Every FIFO camp in Australia functions like a small town. Hundreds of workers eat, sleep, and live there for weeks at a time, and it takes a dedicated team to keep those facilities safe, clean, and comfortable. Behind the lawns, walkways, air conditioners, and plumbing systems are the groundskeepers and maintenance crews — the people who make sure everything works.
While the mining and energy industries are known for their trades and engineering jobs, it’s the camp maintenance teams who keep life on site bearable. They fix leaks in Newman, mow lawns in Port Hedland, and repair air conditioning in the middle of the Queensland outback. These roles are the heartbeat of the camp, and in 2025 they’re in strong demand across Australia.
This guide covers everything you need to know — from job duties and qualifications to where the work is, how much it pays, and what your career can look like in FIFO maintenance.
1. What FIFO Groundskeepers and Maintenance Workers Actually Do
Groundskeeping Responsibilities
- Mowing, trimming, and watering lawns and garden beds around camps and admin areas
- Pruning trees, applying mulch, and managing irrigation systems
- Maintaining footpaths, outdoor furniture, and recreation areas
- Operating small plant equipment such as ride-on mowers, brush cutters, and whipper snippers
- Pest control and weed management to prevent environmental hazards
- Assisting with outdoor event or recreation setups (BBQs, sports areas, etc.)
Maintenance Responsibilities
- Inspecting and repairing plumbing systems, door locks, air conditioners, and lighting
- Painting, carpentry, and basic structural repairs around the camp
- Conducting routine inspections on water pressure systems, smoke alarms, and emergency exits
- Maintaining gym equipment, laundry machines, and communal facilities
- Reporting larger mechanical or electrical faults to trade-qualified technicians
- Supporting camp upgrades, refurbishments, and asset replacements
Many workers perform both roles interchangeably — especially in smaller camps — combining gardening with light maintenance tasks to keep operations efficient.
2. Where FIFO Groundskeeping and Maintenance Jobs Are Based
These roles exist in every major resource region in Australia, from the red dust of the Pilbara to the gas fields of Queensland.
Western Australia
Western Australia employs the largest number of FIFO grounds and maintenance workers.
- Pilbara: Major hubs include Port Hedland, Karratha, Newman, Tom Price, and Paraburdoo. Contractors such as Sodexo, Compass Group (ESS), and Morris Corporation manage hundreds of accommodation villages supporting BHP, Rio Tinto, FMG, and Roy Hill.
- Goldfields: Kalgoorlie, Leinster, Laverton, and Wiluna require constant camp maintenance to support nickel, lithium, and gold mines.
- Mid West: Around Geraldton, Meekatharra, and Cue, smaller exploration projects hire grounds and maintenance staff on flexible rosters.
- Kimberley: Projects near Broome and Derby employ contractors to maintain remote exploration camps and tourist accommodation during mining exploration seasons.
Queensland
- Bowen Basin: Moranbah, Dysart, Emerald, Blackwater, and Middlemount are home to major coal operations and camp complexes run by Cater Care and ESS.
- Surat Basin: Gas fields near Roma, Chinchilla, Miles, and Dalby employ full-time maintenance staff for camp infrastructure and gas compression sites.
- North Queensland: Smaller FIFO projects near Mount Isa and Townsville also hire grounds and handyman workers for both mining and construction projects.
South Australia
- Roxby Downs (Olympic Dam): Managed by Downer Group and Spotless, these camps are long-standing employers of maintenance technicians and horticultural staff.
- Prominent Hill and Carrapateena: Require skilled maintenance workers for copper and gold sites.
Northern Territory
- Darwin LNG and Gove Peninsula: Offer FIFO contracts for groundskeeping and facility repair through ISS Facility Services and Cleanaway Industrial.
- Katherine and Tennant Creek: Temporary work available during exploration projects.
New South Wales and Victoria
Though fewer, FIFO-style contracts exist in Broken Hill, Lithgow, and Bendigo for renewable energy and infrastructure projects needing short-term camp maintenance support.
3. Employers Hiring FIFO Groundskeeping and Maintenance Staff
- Sodexo – one of Australia’s largest facility management employers for BHP and Rio Tinto camps
- Compass Group (ESS) – services Fortescue and numerous energy projects
- Morris Corporation – focuses on mid-sized mining camps across WA and QLD
- Cater Care – operates large catering and accommodation contracts in Queensland’s gas regions
- ISS Facility Services – manages LNG and construction camps across NT and WA
- Downer Group / Spotless – handles maintenance for long-term contracts like Olympic Dam
- Cleanaway Facilities Division – provides industrial maintenance services across multiple states
4. Required Qualifications and Licences
Essential
- White Card (CPCWHS1001): Access permit for mining and construction zones
- Manual Handling Certificate: Required for lifting and machinery use
- National Police Clearance: Valid within 12 months
- Pre-Employment Medical: Includes drug and alcohol test, fitness, and hearing check
Highly Recommended
- Certificate II or III in Horticulture or Parks and Gardens (for groundskeeping roles)
- Trade Qualification (Carpentry, Electrical, Plumbing) for maintenance positions
- First Aid and CPR Certification
- Working at Heights / Confined Space Entry Ticket
- Forklift Licence (LF Class)
- Elevated Work Platform (EWP) if working on lighting or signage
- Small Plant Operator Training for mowers, trimmers, or light vehicles
Candidates with both manual and technical skills are preferred, as they can handle a variety of tasks.
