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At Wollongong City Council, we continuously strive to create an Extraordinary Wollongong for our community. We focus on the delivery of exceptional services, infrastructure and facilities for our community. Our aim is to work toward the communitys goals in the Our Wollongong Our Future Community Strategic Plan 2035. Wollongong is a great place to work, live and play! Together, our responsibility is to create an inclusive community where everyone is welcome, valued and belongs. Our strength is the diversity of our people. We lead with courage, openness and curiosity and believe our employees are the key to our success. Learn more about us here. Join our Waste Services team in a practical, highimpact role that helps keep Wollongong running cleanly, safely and sustainably. We are looking a practical, safetyfocused Waste & Resource Recovery Operative to join our Waste Services team at the Wollongong Waste and Resource Recovery Parkon a permanent basis. In this handson operational role, you will contribute directly to the safe, efficient and environmentally responsible operation of a licensed waste facility. Youll work as part of a closeknit team, rotating across a variety of plant operation and sitebased tasks to keep the facility running smoothly for staff, contractors and the community. This role suits an experienced plant operator who takes pride in getting the job done right, is comfortable working outdoors, enjoys varied operational work, and can operate confidently and independently within strict safety and regulatory requirements. This is a permanent full-time position that currently operates on a 9dayson, 5daysoff roster (Monday to Sunday), providing a structured schedule and strong worklife balance. Shifts commence at 7:00am, allowing for early starts and earlier finishes. To support operational needs, overtime may be offered and weekend work forms part of the role. Applicants must be physically able to carry out all the duties as outlined in the position description. Salary from $77,824.07 up to $85,916.92 per annum plus superannuation. (Salary package will be assessed based on skills, experience and qualifications) A minimum increase of 3.25% to the salary from 1 July 2026 in accordance with Councils Enterprise Agreement. Licences and Certifications To ensure safety and operational effectiveness, this role requires a combination of licences. Support will be provided to help the successful candidate obtain additional certifications within agreed timeframes. A WHS Construction Induction Card (White Card) is essential and must be held on commencement of the role. Front End Loader certification is essential and must be held on commencement of the role. A HR Licence is essential and must be held on commencement of the role. Council is committed to developing its workforce and will support the right candidate to build skills and gain additional licences as part of their ongoing development in the role. The following licences will also be required and can be obtained during the first 612 months of employment, with training support provided where appropriate: Articulated Dump Truck competency Forklift licence Skid Steer Operations certification Landfill Compactor and Excavator competency What you will be doing Operate a range of plant and equipment, including front end loaders and excavators, to support daily waste and resource recovery operations Carry out and document plant prestart checks and perform minor maintenance and cleaning of equipment Assist with the safe movement, compaction and processing of waste and recyclable materials in line with environmental and legislative requirements Monitor waste and recycling dropoff areas and support correct separation and disposal practices Provide clear, courteous directions and advice to customers regarding waste disposal and site requirements Support site presentation and maintenance, including general labouring, grounds upkeep and facility cleaning as required Work collaboratively with team members, contractors and supervisors to maintain a safe and efficient work environment Comply with all Work Health and Safety procedures, policies and site rules at all times Maintain accurate records and complete required documentation relevant to site operations About you You are a capable and reliable plant operator who brings a strong focus on safety, teamwork and customer service. You are comfortable working in a regulated, physically demanding environment and can follow procedures while adapting to changing operational needs. You will bring: A current WHS Construction Induction Card (White Card) Current certification for Front End Loader operation A Current HR Licence Proven experience operating plant and equipment in an operational or industrial environment The ability to complete prestart checks and minor plant maintenance A strong awareness of Work Health and Safety principles and practices The ability to work independently and as part of a team with minimal supervision Good communication skills and the confidence to interact professionally with the public Physical capability to safely undertake the duties of the role A commitment to Councils values of Respect, Integrity, OneTeam, Sustainability and Courage Why youll love working at Wollongong City Council! True work-life balance We know you work hard, and we make sure that effort is rewarded with real flexibility. Our hybrid work options, flex-time, and rostered days off mean you can maintain balance while delivering great outcomes. Great working conditions Enjoy a 35-hour work week or a 9-day fortnight with a regular rostered day off (RDO). Career growth and recognition We are committed to supporting your personal and professional development. Our initiatives include a reward and recognition program, corporate learning opportunities, study assistance, and leadership development programs to help you grow and succeed. Generous leave provisions Benefit from five weeks of annual leave per year (pro rata) and access long service leave after just five years. Health, safety, and wellbeing We prioritise a safe workplace for everyone, every day, everywhere. Our wellbeing programs support mental, physical and social wellbeing of our people to be at their best and include an Employee Assistance Program, skin and hearing checks and discounted gym memberships. A vibrant social culture Join our Social Club for monthly activities, an annual trivia night, and fantastic Christmas events! Participate and engage in meaningful work, and contribute to our extraordinary community, where together we make a difference. For more information, click on Apply to be redirected to Wollongong City Council''s job vacancy page. Applications close 11:59pm Monday 11 May 2026. We invite everyone to apply no matter your identity, youll be welcome. We encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people who are culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD), people with disability and veterans. Wollongong Council adheres to the principles of a child safe organisation and is committed to the care and protection of all children and young people in the community. Applicants are required to undergo a rigorous employment screening process which will include Reference, Identity and Medical History Checks, and may also include a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check and Working with Children Check. Employment is subject to clearance of all these checks.