Leading Hand

• Enjoy a 9-day fortnight to support your work-life balance
• Generous salary and benefits in a secure local government role
• Based in Ingham - live and work in the beautiful Hinchinbrook Shire

Leading Hand

Full Time Permanent

The Opportunity

As Leading Hand, you are responsible for assisting and supervising crew members to ensure the effective delivery of Works Operations – Construction programs. This includes overseeing daily tasks to ensure they are carried out safely, efficiently, and in accordance with relevant safe work procedures and Council standards. The role involves coordinating on-site activities, providing guidance and support to team members, and monitoring the quality and progress of works.

Working under the general direction of the Works Team Leader, you will also liaise with supervisors and stakeholders as required, maintain basic records, and contribute to a positive and productive team environment. A strong focus on safety, teamwork, and effective communication is essential in this civil construction leadership role.

General Salary Information

This position is classified as Level 5CLH under the Hinchinbrook Shire Council Local Government Officers (Stream B) Certified Agreement.

The salary is $69,181 per annum or $ per hour plus superannuation.

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/carers 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

Key Responsibilities

• Supervise and coordinate work teams involved in the construction, maintenance, and repair of roads, drainage, and other Council infrastructure.
• Plan, allocate, and monitor daily work tasks to ensure timely completion within established time, budgetary, and quality objectives.
• Operate and oversee the use of major and minor plant and equipment, including but not limited to rollers, loaders, excavators, backhoes, tip trucks, vibrating plates, jackhammers, pedestrian rollers, whacker rammers, quick-cut saws, air blowers, electrical tools, and generators.
• Monitor work areas to ensure full compliance with Workplace Health and Safety (WHS) regulations, including conducting risk assessments, implementing safe work practices, and reporting any breaches in line with Council policy.
• Provide on-the-job training, mentoring, and guidance to crew members to support skill development and uphold high work standards.
• Maintain accurate and timely records, including timesheets, work progress reports, and incident documentation.

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

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.

Our Ideal Candidate

We are seeking a motivated Leading Hand who is either an experienced civil construction professional or someone ready to take the next step in their career. You will bring practical experience in civil works, a proactive mindset, and the ability to support and guide a team in delivering maintenance and construction activities.

Experience supervising work crews and operating a range of plant and equipment in road and drainage environments is highly regarded. You'll have a good understanding of workplace health and safety requirements, effective communication skills, and a willingness to lead by example. A commitment to quality, efficiency, and continuous improvement is essential, along with the ability to adapt to changing priorities and operational needs.

Key Selection Criteria

If our values resonate with you 'Opportunity, Respect, Strength and Accountability' and you possess the following qualifications and experience, read below about how to apply:

Mandatory:

• Demonstrated ability to lead and supervise work teams, including contractor staff, in a civil maintenance and/or construction environment;
• Experience in reading and interpreting construction drawings and plans, including the ability to set out works accurately;
• Practical experience in construction activities such as concrete works, formwork, laying pipes and culverts, and performing road construction and maintenance tasks;
• Sound knowledge and application of Workplace Health and Safety (WHS) requirements relevant to a construction or maintenance environment;
• Possession of a current General Construction Induction – White Card; and
• Current Queensland "C" Class Driver Licence.

Desirable:

• Certificate III in Civil Construction or equivalent relevant experience sufficient to undertake the range of activities required for the role (highly desirable);
• Possession of a current Heavy Rigid (HR) vehicle licence (highly desirable); and
• Proven experience in the safe and effective operation of various mobile plant and equipment (highly desirable).

How to Apply

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

• A current resume

• A cover letter addressing the "Our Ideal Candidate" section (max. 2 pages).

Applications close on 'Wednesday 29 October 2025 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 Luke Argent – Infrastructure Operations Manager on

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.

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.