Grounds Officer

James Cook University (JCU) is creating a brighter future for life in the Tropics and beyond, through education and research that makes a difference locally and globally.

We now have an exciting opportunity for a dynamic and experienced Grounds Officer to join our Estate team.

• Full Time, continuing role | 36.25 hours per week. 
• Based at our Townsville Bebegu Yumba campus
• HEWL 3: $63,640 - $71,188 per year plus up to 17% employer superannuation contributions, leave loading and other generous employee benefits

ABOUT THE ROLE

Join our dedicated team at James Cook University (JCU) and help create a safe, sustainable, and visually appealing campus environment. As a Grounds Officer based at our Townsville campus, you’ll play a vital role in maintaining and enhancing the University’s outdoor spaces, ensuring they showcase the beauty of our tropical setting and provide a welcoming environment for students, staff, and visitors.

• Maintain and improve campus grounds through landscaping, arboriculture and mowing.
• Operate and maintain irrigation systems, treat invasive flora, and support botanic development programs.
• Perform minor maintenance tasks on external signage, pathways, and hardscapes.
• Collaborate with the Estate team to plan annual maintenance activities and respond to emergencies.
• Promote sustainability initiatives through TropEco and uphold JCU’s values of respect, equity, and reconciliation.

WHAT YOU CAN BRING TO THE ROLE

You will bring proven experience in grounds maintenance or hold a Certificate II or higher in Horticulture or Landscape Construction (preferred). You have practical knowledge of gardening equipment, including ride-on mowers & chainsaws, irrigation systems, basic plant ID, and herbicide application. You can follow a scheduled maintenance plan in a large-scale environment and demonstrate strong teamwork and communication skills, with a commitment to safety and customer service. A current QLD C Class Driver’s Licence and the ability to meet the physical requirements of the role are essential.

Find out more about JCU and our locations.

WHY JCU? 

JCU offers a dynamic and culturally diverse workplace where your ideas are valued, your professional growth is supported, and your work-life balance is respected. Working under the values of Authenticity, Excellence, Integrity, and Respect, we support and empower our people through the provisions of;

• A generous superannuation scheme with up to 17% employer contributions with UniSuper
• 5 weeks of annual recreation leave plus leave loading
• 15 days paid sick/carers leave per year
• Up to 6 months paid parental leave
• A range of flexible working options
• Staff study assistance and paid study leave
• Ongoing professional development support
• Fitness Passport
• Corporate discount on health insurance
• Free Employee Assistance Program (coaching and counselling)
• Well-equipped modern facilities and contemporary workspaces with access to on-site childcare and medical services at our Townsville and Cairns’ campuses

HOW TO APPLY 

Click the ‘apply’ button to be redirected to the JCU careers page and follow the below steps:

1. Complete the application form
2. Upload your current resume
3. Upload a cover letter outlining your relevant experience.

Applications close on Sunday, 20th September 2026 at 11:55 PM AEST.

For any enquiries about the role, please contact Brandan Espe - ************@jcu.edu.au   

James Cook University encourages people from all backgrounds who meet role requirements to apply.  We value and celebrate the diversity of our community, and are committed to ensuring our community, and are committed to ensuring our learning and working environment is safe and welcoming.

ABOUT OUR PROCESS

At JCU, we are committed to employing individuals who meet the requirements of the role and align with our values. All applicants will be contacted and advised of an outcome once the recruitment process is finalised.

Please visit our Information Privacy Policy to understand how your information is collected, stored, accessed and used.