Commencing January Fixed term until 30 June 2026
Cook Shire Council is gearing up for another big wet season — and with everything growing at turbo speed, we're looking for energetic, reliable seasonal staff to help keep Cooktown looking its best
We're recruiting for 4 full-time positions starting in the new year:
* 2 x Parks and Gardens Labourers
* 2 x Botanic Gardens Labourers
Whether you love working across town maintaining parks and streetscapes, or prefer the lush and historic setting of the Cooktown Botanic Gardens, we'd love to hear from you Applicants can nominate a preference — let us know where you'd like to work
What Makes This Role Great
* Work outdoors in a unique tropical environment
* Be part of a friendly and supportive Council team
* Play an essential role in showcasing Cooktown during its fast-growing wet season
* Enjoy a fixed-term role with stability through to 30 June 2026
What You'll Be Doing
You'll be hands-on, active, and part of a team that keeps our parks, gardens, and natural spaces thriving. Day-to-day tasks may include:
Parks and Gardens Labourer Duties
Botanic Gardens Labourer Duties
* Mowing, snipping, and general maintenance
* Streetscape and park upkeep
* Operating equipment such as whipper-snippers, trailers and small plant
* Litter management & cleaning
* Working safely and efficiently in outdoor environments
* Mowing, weeding, mulching, watering and nursery tasks
* Small plant operation including zero-turn mowers and power tools
* Pruning and development of Botanic Gardens spaces
* Supporting the Curator and team in maintaining one of Cooktown's iconic assets
About You
* Reliable with a strong work ethic
* Comfortable working outdoors in hot, humid conditions
* Can operate mowing and garden maintenance equipment (experience preferred)
* Hold a Construction White CardHold a current Qld Driver's Licence (C class for Botanic Gardens; MR preferred for Parks & Gardens)
* Takes pride in your work and enjoys contributing to the community
How to apply
To Apply, Please Review The Candidate Information Kit For This Position. To Be Considered For Selection You Will Need To Submit
* a Cover Letter outlining why you are interested in this role; and
* a detailed and up to date Resume/CV.
Applications should be submitted online. Click on the "Apply Now" tab below to apply.
Applications will close
11pm Tuesday 9 December 2025
.
Cook Shire Council will be assessing applications as they are submitted, so get in early. We reserve the right to close the advertisement early should a suitable candidate be identified.
Summary & Conditions Of Employment
Job reference
CSC151
Position
Seasonal Labourers - Parks and Gardens / Botanic Gardens
Location:
Cooktown
Tenure
Full Time. Fixed term until 30 June 2026
Remuneration
Queensland Local Government Industry (Stream B: Division 2, Section 5) Award – State 2017
Level 2
$64,732 per annum + relevant allowances
Superannuation
12% Superannuation contributions
Cook Shire Council is an equal opportunity employer and encourages a diverse workplace. Indigenous community members and women are strongly encouraged to apply.
All applications are assessed on merit.