Division/Section: Infrastructure and Operations / Resource Recovery

Position Type: Permanent Full Time (4 on 4 off roster, 11.75 hour days)

Salary Range: Base Salary $45.09 - $48.60 per hour + super

Location: Stuart Waste Facility

Application Close: 11:45pm, Sunday 31 May 2026

We’re looking for a reliable, multi-skilled Plant Operator to join our team at the Stuart Waste Facility, supporting the operation of Council’s landfill and transfer station.

This is a hands-on role suited to someone who enjoys working outdoors and being part of a small, close-knit crew. The work can be physically demanding, as you’ll be moving in and out of machinery throughout the day, so a good level of fitness is important. There are also ad hoc tasks expected to be performed by this role where manual labour is required. These tasks are outlined below.

This role is open to operators of varying experience levels who are willing to learn, contribute, and take pride in their work.

Day-to-day, you’ll be operating a range of plant and equipment including water trucks, excavators, loaders, landfill compactors, and tipper trucks. You’ll also assist with general site duties to support the team and keep the facility running smoothly. Candidates will require customer service and communication skills. Being a publicly accessible waste facility operators will be interacting and communicating with customers who attend the site. Effective communication is essential to maintain safe waste disposal operations on an active landfill.

You Will Be Completing Tasks Such As:

• Litter management (manual litter picking and maintaining litter fences)
• Maintaining dust suppression
• Plant operation on the landfill
• Cleaning plant and machinery of waste
• Waste spreading and compaction
• Maintaining safe site signage and protective barriers
• Maintaining hazardous waste disposal bays
• Loading and transporting of resources to the active landfill
• Directing commercial customers on the landfill through UHF communication
• Covering waste and batters with daily cover (soil)
• Establishing safe tipping pads and access roads
• Recovering Resources (aggregate, soil etc.) from previous operations
• Maintaining our recycling recovery areas and stockpile pads
• Starting and monitoring onsite wastewater pumps
• Maintaining drainage paths and stormwater controls

You’ll play a key role in ensuring all incoming waste meets site acceptance standards while maintaining a safe environment for both customers and staff. At times, you may also assist the collection team during emergency situations.

If you enjoy working outdoors, operating a variety of vehicles, adapting to changing tasks and conditions, this opportunity could suit you well. You’ll be joining a dedicated regional council team committed to supporting and caring for the local community.

Qualifications And Experience

Our ideal candidate will have:

Mandatory

• Current "HR" class driver's licence
• Front End Loader Ticket (LL)
• Construction Industry White Card (30215 QLD)

Desirable

• Compactor Ticket (LR)
• Excavator Ticket (LE)
• Dozer Ticket (LZ)
• Grader Ticket (LG)

Highly Desirable

• Demonstrated experience role modelling a positive safety culture and adherence to the Health Safety Management Systems through visible leadership and exercising due diligence and management of compliance and legislative obligations.
• A demonstrated ability to effectively operate machinery associated with waste management.
• Ability to use GPS based machinery guidance.
• Work in a group to achieve predetermined goals.
• Working knowledge of the operating requirements of selected waste disposal plant and equipment including minor servicing and associated operational checks.
• Working knowledge of the Environmental legislation and licence requirements applicable to onsite operations and associated management plans.
• A minimum of 3 years demonstrated experience in the safe and efficient operation of relevant plant and equipment including minor servicing and associated operational checks.

For Further Information Review The Position Description.

Townsville City Council is the largest local government authority in Northern Australia. We’re committed to supporting our people through a strong focus on work–life balance, a positive and inclusive culture, and a shared passion for making a meaningful impact in our community.

We have a range of benefits that confirm this commitment:

• 5 weeks annual leave + 17.5% leave loading
• 3 weeks Personal/Carers Leave
• 14 weeks paid Parental Leave
• Domestic and Family Violence Leave
• Natural Disaster Leave
• Uniforms and PPE provided
• Annual wage progression
• Up to *13.5% Superannuation employer contribution for contributing members
• Salary Sacrifice opportunities
• Access to a range of learning and development opportunities, including on-the-job learning and formal training programs
• Fitness Passport program offering discounted membership to selected health and wellbeing facilities
• Employee Loyalty Program offering discounts at selected local businesses
• Employee Assistance Program
• The Council contribution to employees' superannuation for contributing employees shall be 13.5% of the employees' ordinary time earnings subject to the employee contributing a minimum of 6% of their ordinary time earnings.

Contact Person: Kel (Team Leader)

Contact Email: [email protected] (for position enquiries only)

How To Apply

Your application can be submitted through the 'Apply' button. Please include a cover letter (maximum 2 pages), outlining how your skills, qualifications and experience would allow you to achieve success in this role. We also will require your resume which should confirm any licences and qualifications your hold.

For Further Information Review The Position Description.

We are committed to creating a safe and inclusive workplace where diverse styles, backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives are valued, encouraged, and respected. People from diverse backgrounds (including but not limited to, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, people with diverse gender identities and sexualities, people from different cultural and linguistic backgrounds, people with disability, and veterans) are encouraged to apply!

All successful candidates are required to undergo drug and alcohol testing as part of the recruitment process. Please be aware Townsville City Council has a ‘zero tolerance’ policy to drugs and alcohol in the workplace.

If you need any adjustments to be made to the recruitment process or if you would like to discuss any accessibility requirements, please contact hr_[email protected] or phone 07 4727 9004 for a confidential discussion.

Welcome to our playground: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FoFb5RenZD8

Attachments:

• Disposal Support_PD.pdf