Experienced Plant Operator Wanted | Waste & Resource Recovery

Join Armidale Regional Council's Waste Team and play a key role in delivering essential waste and resource recovery services to our community.

As an Operator Plant Waste, you'll operate a range of heavy plant and equipment across landfill, waste transfer station and recycling operations, helping to manage waste safely, efficiently and sustainably. This is a hands-on role that combines plant operation, customer service and environmental stewardship, offering variety, responsibility and the opportunity to make a tangible difference every day.

Working as part of a supportive team, you'll contribute to maintaining safe, compliant and well-presented waste facilities while supporting Council's commitment to resource recovery and environmental sustainability.

The role In this diverse and rewarding position, you will:

- Operate a variety of plant and equipment including loaders, excavators, compactors, forklifts and trucks.
- Manage the movement, placement and processing of waste and recyclable materials.
- Assist community members and customers with waste disposal and recycling enquiries.
- Support landfill, transfer station and Community Recycling Centre operations.
- Conduct daily plant inspections and undertake routine maintenance activities.
- Ensure compliance with safety, environmental and waste management regulations.
- Assist with resource recovery activities and maximise recycling outcomes.
- Work collaboratively with team members across waste operations.
- Participate in weekend work and on-call responsibilities as required.

What you’ll bring

We're looking for someone who is safety-focused, reliable and enjoys working outdoors in a practical, team-based environment.

To be successful, you'll have:

- Experience operating heavy plant and machinery in a waste management,



construction, civil works or similar environment.
- Current MR Driver Licence.
- Demonstrated experience operating equipment such as loaders, excavators, compactors, forklifts and backhoes.
- A strong commitment to workplace health and safety.
- Excellent teamwork and customer service skills.
- The ability to follow procedures and work independently when required.
- Sound written and computer skills for basic record keeping and reporting.

What you’ll get

- Salary: $1,272 per week superannuation.
- Permanent full-time employment, job security and a 9 day fortnight.
- Ongoing training, development and licence support opportunities.
- Access to wellbeing initiatives and employee assistance programs.
- A supportive team environment that values inclusion, respect and collaboration.
- Opportunities to build a long-term career in local government.

In your application, we want to understand what motivates you to apply for this role and what you would bring to Armidale Regional Council. This is your opportunity to put your best foot forward and tell us why you're the right person for the role.

Please tell us

- What would you bring to the ARC team, and why do you think you'd be a good fit?
- What sets you apart from other candidates applying for this role?
- How does this role fit into your longer term career goals?

Please include your CV and a short video (up to 3 minutes) answering:

- Briefly introduce yourself,




- What does excellent service to our community look like in a waste and recycling environment?
- Why is waste management and resource recovery key, and how would you contribute to maintaining a safe and sustainable facility?

Interviews are scheduled for Monday 2 November. Shortlisted candidates must be available on this date.

Please note

Only .mov, .mp4, .wmv, and .avi files are accepted (maximum size 50 MB). You only need to respond to the five application questions (3 written and 2 video). Your resume and cover letter will still be assessed against all Essential Criteria in the Position Description. Please also upload PDF copies of your qualifications, tickets, and/or accreditations.

For a confidential discussion, call Josh Keene, Landfill & Waste Facilities Coordinator on 0427 788 ***.

Be part of building something that matters.

Armidale Regional Council is an inclusive employer that does not discriminate based on race, religion, national origin, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, or marital, veteran, or disability status.

Council recognises the unique skills and attributes demonstrated by service personnel in their service to our country and applications from ex-service personnel are welcome. All applicants who are veterans will be provided with specific feedback on their application if they are unsuccessful.

The Local Government

Rank to Grade Guide was developed to help both hiring managers and veterans understand how ADF skills and experience align with public sector jobs. You can use this guide as a tool to help you identify where your skills and qualifications align you to. For further information, and to access this guide, please click Here.

Applications close 11:30pm, Sunday 25 October 2026.

📌 Operator Plant Waste (Armidale)
🏢 Armidale Regional Council
📍 Armidale