Vegetation Control Officer

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

Queensland Rail is built on true connection. We are a large and fully integrated infrastructure business chartered with a responsibility that is pivotal to the success of Queensland and its people.

Our culture is one based on safety and performance. Learn more about Queensland Rail’s purpose, people, and progress by watching our short video here.  

Purpose that counts.

As a Vegetation Control Officer, you will play a critical role in ensuring effective and efficient vegetation management across Network North, both on and off track, in compliance with relevant legislation. You will be responsible for safely applying herbicides and delivering a cost-effective, timely service while maintaining high standards of safety and environmental compliance.

This position is always in the field so you must be able to work in a variety of weather conditions.

The key responsibilities of the role include:

• Herbicide Application: Efficiently operate the spray truck and other supplied equipment to apply herbicide to the permanent way, station yards, sidings, and other infrastructure, following the prepared spraying program.
• Equipment Maintenance: Perform basic maintenance on the spraying system, pumps, and plumbing. Coordinate servicing and repairs for the spray truck and related equipment to ensure they are in optimal working condition.
• Herbicide and Equipment Management: Manage the storage and inventory of herbicides and spraying equipment at your depot, ensuring proper distribution and adherence to safety protocols. Maintain a clean and safe depot environment that meets audit requirements.
• Vegetation Inspections and Planning: Inspect vegetation within the Regional Network Manager's area of control. Assist in preparing the annual district herbicide spray program and conduct annual audits of declared plants within the Network. Track the effectiveness of treatments applied to declared plants.

People who count. To be considered for this position you must:

• Previous experience working with herbicides is an advantage.

• An MR Licence is preferred.
• Flexibility to travel and work across the region.
• Availability for occasional night shifts.
• Ability to work autonomously within a small 2-person team.

For further information please view the full Position Description.

Hours and Salary

• The Vegetation Control team covers a large area of North, Far North, and West Queensland, and substantial regional travel, including overnight stays, is required.
• Regional work typically follows a 9 days on, 5 days off roster, running from Tuesday to the following Wednesday, including weekends. While working away, you will receive a working away allowance, as well as penalty rates for weekend work and overtime.
• In Townsville, the roster is a 9-day fortnight, Monday to Friday. Standard workdays are 8.5 hours, with potential overtime and night shifts based on business needs.
• This is a permanent opportunity with a starting base salary of $84,671 + 12.75% superannuation, plus shift penalties and allowances. Working the current roster, there is the potential to earn over $110,000 annually (including penalties and allowances).
• Overtime is available but must be approved in line with business requirements and our fatigue management policy.

Benefits that count. What Queensland Rail offers:

We’re committed to supporting our team with a range of great benefits, including:

• Permanent full-time role with one of Queensland’s most respected employers
• Travel within roster, on paid work time + travel allowance & accommodation provided
• All tools and uniform supplied
• Opportunities to upskill & further qualifications
• Health and wellbeing initiatives – including Fitness Passport access
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) – offering confidential support across career, personal and family wellbeing

Supporting a Diverse Workforce
Queensland Rail acknowledges the Traditional Owners and Elders of the lands and waterways our network traverses.

Our teams are People who Count. We encourage diversity in our teams, including different genders, age, race, disability status, sexual orientation, religions, neurodiversity, education levels and many more aspects. No two journeys are the same, and it’s because of our differences that as a collective, we achieve great things. Please advise if you would like to discuss reasonable adjustments in the recruitment process.

Your journey matters. Make it with us. 
There’s never been a more exciting time to join Queensland Rail. If you're ready to make a real impact and help shape our future, we encourage you to submit your resume and cover letter by 11:59 PM Tuesday 1st September 2026.

To learn more about this opportunity please contact qrcareers.com.au with your specific enquiry.