Plant Operator

You’ll connect Queensland. We’ll connect you to an amazing career.

We are a large and fully integrated business that provides services that are pivotal to the success of Queensland and its people. Our culture is one based around safety and performance.
 
With a growing investment in rail it is an exciting time to be a part of the changing landscape of South East Queensland. 

The team out at Banyo Depot are seeking the right candidate to fill a Permanent Plant Operator position.

About the position:

We are seeking a reliable and motivated individual to join our team, supporting both reactive maintenance activities and capital renewal projects primarily across the South East Queensland rail network with some Regional Projects a few times throughout the year.  This role involves responding to public drainage complaints, often requiring quick decision-making, rapid changes to work plans, and the flexibility to adapt to changing priorities. As such, we are looking for someone who thrives in a dynamic work environment and enjoys working as part of a team.

This is not solely a plant operating position. Team members are expected to undertake a variety of duties, including:

• Operating earthmoving plant and on-track vehicles (once appropriately ticketed and qualified)
• Driving heavy vehicles  
• Labouring activities
• Safety spotting duties
• Responding to drainage and maintenance issues
• Supporting weekend ballast renewal and infrastructure projects

The team delivers a major capital ballast renewal program during weekend track closures, with qualified operators travelling on track vehicles throughout the network to carry out work.

The team is based at the Banyo Plant and Mechanised Maintenance Depot.

Typical roster arrangements include:

• 10 days on, 4 days off
• Mid-week hours generally 7:00am to 5:00pm
• Weekend work aligned to track closures, which may involve day, night, and extended shifts

To be successful in this role, you must be willing and able to work throughout the South East Queensland network area from Gympie to Varsity Lakes and out to Rosewood, occasional regional travel may also be required throughout the year.

Remuneration is competency-based and ranges from:

• $34.89 to $45.13 per hour

Employees holding a Certificate III in Plant Operations can expect a base salary of approximately:

• $90,000+ per annum

In addition, employees receive attractive penalty rates, allowances, and other benefits associated with the role with potential earnings of $130,000+

Certificate III Plant Operations & Pipe Laying training along with rail specific training are provided as part of the role.  

What we are looking for:

• Multiple positions available - One role requires a CAT3 driver qualification, shortlisted candidates for that position will be required to undertake psychomotor assessment as part of the selection process
• It would be desirable to have a background in civil construction or hold a Certificate III in Plant Operation and Pipe Laying
• Experienced plant operators – Excavator, Loader, Grader, Posi Track, Heavy Vehicles
• Be available to travel and work outdoors in and around track equipment and structures
• Someone who is available to work outside normal hours as outlined above
• Be willing to perform labouring & safety spotting duties when required

Pre employment qualification that you must hold:

• Class C Drivers Licence

For more information, please read through the position description.

What Queensland Rail has to offer:

• Permanent positions
• Free rail travel to and from work + discounted rail travel for off-duty travel 
• Long-term career and stability with an industry leader
• We pride ourselves on our Safety Culture, we ‘work safe’ so that everyone goes ‘home safe’
• Access to our new Fitness Passport - a discounted workplace health and fitness program giving you and your family access to a wide range of gyms and pools throughout the state
• Employee Assistance Program providing employees with holistic and contemporary health and wellbeing programs
• Salary packaging and novated leasing options

Your journey matters. Make it with us.

There has never been a more exciting time to join Queensland Rail. We offer boundless opportunities to support your career today and for your future.

Apply for the Plant Operator, Req 10952 via our website by clicking the apply button before 11:59pm, Tuesday 21st July 2026.

Applicants for roles at Queensland Rail may undergo pre-employment alcohol and drug testing if they advance in the recruitment process. The selection process may include psychometric assessments, pre-employment health checks and background screenings, which could involve criminal history and credit checks.

To learn more about this career opportunity, please contact Ben Hogan via email at ben.hogan@qr.com.au