Warrumbungle Shire Council

Waste and Recycling Truck Operator

Department: Planning and Regulation

Reports to: Supervisor Waste & Recycling

Salary Range: $1,044 - $1,191 per 38 week + superannuation

Warrumbungle Shire Council is on the lookout for a reliable and safety-focused Waste and Recycling Operator to join our frontline operations team. If you're an experienced HR-licensed driver who enjoys being out and about, thrives on routine, and values serving the community, this could be the perfect opportunity for you.

In this role, you’ll be operating garbage compactor trucks and associated equipment to deliver essential waste, recycling, and green waste collection services. You’ll complete scheduled collection runs efficiently and safely, ensuring bins are emptied without spillage and that all tasks are carried out in line with Council procedures and WHS standards. The role also includes conducting pre-start checks, basic vehicle maintenance, and keeping your truck and gear clean and presentable. Occasional manual bin handling may be required — always with a strong focus on proper lifting technique and safe work practices.

You must have a current HR licence and proven experience operating heavy vehicles, ideally within waste or a similar service industry. You’ll need to be physically fit, have a solid understanding of road safety and vehicle compliance, and be confident working both independently and as part of a close-knit team. If you also bring mechanical know-how, local area familiarity, or extra tickets like a forklift or telehandler licence, that’s a big plus.

Please click here to view the position description.

This position is located in the beautiful town of Coonabarabran, known as the Astronomy Capital of Australia, which is midway between Melbourne and Brisbane and is known for its beautiful landscape and stunning night skies. The town has medical services, excellent schools, a variety of sporting and social clubs and a thriving tourism Industry. With the nearby Warrumbungle National Park, which is also Australia’s first Dark Sky Park, there is plenty to do and explore whether you’re looking for adventure or relaxation.

Selection criteria include:

• Current HR (Heavy Rigid) Driver Licence - this is essential.
•  White Card (General Construction Induction) - if you don't have this you will have to obtain it before you start.
• Demonstrated experience operating heavy vehicles, preferably in waste or similar services.
• Knowledge of road rules, load limits, and vehicle safety requirements.
• Physically fit and capable of undertaking repetitive manual handling tasks.
• Ability to work independently and cooperatively within a team environment.
• Basic literacy and numeracy skills to complete run sheets, inspection checklists, and logbooks.
• Commitment to work health and safety and safe work practices.
• Willingness to work flexible hours including early starts and occasional overtime or public holidays.

It is a plus if you have a forklift ticket and/or telehandler ticket (and workplace operating experience), experience in local government or waste collection service, knowledge of the Warrumbungle Shire area or strong navigational ability and basic mechanical knowledge or ability to troubleshoot minor vehicle issues.

Benefits of working for Council

Council is committed to creating a positive working environment and offer a range of benefits for staff, including

• Great leave opportunities 
  • Long service leave after 5 years
  • 1 RDO every 4 weeks 
  • Paid parental and concurrent parental leave
  • Carer’s leave
  • 3 weeks sick leave per year including up to 2 days health and wellbeing leave each year
  • Purchase additional leave or cash out leave
  • Deferred leave scheme – eg work three years at 75% of your pay and have the following year off at 75% of your pay! 
• Support for training and professional development
  • Formal training opportunities
  • Access to thousands of free online training courses
• Weekly pay cycle
• Mobile phone allowance available if you bring your own device
• Salary Packaging options to maximise your take-home pay
• Wellness – we want you to be at your best self so you and your immediate family members have access to our employee assistance program with TELUS Health One
• Free annual flu vaccinations and bi-annual skin cancer checks available
• PPE provided

About Warrumbungle Shire Council

Warrumbungle Shire is strategically positioned on the Newell Highway, a short drive from Tamworth, Mudgee and Dubbo, and just over 3 hours from Newcastle, making Warrumbungle Shire a great place to live and work. Covering an area of more than 12,000km², and with a population of nearly 10,000, Warrumbungle Shire Council is one of the larger Local Government Areas in Central West NSW, home to the townships of Coonabarabran, Coolah, Dunedoo, Binnaway, Baradine and Mendooran. 

With a rich history and stunning landscapes including spectacular mountain ranges, waterfalls, ancient sandstone caves, gorges, and beautiful plains, our scenic location amongst friendly country communities provides an ideal setting for those looking to balance a country lifestyle and career.

At Warrumbungle Shire Council we offer a broad variety of jobs with a range of benefits and career development opportunities within Local Government. The guiding principles of honesty, integrity, fairness and compassion form the spirit of the team along with respect, transparency, passion, trust and opportunity is how Warrumbungle Shire Council strengthens its working environment to deliver on the aspirations of our community. Council is proud to be an equal opportunity and child safe employer with a commitment to our staff and our vision is Excellence in Local Government. 

How to apply

Please provide sufficient detail in your answers to the questions as this information is used to assess your suitability for interview.

1. Scroll down and complete the fields below. Note: Fields marked with a red asterisk* are mandatory.
2. Click ‘Next’
3. Attach your resume, covering letter and copies of your qualifications
4. Click ‘Next’
5. Review your application and click ‘Confirm’ to submit your completed application

You will receive an email acknowledgement to confirm receipt of your application. You will receive email notifications regarding the status of your application. It is important that you regularly check your email to ensure you do not miss any notifications from Council. It is also recommended that you check your spam or junk folder and consider adding [email protected] to your email address book to ensure you do not miss any correspondence in regard to your application.

Applications close at 11.00 pm Sunday 29 June 2025.

For enquiries, please contact Human Resources on 6849 2000.

Applicants should note that Criminal History Checks, as well as alcohol and drug testing, are conditions of employment.