Division/Section: Infrastructure and Operations / Construction Maintenance and Operations

Position Type: Fixed Term Full Time (Up to 11 August 2026, 9 day fortnight, 38 hours/week)

Salary Range: Base Salary $33.64 per hour + super, plus overtime and penalty rates dependent on work performed. Additional entitlements and overtime do not form part of the advertised base salary

Location: Belgian Gardens Cemetery

Application Close: 11:45pm, Tuesday 26 May 2026

The Construction Maintenance and Operations Section provides delivery of maintenance activities related to Townsville's existing public infrastructure within roads and transport, stormwater and drainage, coastal, open spaces, community and culture (cemeteries). These areas provide a range of services including recreational activities for both residents and visitors across the Townsville Region.

As a Cemetery Technician, core accountabilities include plot excavation and preparation of burial sites operating a Mini Excavator in restricted spaces, manual preparation and backfilling of interments and assisting with funeral services as required.

Townsville City Council Operates And Maintains Four Cemeteries:

• Belgian Gardens Cemetery – Townsville’s largest active cemetery
• West End Cemetery – Townsville’s first cemetery
• Magnetic Island Memorial Gardens – ash interments
• Manton Cemetery – Townsville’s smallest cemetery

Advanced horticultural abilities are required to deliver high profile lawn and garden maintenance and development across these four diverse locations.

The ideal candidate for this role should be passionate about helping others and will have the rewarding opportunity to contribute positively to the community by providing an essential service for those in grief.

You will also be assessing soil conditions, installing appropriate shoring for individual sites and assisting with new landscape developments (including concrete paths, trimming, pruning, installation and removal of plants and other material).

Qualifications And Experience

Our ideal candidate will have:

Mandatory

• Current "C" class manual driver’s licence (with ability to obtain an "MR" driver's licence)
• Construction Industry White Card (30215 QLD)

Desirable

• Certificate III in Grave Digging, Grounds and Maintenance or equivalent.
• Demonstrated experience in operational procedures applicable to construction and maintenance, particularly related to the provision of services at local government cemeteries.
• Demonstrated experience relating to work procedures associated with the basic maintenance and deployment of construction maintenance plant and equipment.
• Knowledge of relevant cemetery legislation and local laws.
• Knowledge of the cultural practices associated with burials.
• Ability to use and understand Townsville intramapping system or similar application.
• Ability to work a reasonable amount of adhoc overtime to ensure business continuity.
• SCO38A Mini Excavator Certificate of Competency or proven experience operating an excavator, with the ability to gain aforementioned competency upon role commencement
• Current First Aid/CPR Certificate
• Medium Rigid (MR) Licence
• Agricultural Chemical Distribution Certificate (ACDC) accreditation
• Accredited Chainsaw Ticket (Level 2)

For Further Information Review The Position Description.

Townsville City Council is the largest local government authority in Northern Australia. We’re committed to supporting our people through a strong focus on work–life balance, a positive and inclusive culture, and a shared passion for making a meaningful impact in our community.

We have a range of benefits that confirm this commitment:

• 5 weeks annual leave + 17.5% leave loading (pro-rata)
• 3 weeks Personal/Carers Leave (pro-rata)
• Domestic and Family Violence Leave
• Natural Disaster Leave
• Uniforms and PPE provided
• Annual wage progression
• Up to *13.5% Superannuation employer contribution for contributing members
• Salary Sacrifice opportunities
• Access to a range of learning and development opportunities, including on-the-job learning and formal training programs
• Fitness Passport program offering discounted membership to selected health and wellbeing facilities
• Employee Loyalty Program offering discounts at selected local businesses
• Employee Assistance Program
• The Council contribution to employees' superannuation for contributing employees shall be 13.5% of the employees' ordinary time earnings subject to the employee contributing a minimum of 6% of their ordinary time earnings.

Contact Person: Sam (Team Leader)

Contact Email: [email protected] (for position enquiries only)

How To Apply

Your application can be submitted through the 'Apply' button. Please include a cover letter (maximum 2 pages), outlining how your skills, qualifications and experience would allow you to achieve success in this role. We also will require your resume which should confirm any licences and qualifications your hold.

For Further Information Review The Position Description.

We are committed to creating a safe and inclusive workplace where diverse styles, backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives are valued, encouraged, and respected. People from diverse backgrounds (including but not limited to, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, people with diverse gender identities and sexualities, people from different cultural and linguistic backgrounds, people with disability, and veterans) are encouraged to apply!

All successful candidates are required to undergo drug and alcohol testing as part of the recruitment process. Please be aware Townsville City Council has a ‘zero tolerance’ policy to drugs and alcohol in the workplace.

If you need any adjustments to be made to the recruitment process or if you would like to discuss any accessibility requirements, please contact hr_[email protected] or phone 07 4727 9004 for a confidential discussion.

Attachments:

• Gravedigger_PD.pdf