Leading Hand Plant Operator

Shoalhaven City Council; Bomaderry; On-site; AUD 75,000 - 105,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous leave entitlements

Long Service Leave after 5 years

Flexitime for indoor staff

9 day fortnight for outdoor staff

Flexible and remote working

Novated lease arrangements

Professional development

Wellbeing programs

Job summary

Shoalhaven City Council is seeking a reliable Leading Hand Plant Operator to join the Northern Construction Team at the Bomaderry Works Depot. You’ll supervise up to two staff while operating plant and light trucks on civil maintenance and construction projects across roads, drainage and parks.

Reporting to the Northern Drainage and Structures Supervisor, you will deliver quality workmanship, complete timesheets and safety checklists, and be on-call for overtime and emergencies.

Qualifications

• Experience in civil construction and/or maintenance activities.
• Experience operating minor and major plant and/or light and medium trucks.
• Current NSW Class MR Driver's Licence.
• Current RMS Traffic Control or SafeWork NSW Traffic Control Training Cards.

Responsibilities

• 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 hacks, 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.

Skills

Civil construction experience

Plant operation

Truck operation

Education

School Certificate or equivalent

Tools

RMS Traffic Control

SafeWork NSW Traffic Control Training

Job description

• 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

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
• Proof of right to work in Australia

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.

Applications Close: Thursday, 10 September 2026 (at midnight)

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.