Experienced Machine Operator – Excavator & Skid Steer

Vanilla Maintenance Pty Ltd; Plainland; On-site; AUD 41,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Vanilla Maintenance Pty Ltd in Plainland (QLD) is seeking an experienced Machine Operator to run excavators and skid steers across civil, landscaping and construction projects.

You will perform final trim, trenching, drainage work and site preparation, with daily pre-starts and basic machine maintenance. HR licence preferred; tickets and reliability valued.

The role offers varied work across the Lockyer Valley and surrounding areas with competitive hourly rates based on experience.

Qualifications

• Experience operating excavators and skid steers.
• Proven final trim ability on earthworks.
• Civil or residential earthworks experience.
• Drainage and trenching experience.
• Good understanding of levels and falls.
• Current HR driver's licence and job-site readiness.

Responsibilities

• Operate excavators and skid steers on site.
• Perform final trim and detailed earthworks.
• Prepare residential and commercial sites for development.
• Carry out trenching for drainage and services.
• Conduct bulk excavation and material spreading as required.
• Perform daily pre-start checks and basic machine maintenance.
• Support wider civil, landscaping and construction tasks when needed.

Skills

Excavator operation

Skid steer operation

Final trim skills

Civil earthworks

Trenching experience

HR driver's licence

Machinery maintenance

Tools

Excavators

Skid Steer Loaders

Job description

Experienced Machine Operator – Excavator & Skid Steer

Vanilla Maintenance Pty Ltd – Plainland QLD

We are seeking an experienced and reliable Machine Operator to join our team in Plainland.

The role is suited to someone confident operating small to medium excavators and skid steer/posi-track loaders, with strong final trim skills and experience across civil, landscaping and construction works.

The successful applicant will be employed by Vanilla Maintenance Pty Ltd and work across our associated businesses and projects throughout the Lockyer Valley and surrounding areas.

About Us

We are a locally operated group of businesses involved in civil works, landscaping, construction support, property maintenance and landscape material supply.

Our work includes residential and commercial earthworks, drainage, retaining walls, fencing, concrete preparation, landscaping and internal development projects.

About the Role

Typical duties include:

Operating excavators, skid steers and posi-tracks

Final trim and detailed earthworks

Residential and commercial site preparation

Trenching for drainage and services

Bulk excavation and material spreading

Using laser levels to achieve required levels and falls

Daily pre-starts and basic machine maintenance

Assisting with general civil, landscaping and construction work when required

This is a hands‑on role, so applicants must be willing to get out of the machine and assist the wider team when required.

About You

You will ideally have:

Strong excavator and skid steer operating experience

Proven final trim ability

Civil or residential earthworks experience

Drainage and trenching experience

Good understanding of levels and falls

Relevant plant tickets or competencies

Current HR driver's licence

Good machinery care and maintenance habits

Ability to work independently and as part of a team

A reliable and responsible attitude

Experience with retaining walls, fencing, concrete preparation or landscaping will also be highly regarded.

What We Offer

Minimum 38 hours per week

Competitive hourly rate based on experience

Superannuation

Varied work across civil, landscaping and construction projects

Opportunity to operate a range of machinery and equipment