Walgett Shire Council

Plant Operator – Waste Services – Casual

• Casual Plant Operator role with real community impact 
• Join our team as a casual operator and keep our town moving 
• Casual role, essential service - step in, operate, and support local plant operations  
• Attractive salary of between $28 - $35 per hour

About us:

Walgett Shire Council proudly serves a diverse and unique region in the heart of outback New South Wales. Covering over 22,000 square kilometres, the Shire includes the towns of Walgett, Lightning Ridge, and Collarenebri, along with the villages of Carinda, Cumborah, Rowena, and Burren Junction, as well as expansive rural areas. With a population of approximately 7,000, the Shire supports key industries such as agriculture, grazing, grain handling, opal mining, and tourism.

Nestled at the junction of the Namoi and Barwon Rivers, Walgett is rich in history and natural beauty. Once a bustling paddle-steamer port, it is now the northern gateway to the iconic Darling River Run, offering breathtaking landscapes and a deep connection to Australia’s heritage.

Just an hour north, Lightning Ridge is famed for its vibrant opal mining culture and distinctive outback charm. Whether it is fossicking for opals, exploring underground art galleries, soaking in naturally heated artesian springs, or enjoying the tranquillity of river fishing, the region offers a truly one-of-a-kind experience.

Life in Walgett Shire offers the best of outback living—open skies, a strong sense of community, and endless opportunities to explore.

At Walgett Shire Council, we are rebuilding with a people-first culture. Safety, our people, and service to the community are at the core of everything we do. We are looking for passionate and committed professionals who are aligned with our core values: Respect, Integrity, Ethical Conduct, Courage, Honesty, Accountability, and Responsibility.

Life in Walgett Shire offers the best of outback living—open skies, a strong sense of community, and endless opportunities to explore. For more information about Walgett and the Lightning Ridge area, please click here.

About the role:

The Casual Plant Operator – Waste Services position is responsible for safely operating Council equipment such as garbage trucks, street sweepers, skid steers, and tipper trailers to support essential waste management services. This hands-on role involves maintaining landfill sites, performing minor maintenance on plant equipment, and ensuring that operations meet all relevant safety, environmental, and legislative standards. As a casual position, it offers flexibility while still playing a key part in keeping the community clean and services running smoothly.

This role suits a skilled, safety-conscious operator who can work independently, respond to on-call needs, and step in as required to assist with waste disposal and compliance tasks. It provides a valuable opportunity to contribute to Council’s waste strategy in a flexible work arrangement, while gaining experience and being part of a dedicated team committed to environmental protection and public service.

This is a critical role for a Council that is committed to doing things differently, valuing transparency, teamwork, and delivering positive outcomes for the community.

About you:

• Experienced in operating a wide range of heavy plant equipment, including garbage trucks, street sweepers, skid steers, tipper trucks, and trailers.

• Hold a current HR driver’s licence and WHS Construction Induction Card, with a strong commitment to safety and compliance.

• Skilled in routine maintenance and basic servicing of plant equipment, including greasing, fluid checks, and cleaning.

• Proven ability to work independently with minimal supervision while meeting high performance standards.

• Demonstrated awareness of workplace hazards and experienced in applying practical risk mitigation strategies.

• Available for on-call duties and flexible with work hours and locations within the local government area.

• Committed to delivering quality outcomes that align with Council’s Waste Management Strategy and environmental regulations.

• Strong communication and teamwork skills, with a professional approach when engaging with community members and colleagues.

• Passionate about contributing to a cleaner, safer community through efficient and responsible waste services.

• Most importantly, you align with our values of Respect, Integrity, Ethical Conduct, Courage, Honesty, Accountability, and Responsibility, and are committed to building a positive workplace culture.

At Walgett Shire Council, we understand that not every candidate will meet every criterion, and that is perfectly fine—your passion and potential matter most to us.

The full position description can be viewed by clicking here.

For further information or discussion about the position, contact Leigh Sage on 02 6828 6133 during business hours.

What we offer:

• A highly competitive salary of between $28 - $35 per hour plus superannuation.
• Essential tools of the trade.
• Employee Assistance Program available to support you and your family through all life’s challenges.
• Professional development opportunities to support your growth and success.
• Exceptional working conditions within a family-friendly and supportive environment.

How to apply:

To apply, follow the instructions below, complete the selection criteria and attach your resume and cover letter.

A failure to answer selection criteria and to attach your resume will result in your application being rejected.

Further information regarding the online application process may be obtained by contacting Council’s People and Culture Team via email jobs@walgett.nsw.gov.au 

Please Note: All correspondence regarding your application status and interview will be sent to you via email.

Closing date for applications:

Applications close at 9.00am on Wednesday, 4 June 2025.

Council reserves the right to close, withdraw or extend vacancies without prior notice.

Walgett Shire Council is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, committed to fostering diversity and inclusion in our workplace. We encourage applications from people with disabilities, culturally and linguistically diverse persons, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, veterans, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.