additional information

The application closing date is Thursday, 16 July 2026. If assistance is needed with the submission process, candidates can contact the Recruitment Officers on 1300 MACKAY (1300 622 529).

Applicants must have the legal right to work in Australia. Work rights will be checked during recruitment, and international applicant criteria are available through the council’s careers information. Candidates who progress beyond interview will be required to complete pre-employment checks, including a full medical assessment and drug and alcohol testing.

The council is an equal opportunity employer and values fairness, respect, inclusion, and the contribution of diverse perspectives in the workplace.

About the workplace

The council offers a supportive team environment, flexible arrangements, and the stability of working for a progressive local government organisation with long-term investment in infrastructure.