5. Pay and Rosters
Average Pay in 2025:
- Entry-Level Groundskeeper: $35–$42 per hour
- Maintenance Assistant: $38–$48 per hour
- Qualified Tradesperson: $50–$65 per hour
- Maintenance Supervisor: $60–$75 per hour
Typical Annual Income: $85,000–$130,000 (depending on experience and roster)
Common Rosters:
- 2:1 (two weeks on, one week off) – common for Pilbara and Goldfields
- 8:6 (eight days on, six off) – used in Queensland gas operations
- 14:7 – used for large camp contracts in WA and NT
Employers cover flights, meals, uniforms, and accommodation. Most camps have private or shared en suites, recreational gyms, and canteens.
6. A Typical Day on Site
Morning (5:30–8:00am):
- Attend toolbox and safety meeting
- Check assigned maintenance requests or landscaping areas
- Conduct inspections of irrigation systems, lighting, or HVAC units
Midday (11:00am–2:00pm):
- Perform routine repairs (door hinges, plumbing leaks, filters)
- Mow lawns or trim garden beds in shaded areas
- Conduct waste and recycling checks around the camp perimeter
Afternoon (3:00–6:00pm):
- Service equipment, clean tools, and complete digital maintenance logs
- Conduct end-of-day visual checks and report outstanding issues
- Prepare workshop or equipment for next day’s operations
Some sites rotate between maintenance callouts and project-based upgrades, such as installing new furniture or expanding storage units.
7. How to Apply for FIFO Groundskeeping and Maintenance Jobs
Step 1: Obtain Core Tickets
Start with a White Card, Manual Handling, and a Police Clearance.
For maintenance positions, ensure your trade licence is active in your home state.
Step 2: Update Your Resume
Include:
- Trade or handyman experience
- Use of small plant and power tools
- Safety training or prior mining experience
- References from past facilities or construction work
Step 3: Apply with Major Contractors
Begin with:
- Sodexo Careers
- Compass Group / ESS Jobs
- Cater Care Careers
- Downer Group / Spotless Jobs
- ISS Facility Services
- Morris Corporation Careers
Most applications are online. After screening, shortlisted applicants are invited to complete a medical and site induction.
Step 4: Prepare for Mobilisation
Once cleared, workers receive uniforms, PPE, and mobilisation details for flights departing from Perth, Brisbane, or Darwin.
8. Career Pathways and Long-Term Progression
Groundskeeping and maintenance roles often lead to well-paid supervisory and management careers.
Career Progression Examples
- Groundskeeper → Senior Grounds Supervisor → Camp Maintenance Coordinator
- Maintenance Assistant → Trades Technician → Maintenance Supervisor → Site Services Manager
- Maintenance Worker → Facilities Coordinator → Asset Manager → Regional Facilities Director
- Groundskeeper → WHS Officer → Environmental Compliance Advisor
Add-on courses like G2 Risk Management, S123 Mining Supervisor, or a Diploma of Facilities Management are valuable for leadership pathways.
9. The FIFO Lifestyle: What to Expect
Benefits
- Excellent pay and job security
- Clear rosters with extended time off
- Free meals, flights, and accommodation
- Outdoor and hands-on work with visible results
- Career opportunities in trades, logistics, and facility management
Challenges
- Long hours in hot, dusty, or humid conditions
- Physically demanding and repetitive work
- Isolation from family and social life during swings
- Strict safety and compliance rules
Most workers describe it as rewarding once they adjust to the routine and teamwork culture. Camps typically include recreation facilities, Wi-Fi, and catering to make life easier on site.
10. Tips for Success
- Always follow safety protocols and attend toolbox meetings
- Keep tools, vehicles, and machinery clean and maintained
- Learn from qualified tradespeople on site
- Report hazards immediately and complete digital logs accurately
- Keep your roster flexible — last-minute shifts and emergencies are common
- Take pride in presentation; neat gardens and tidy camps reflect your work ethic
- Stay professional and dependable — repeat contracts depend on reputation
11. How to Get Started
- Obtain your White Card and Manual Handling Certificate.
- Secure a Police Clearance and complete your pre-employment medical.
- If you have trade or horticulture experience, include it in your resume.
- Apply through Sodexo, Compass Group, or Downer Group.
- Be prepared for interviews, reference checks, and induction sessions.
- Mobilise to your assigned camp once approved.
Conclusion: The Work That Keeps the Camps Alive
Without maintenance crews, every FIFO camp would stop functioning within days. Groundskeepers and maintenance staff are the unseen operators who ensure that remote villages remain safe, clean, and comfortable for the thousands of people who rely on them.
If you have hands-on skills, enjoy practical work, and want reliable income with structured time off, this is one of the most rewarding paths in the Australian resource sector. From watering gardens in Port Hedland to fixing air conditioning in the Surat Basin, this role keeps the mining industry — and its workers — moving forward.
Next Steps:
- FIFO Waste Management and Janitor Jobs (2025 Guide)
- FIFO Utility Worker Jobs: The All-Rounder Role Explained
- Certificate III in Parks and Gardens Course
- G2 Risk Management for Supervisors
