"Supervisor, Mechanical and Air Conditioning"

•  494411
•  Townsville
•  Professional
•  Full time
•  Closing on: Feb 15 2026

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.

Our Estate team are now seeking an experienced and motivated Supervisor, Mechanical and Air Conditioning to lead the operation, maintenance, and optimisation of JCU’s mechanical systems and infrastructure.

• Fulltime (36.25hrs per week), continuing
• $99,878 - $110,446 plus up to 17% employer superannuation contributions, leave loading and other generous employee benefits
• Based at the Townsville Bebegu Yumba campus

ABOUT THE ROLE

As the Supervisor, Mechanical and Air Conditioning, you will be responsible for ensuring the effective, efficient, and sustainable operation of a wide range of mechanical and technical systems across the Townsville campus and remote JCU sites. These include Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC), Central District Cooling (CDC), Building Management Systems (BMS), Energy Management Systems (EMS), and other critical infrastructure.

You will manage preventative and corrective maintenance, provide technical advice, oversee contractors and staff, and contribute to asset management strategies that ensure the University’s teaching, research, and operational spaces remain at optimal performance.

QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• A mechanical trade qualification (minimum Cert III) such as Refrigeration Mechanic, Electrician, or Fitter and Turner combined with extensive experience.
• Extensive experience in managing complex building mechanical and technical systems, focusing on air quality, energy optimisation, safety and compliance.
• Strong leadership abilities, enabling you to oversee service delivery and cultivate a culture of high performance.
• Excellent organisation and time management skills to meet deadlines and targets effectively.
• Great communication skills, allowing you to build and maintain productive working relationships effortlessly with a broad range of stakeholders.
• Ability to drive positive change through business improvement initiatives.
• Computer literacy with the ability to utilise a maintenance management system to effectively procure goods and services.

Special Conditions

• This position will be responsible for the management and leadership of contractors.
• Travel between campuses and remote locations may be required from time to time.
• It is a requirement of this position to participate in an afterhours on call roster - you will receive an On-call allowance as per JCU's EA
• It is a requirement of this position to hold a current Working with Children Blue Card or have the ability to obtain.

SHAPE YOUR FUTURE WITH JCU

At JCU we’re not just shaping minds; we’re shaping the future.

As Australia’s only university established to focus on the issues of Northern Australia and the Tropics worldwide, JCU is dedicated to helping the world’s tropical regions to prosper. With our main campuses located in the vibrant and diverse tropics of Northern Queensland, JCU is at the forefront of research and education in some of the world’s most critical areas, including marine biology, environmental science, tropical and rural health, and more.

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 AND CONTACT DETAILS

Are you ready to make a difference? Join us at JCU, where your future meets the tropics.

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 in relation to the key requirements of the role (view the role profile) and how your skills and experience will ensure your success in the role. 

Applications close on Sunday 15 February at 11:55 PM AEST.

For any enquiries about the role, please contact Peter Cairns via email peter.cairns@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.