Job Senior Irrigation Planner, Townsville

• Join the largest irrigation service provider in the Southern Hemisphere
• Live and work where others holiday — on the doorstep of the Great Barrier Reef
• $103,497 – $109,840 + Super | 9-Day Fortnight | Tropical North QLD

This is your chance to shape how a city uses water — smarter, more efficiently, and with long-term community benefit.

About Council

Townsville City Council is the largest regional Council in Queensland employing over 1700 staff and has an annual budget of approximately $868M and community assets of nearly $9 billion. They see the world is changing so they are changing too. Their people and their jobs are as diverse as the communities they serve. With Townsville expected to continue to experience strong economic and population growth over the coming decades modelling for this growth and forecasting via an evidence-based planning system has arguably put Council at the forefront of innovation in this area within QLD Local Government.

This Regions relationship with water has been shaped by its unique dry tropical climate and extreme weather patterns and events. Townville is renowned as an international water innovation hub that showcases water sensitive technology, practices, and design for the dry tropics. The Irrigation team are considered as leaders in Australia for the work they do and as the largest irrigation service provider in the Southern hemisphere and the 2nd largest globally ensures you will have ongoing opportunities for career growth. Attracting people globally will allow you to be involved in things you would not normally participate in within large Consultancies or Councils in Metropolitan areas.

The Position

Are you ready to make a real impact in one of Australia’s most forward-thinking councils? As the Senior Irrigation Planner you will lead the charge in sustainable water use and green infrastructure. This is your chance to shape how a city uses water — smarter, more efficiently, and with long-term community benefit. Council is looking for a strategic thinker and technical expert to take the reins of this critical role. You will work with a talented team, delivering cutting-edge irrigation solutions that support liveability, resilience, and green infrastructure across a vibrant and growing city.

About You

This is not just a job — it is a career-defining opportunity. You will lead planning and design, drive innovation in a region known globally for water-sensitive urban design and collaborate with enthusiastic professionals who are shaping the future of Townsville. Whether you come from local government, a consultancy, or a water utility, your ability to solve complex problems and drive change will be your greatest asset.

More specifically you will have:

• Demonstrated experience role modelling a positive safety culture and adherence to the Health Safety Management Systems through visible leadership and exercising due diligence and management of compliance and legislative obligations.

• Demonstrated experience in leading the development of new, upgrade, renewal, and maintenance solutions for irrigation services.

• Have 5 – 10 years demonstrated experience in leading subject matter experts to achieve the set outcomes in relation to open space planning.

• Ideally you are a Certified Irrigation Designer (CID) or have a Certified Irrigation Manager (CIM) qualification issued by the Irrigation Association of Australia (IAA). Alternatively, you could have Trade or tertiary qualifications in Engineering, Electronics, or Information Technology.

• If you are an Irrigation Auditor for Landscaping (IAL) this would also be highly desirable. Council will provide the opportunity to gain any of the certificates/qualifications mentioned above if you have significant relevant experience across irrigation services.

• Extensive knowledge of network communication and diagnosis, electrical and electronic systems including SCADA Telemetry, AC, DC and Solar power circuitry and principles.

Why this Role?

The role will appeal to an ambitious person who is keen to further develop their Irrigation skills and capabilities. Conversely, you may be nearing the end of your career and be looking to secure a role where your expertise and skills are truly valued whilst you enjoy some work/life balance. This regions relationship with water has been shaped by its unique dry tropical climate and extreme weather patterns and events. Townville is renowned as an international water innovation hub that showcases water sensitive technology, practices, and design for the dry tropics.

If you are passionate about innovation, sustainability, and making a difference — this is your opportunity! If we have piqued your interest and you would love the chance to ‘step up’ and deepen your expertise around irrigation planning or consolidate your career and live and work in the tropics – then call to discuss what could be a genuine, career enhancing opportunity.

If a ‘sea change’ is something you have been looking for this could be your chance to enjoy life away from the capital cities and to enjoy all the benefits of a big city but in a coastal location. Known as the Second Capital of Queensland Townsville offers a dynamic lifestyle coupled with strong economic prosperity. It is a thriving precinct with access to a variety of world class education facilities, leading edge health care, affordable housing, unique retailing, spectacular events and entertainment, dining precincts and a wide range of outdoor recreation options. With over 300 days of sunshine each year, Townsville’s lifestyle is second to none.

As a guide, a salary of between $103,497 – $109,840 + super will be negotiated with the successful applicant. Benefits include 5 weeks annual leave, 17.5% leave loading, 9-day fortnight/flexible working arrangements and relocation assistance.

The Candidate Briefing Document can be accessed HERE

PEAK Services is working in conjunction with Townsville City Council, exclusively on this position. We offer local government expertise across a wide range of professional fields, providing tailored solutions for councils and other similar organisations. We work with our clients to deliver meaningful outcomes in recruitment and contracting services.

Applications will close at 10pm on Monday 25th August 2025

PLEASE NOTE: Once you have commenced your application you cannot save and continue at a later stage.

For a confidential conversation, please call Rona Horsfall - Associate Director Recruitment at Peak Services on 0438 943854.