Shoalhaven City Council

Leading Hand Plant Operator

• Permanent, Full Time position available
• Salary: $61,494 - $69,129 gross p.a. plus 12% Super
• Additional $1,055.08 gross p.a. Level 1 Adverse Working Conditions Allowance
• 38 hours per week (Monday to Friday) with a 9-day fortnight
• Located at the Bomaderry Works Depot
• Applications close Monday, 17 August 2026 (at midnight)

About the Role
Are you an experienced plant operator with a passion for civil construction and maintenance? Shoalhaven City Council is seeking a reliable and motivated Leading Hand Plant Operator to join our Northern Construction Team.

As a Leading Hand, you'll operate plant and light trucks, perform routine manual labour tasks, supervise up to two staff, and support the delivery of maintenance and construction projects across the Shoalhaven. You'll work on a variety of assets including roads, drainage, footpaths, parks, and recreational facilities.

Reporting directly to the Northern Drainage and Structures Supervisor, the key responsibilities of this role include:

• Operate and maintain medium plant items Rollers, Backhoes, Light and Medium rigid trucks as required
• Operate and maintain small plant items such as chainsaws, plate compactors, jack picks, concrete saws, electric power tools, vegetation trimmers, etc

• Work under routine supervision and direction either individually or in a team environment on a range of projects

• Deliver quality workmanship in all tasks
• Complete standard paperwork such as timesheets and daily site safety checklists, both written and electronically
• Respond to emergencies and participate in call-back roster

Please refer to the Job Description under the Job Attachments for a comprehensive list of duties, responsibilities and skills required.

Being available to be on-call and complete reasonable overtime is a requirement of this position.

About You
To be successful in the position, you will have:

• School Certificate or equivalent
• Experience in civil construction and/or maintenance activities
• Demonstrated experience in operating minor and major plant and/or light and medium trucks
• Current NSW Class MR Driver's Licence
• Current RMS Issued Traffic Control or SafeWork NSW Traffic Control Work Training Cards - 'Traffic controller' and 'Implement traffic control plans' or willingness to obtain
• Current NSW General Construction induction card (white card)
• Proof of right to work in Australia

How to Apply
To submit an application, click Apply and complete each Step of the application. You will be required to attach your resume (and cover letter if required) and respond to questions regarding general information about you.

In addition, you will be required to demonstrate how you satisfy the requirements of the position by answering the below questions relevant to the essential criteria as outlined in the job advertisement.

1. At Shoalhaven City Council our corporate core values are: Collaboration, Adaptability, Integrity and Respect. Please choose one value and why this resonates with you.
2. Please outline how you meet the essential criteria for this position including skills, qualifications, certifications and licenses relevant to this position. (Mandatory)
3. Can you give an example of a time that you have had to coordinate a team to complete a task.
4. Please describe the various types of plant and machinery you have experience operating and an estimated number of operating hours for each.

Applicants who progress to pre-employment checks may be required to undergo a Qualification Check, Work Rights Verification, Reference Checks and Medical (High Risk). Employment is subject to satisfactory outcomes for all required checks.

For tips and more information on how to submit a great application, please visit how to apply on Councils website. If you require assistance submitting your application, please contact the Talent Acquisition Team on 02 4429 3203.

Applications Close: Monday, 17 August 2026 (at midnight)

If you have any questions about this role, please contact Lachlan Keighery - Northern Drainage and Structures Supervisor - 02 4429 3779

Why Work with Us
The Shoalhaven area is a unique place of great natural beauty, offering an enviable lifestyle and positive work-life balance. Our workforce is our greatest asset, and we pride ourselves on our people. Our teams are talented and inclusive and work together to provide better outcomes for our community, who are at the heart of everything we do. With a diverse range of professions and roles, we offer many career options and pathways, actively promoting opportunities and encouraging staff professional development.

Benefits include:

• Generous leave entitlements
• Long Service Leave after 5 years
• Option of flexitime for indoor staff
• 9 day fortnight for outdoor staff
• Flexible and remote working arrangements
• Novated lease arrangements available
• Opportunities for professional development and training
• Corporate wellbeing programs, including Fitness Passport and Employee Assistance Program (EAP), discounted health insurance

**Conditions apply as per the Local Government State award, and Council policies

Shoalhaven City Council is committed to creating a workplace that reflects our diverse community. We welcome applicants of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, veterans, people with a disability, culturally diverse individuals, and LGBTQIA+ community members. We ensure equitable recruitment practices, and applicants with disability can request reasonable adjustments. As a Child Safe Organisation, we uphold the rights and safety of all children and young people.