Senior Custodian Gardener

Ongoing Fulltime

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. 

The Opportunity
As part of the Natural Assets Department, the Public Spaces Team develops, maintains and enhances the amenity of designated public spaces within the Hinchinbrook Shire, based on priorities set out in the Public Spaces Service Standards. 
  
The Senior Custodian Gardener assists the Public Spaces Team Leader in coordinating the care of the Shire’s public parks, gardens and reserves.  The incumbent is responsible for maintaining a dedicated public area as well as assisting other Custodians and Team Members to maintain all areas to a high standard. The senior Custodian Gardener is expected to take a lead in preparing public spaces for events and assisting the Team Leader in broader related matters.
  
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:
  
Skills and Qualifications:

• Demonstrated experience in leading Parks and Gardens teams.
• Previous experience in operating equipment safely, such as ride-on mowers, trucks (MR), tractors and brush cutters.
• Practical experience in the use of pesticides, herbicides and fertilisers to ensure efficient and effective outcomes, while minimising the risk to people and the environment.
• Demonstrated experience in landscape construction activities, asset repairs and maintenance.
• Sound interpersonal skills with the proven ability to build positive working relationships with team (including contractors) and communicate with members of the public in a courteous and effective manner.
• Proven ability and willingness to safely manage multiple demands within the required timeframe.
• Demonstrated physical ability necessary to safely undertake manual handling and labouring for extended periods in direct sunlight and/or inclement weather conditions.
• Basic computer literacy skills in Microsoft Office products.

Our Council 

Hinchinbrook Shire Council is one of the largest employers in the region with approximately 200 employees working across multiple technical, administrative, operational and senior management roles.  Our team enjoys a fair, equitable and flexible workplace so that our staff can enjoy the many attractions and events that come with living in the Hinchinbrook community. Council offers favourable working conditions including a nine-day fortnight for most roles, generous superannuation and leave entitlements.

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

General Salary Information:

Stream B Level 5C $61,554 per annum plus superannuation and locality.

Pre-employment Screening

Pre-employment screening includes Medicals, Drug and Alcohol Testing, and Criminal History Checks to ensure capability to perform the inherent requirements of the role.

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements

Applicants must be able to safely and competently carry out strenuous labouring and manual handling activities.  The position will require the employee to carry out physical tasks which may include manual handling, repetitive bending, kneeling, twisting and/or squatting, lifting, working in confined spaces, and working at heights.

How to Apply 

To submit your application, click 'Apply For Job' and follow the steps. Provide a resume and a maximum 2-page cover letter outlining your relevant suitability and experience.

Closing Date:  Friday 19 July 2024

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 closing date, whichever is sooner.

 For More Information:

Thank you for your consideration and interest in this position. For a confidential discussion, contact Natural Assets Manager Michael Nash on 4776 4663.

Hinchinbrook Shire Council is an equal opportunity employer. Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people and disadvantaged job seekers are encouraged to apply. Only people with the right to work in Australia may apply for this position.