Join the Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) in the tropical hub of Townsville as a Project Officer (Development Control) and help shape Queensland’s transport future! In this dynamic AO4 role, you’ll play a vital part in protecting key infrastructure, ensuring the safety and efficiency of state-controlled roads, and contributing to projects that benefit local communities.

Located in the heart of North Queensland, Townsville offers a unique blend of coastal charm, vibrant city life, and access to iconic destinations like Magnetic Island and the Great Barrier Reef. Be part of a supportive and inclusive team that values your growth while enjoying the lifestyle and opportunities this stunning region has to offer.

Job details

About us
The North Queensland Region spans the Far North, North West, and Northern districts, with offices in Cairns, Cloncurry, and Townsville. Covering 589,240 km²(38.2% of Queensland), it stretches from Australia's northern tip to Camooweal (NT border) and south to Home Hill.

Home to over 546,000 people and 35 local governments, the region thrives on agriculture, tourism, fishing, mining, and retail. It manages 1,756 km of National Highways, 6,335 km of State-controlled roads, and 35,483 km of local government roads.

With its mix of coastal towns, rainforests, outback, and reef, North Queensland offers a truly unique lifestyle.

We offer diverse work experiences that allow you to unleash your potential with benefits such as:
* Flexible work arrangements to enable the best of our people
* A focus on learning and development opportunities to grow your career path
* Annual reimbursement of professional fees
* 5 weeks annual leave + 14% annual leave loading
* Locality allowance of up to $43.40 per fortnight
* Relocation assistance

The Role
In the role of Project Officer (Development Control) you will protect the department's current / future infrastructure interests and maintain safety and efficiency of the state-controlled road, ensure Native Title issues are properly addressed prior to every land and resource dealing and ensuring access to the state-controlled road does not
affect the safety and efficiency of the road in accordance with relevant legislation.

Some of your responsibilities will include:
* Land Acquisitions / Property - Coordinate at District level the acquisition of land to accommodate TMR Northern District projects by hardship, resumption, or agreement - involves negotiations with project managers, landholders and their legal representatives.
* Native Title - ensure all land resource dealings meet departmental requirements for Native Title within TMR Northern District, and working with the department's property services, manage departmental real property, leases and road licence.
* Road Dealings (Declarations; open; close; dedicate) - Liaise with internal stakeholders and DNRM to determine how proposed temporary and permanent road closures affect the state-controlled road network and provide recommendations as to action which will be taken.
* Manage the maintenance program for TMR Northern District's vacant land.
* Assist corridor management staff by carrying out land title searches and provide information relating to land tenure, easements and encumbrances.
* Undertake review of road declaration plans and implement road gazettal's where required.
* Undertake a review of historical accesses to the state-controlled road to inform TMR Northern District projects.

Mandatory qualifications and conditions
* A current Class ‘C' Drivers Licence
* Pre-employment checks, including a criminal history screening and declaration of serious discipline history will be required to be completed.
* Must be eligible to work in Australia.

Desirable requirements
* Knowledge of the regulatory and legislative requirements pertaining to the assessment and administration of land acquisition and Native Title assessments and issues, road licence and road declaration related matters.

Submit your application online via the Smart Jobs and Careers website at www.smartjobs.qld.gov.au.

For more information about the role, please contact Jennifer McKenzie 0467 936 786.

Applications to remain current for 12 months

Job Ad Reference: QLD/687419/26 

Closing Date: Friday, 15 May 2026

Further information

We are committed to building inclusive cultures in the Queensland public sector that respect and promote human rights and diversity.

Please ensure you download all attachments and follow the instructions on how to apply.

Documents

Before applying for this vacancy please ensure you read the documents below.

• 20260427 Applicant Guide - AO4 Project Officer (Development Control) (PDF, 322KB)
  
  
  687419 26 - Role Description (Word, 576KB)