Walgett Shire Council

Garbage Truck Drivers

• Operate modern waste collection vehicles, including Council’s brand new Isuzu side lift garbage truck
• Varied work across waste collection, landfills, quarries and plant operation
• Nine-day fortnight, five weeks of annual leave and long service leave after five years
• Salary between $65,869 and $80,416 per annum, depending on skills and experience
• Some opportunities for overtime
• Relocation assistance and shared accommodation may be available

About the roles:

Walgett Shire Council is looking for two reliable and capable HR-licensed drivers to join our Environmental Resources team, with one position based in Walgett and one in Lightning Ridge.

These are great opportunities to take responsibility for modern waste collection vehicles while delivering an essential service to communities across the Walgett Shire.

Our brand-new Isuzu side-lift garbage truck arrived only days ago and will be operated predominantly from Walgett.

Council is also preparing to purchase a new hook lift garbage truck, which will be based in Lightning Ridge alongside Council’s existing side lift garbage truck.

These are not just driving jobs. When you are not undertaking waste collection, you will assist with operations at Council’s landfills, waste transfer stations and quarries. Depending on your experience and licences, this may include operating loaders, skid steers, compactors, excavators, tipper trucks and other plant and equipment.

The work is practical, varied and important. You will be part of the team responsible for keeping our towns and villages clean, maintaining Council’s waste facilities and supporting the production and movement of quarry materials used across the Shire.

Both positions operate on a nine-day fortnight, providing a regular rostered day off every second fortnight. There will also be opportunities to undertake overtime from time to time.

You do not need previous local government experience. Applicants with experience in transport, waste services, civil construction, quarry operations, agriculture, mining or general plant operation are strongly encouraged to apply.

About you:

The successful applicants will:

• Hold a current Australian HR driver's licence or higher
• Have experience driving heavy vehicles, such as garbage trucks, hook lift trucks, tipper trucks or similar vehicles
• Are comfortable undertaking regular kerbside waste collection
• Have experience operating plant and equipment, or are willing to undertake training
• Take pride in looking after vehicles, plant and equipment
• Are reliable, punctual and able to work safely with limited supervision
• Are comfortable working outdoors and undertaking physical duties
• Can complete basic records, daily checks and operational paperwork
• Communicate respectfully with colleagues, contractors and members of the community
• Are willing to assist across waste, landfill, quarry and other operational activities when required
• Have a strong commitment to workplace safety and responsible environmental practices..

Experience is important, but attitude matters just as much. We are looking for people who are dependable, willing to learn and take genuine pride in doing a good job.

The full position description can be viewed byclicking here.

What we offer:

• A competitive salary between $65,869 and $80,416, depending on skills and experience
• Employer superannuation contributions
• Some opportunities for overtime
• A nine-day fortnight and five weeks annual leave each year
• Long service leave after five years
• Modern equipment, including Council’s brand new Isuzu side lift garbage truck and a new hook lift truck to be purchased shortly
• Training and support to develop additional plant and operational skills
• Relocation support may be on offer for a strong candidate
• A varied role across waste collection, landfills, quarries and plant operation
• Permanent, secure employment delivering an essential community service
• Employee Assistance Program support for you and your family
• A supportive team environment within a regional Council.

Apply early:

Applications will be reviewed as they are received. Council may interview suitable applicants and fill either position before the advertised closing date. We strongly recommend applying early, as you may miss out if you wait until applications close.

Thinking about relocating?

Want to make the move to Walgett Shire?

Council may be able to assist strong suitable applicants with relocation costs. Shared accommodation may also be available for the successful Walgett based applicant, providing an affordable option while you settle into the area. Housing may also be available in Lightning Ridge.

Walgett and Lightning Ridge each offer a unique regional lifestyle, affordable living and the opportunity to become part of a close knit community.

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, with a population of approximately 7,000, the Shire supports key industries such as agriculture, grazing, grain handling, opal mining, and tourism.

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

How to apply:

To apply, complete the online application form and attach your current resume.

As part of your application, please indicate whether you are applying for the Walgett based position, the Lightning Ridge based position, or whether you would be willing to be considered for either location.

Further information regarding the online application process may be obtained by contacting Council’s People and Culture Team via email[email protected]or by phoning 02 6828 6100 during business hours.

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

Closing date for applications:

Applications close at9.00amonFriday, 17 July 2026.

Applications will be assessed immediately as they are received. Council may commence interviews and appoint a successful applicant before the closing date. Do not wait until applications close to apply, as either position may be filled earlier.

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.