Interim Manager | Engineering and Assets
Job No:
PEAK766
Location:
Townsville
Interim Manager | Engineering and Assets
- 3 Months | Palm Island based Position
- Make a tangible difference while working in a dynamic environment.
- Up to $100 + Super per hour | Start Early to Mid January with potential for extension.
Continuing Shaping the Future of Palm Island. Drive Growth, Create Impact, and support Australia’s largest Indigenous community!
About the Role
Palm Island Aboriginal Shire Council is entering a dynamic phase of infrastructure investment, community development, and regional leadership. With a strong pipeline of capital works and a renewed focus on sustainable service delivery, the Council is committed to building the foundations for long-term economic growth, tourism readiness, and local enterprise. The Corporate Plan 2026-2031 sets a clear direction: to deliver high-quality infrastructure that supports community wellbeing, enables opportunity, and reflects the aspirations of the community. This role offers the chance to contribute meaningfully to that vision - working alongside a values-driven executive team to shape Palm Island’s future as a place of pride, resilience, and innovation.
Whilst Council are seeking someone to work in an Interim capacity initially you will have the opportunity to apply for the Permanent Position if this is something of interest.
What You will Do
This is a hands-on role where strategic thinking meets practical execution. A short handover will be provided if you can start prior to the 16th January.
Your responsibilities will include leading infrastructure planning, capital works, asset management, and service delivery across water, waste, roads, and facilities.
In addition you will have:
- Strong experience in water and waste management - ideally gained in remote, regional community contexts.
- A hands-on leadership style and be willing to step into operational detail when needed while driving strategic improvements.
- A proven ability to lead and support multidisciplinary teams in complex, resource-constrained environments.
- A commitment to community outcomes, cultural respect, and to working with Traditional Owners and local stakeholders.
Working closely with the CEO, executive leadership group, and Project Management Office to align infrastructure delivery with strategic priorities, you will ensure governance and reporting standards are met, and embed a culture of accountability and continuous improvement. Your experience in local government or remote service delivery will be highly regarded.
Key Accountabilities:
- You will take responsibility to ensure that you are fit for duty, taking reasonable care for your own health and safety and that your acts or omissions do not adversely affect the health and safety of others in the workplace. You will comply with Council’s Work Health and Safety (WHS) Policy and comply with the WHS Codes of Practice and legislation.
- You will uphold the Council’s Code of Conduct, the ethical principles in the Public Sector Ethics Act 1994, local government principles in the Local Government Act 2009, and sound contracting principles in the Local Government Act 2009.
Modelling and upholding the values of the Council will be a focus and includes:
P– Put Safety First – Prioritising the wellbeing of myself and others every day in the workplace.
A – Accountability and Respect – Taking responsibility for our actions and treating others with respect.
L – Learn & Teaching – Embracing new knowledge, continuous learning and contributing to the growth of a team.
M – Make a Difference – Doing your best every day for our community.
Why this Matters?
Investing in strong, reliable infrastructure on Palm Island is about far more than assets and capital works – it is about strengthening the foundations of community wellbeing, economic independence, and long‑term opportunity.
This role directly influences how families access essential services, how local businesses grow, and how future generations experience their home. By embedding sustainable service delivery, culturally informed decision‑making, and high‑quality infrastructure planning, the Interim Manager will help to ensure that Palm Island’s growth is community‑led, resilient, and aligned with the aspirations of Traditional Owners. The impact of this work will be felt not just in the next three months, but in the decades of progress that follow.
How to Apply
Before you apply for this position, please read the details above carefully to assess your eligibility and suitability for the position. You will be required to answer a few questions that relate to the criteria on the online application below. Please note that you cannot submit your application without attaching your resume. A cover letter is not mandatory but may be added if so desired. When uploading your Resume or documents please ensure file names should only include 'A-z', '0-9', '.' and '-' characters.
Applications will close at 10pm on Friday 9th January 2026 or sooner if a suitable candidate is identified.
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 Recruitment Services on 0438 943854.
