Machine Plant Operator

Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions; Jurien Bay; On-site; AUD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working arrangements

12% superannuation

Cultural leave for Indigenous staff

Access to study and leave benefits

Employee assistance program

Job summary

Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) in Western Australia seeks a permanent, full-time Machine Plant Operator based in Jurien Bay to operate heavy machinery, support bushfire suppression, and ensure safety and training standards are met.

The role requires a current Western Australian C and MR class driver’s licence, and involves coordinating with the Crew Leader and district offices across the Midwest region.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated ability to operate heavy machinery such as a 950 Caterpillar Wheel Loader or equivalent in forested environments and challenging terrain.
• Ability to supervise and coach others, identify training needs and promote continuous learning.
• Comply with health, safety and disease hygiene requirements at all times.

Responsibilities

• Operate heavy machinery such as a 950 Caterpillar Wheel Loader or equivalent, and load/unload with Prime Mover on varied roads.
• Undertake bushfire suppression work across all levels and remain fire line competent.
• Apply health and safety requirements consistently at all times.
• Assist in identifying training needs to ensure safe and effective works.

Skills

Operate heavy machinery

Load/unload machinery

Transport heavy machinery

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

Join us in our mission to promote biodiversity, conserve our valuable ecosystems, and provide engaging attractions that connect people with nature.

THIS IS A PERMANENT, FULL-TIME POSITION

THIS POSITION IS BASED IN JURIEN BAY

APPLICATIONS FOR THIS POSITION CLOSE AT MIDDAY ON FRIDAY, 28 AUGUST 2026

The Midwest Region extends along the coast from Lancelin in the south to north of Carnarvon then inland past Meekatharra. The regional headquarters is in Geraldton. District offices are located at Geraldton, Jurien Bay and Denham, with District work centres at Monkey Mia, Burringurrah, Yulga Jinna, Gascoyne Junction, Kalbarri, Thundelarra, Cue, Cervantes and the Pinnacles. The lands and waters we manage with our Traditional Owner partners are varied and beautiful, from coastal cliffs, dunes and heath to rich marine communities to outback ranges and vast scrublands.

We currently have an opportunity for a Machine Plant Operator to join our team.

Under the direction of the Crew Leader, this position:

• Operates heavy machinery such as a 950 Caterpillar Wheel Loader or equivalent, D6 Caterpillar bulldozer or equivalent in forested environments and challenging terrain. Undertakes loading, unloading and transportation of heavy machinery with Prime Mover and float on a variety of roads and conditions.
• Undertakes bushfire suppression work at all categories of bushfire (Level 1, 2 and 3) and is fire line competent.
• Applies appropriate disease hygiene and work, health and safety requirements at all times.
• Supports identification of training needs for employees to ensure safe and effective works.

At the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA), we have adopted Leadership Expectations which provides a common understanding of the mindsets and expected behaviours required of all our employees and the public sector. In this role, you will demonstrate Personal Leadership to help drive positive change.

Selection Criteria

• Demonstrated ability to operate heavy machinery such as a 950 Caterpillar Wheel Loader or equivalent, and/or D6 Caterpillar bulldozer or equivalent in forested environments and challenging terrain and/or can load, unload and transport heavy machinery with Prime Mover and float on a variety of roads.
• Ability to supervise and coach others in a range of work situations, identify training needs, conduct training as appropriate, and promote an environment of continuous learning.
• Ability to participate in the planning of and implement works programs in an efficient manner, organise resources, determine day-to-day priorities and ensure best practice quality control measures are achieved.
• Ability to liaise with and negotiate with other internal stakeholders to ensure all approvals are in place and agree on standard of work before operational works commence.

About Us

DBCA, one of Western Australia's largest state government agencies, providing exciting and challenging career opportunities in biodiversity conservation and park and natural resource management. We employ people with world‑class scientific, policy, land and marine management, visitor services, research and educational skills.

For more information on what we do, our recruitment process, and why working at DBCA is an attractive proposition, please visit our website.

Benefits Of Working With Us

In addition to the attractive salary and opportunities to contribute to biodiversity and environmental conservation initiatives, the department offers incentives including:

• Flexible working arrangements.
• 12% superannuation, full employer contribution and salary packaging options.
• Cultural leave for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff.
• Access to study, bereavement, foster caring and parental leave.
• A confidential employee assistant program (EAP) for you and your family, including psychology and counselling services.
• An annual National Park Entry Pass.
• Well‑established learning and development programs.

For further job-related information: contact Simon Prins on 0448 283 630 or for further information about the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, visit https://www.dbca.wa.gov.au/.

We have a detailed Job Application Kit to provide information about us, the value of the department and practical guidance on the process for you. Please ensure you have saved your documents in MS Word (.docx files only) or PDF format and have allowed plenty of time to submit your application, as late, emailed and proforma applications will not be accepted.

Prior to commencement, the successful applicant will need to possess or obtain:

• A current Western Australian "C" and "MR" class drivers licence.

For the full role description, detailed responsibilities and a full list of selection criteria, please refer to the Job Description link below. The documents linked to this advertisement are available in alternative formats upon request.

Eligibility: It is essential to have Australian citizenship, New Zealand citizenship, Australian permanent residency status or a valid working visa to be appointed to this role.

A search for additional applicants may be conducted for this position where necessary to provide a more diverse and/or competitive field.

Substantive Equality Statement

DBCA is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages Indigenous Australians, young people, people with disabilities, people from culturally diverse backgrounds and women to apply for positions within our agency. People with disability will be provided with reasonable adjustments in our recruitment processes and in the workplace. The Department also promotes flexible working arrangements.

Applicants with a disability who require adjustments in the recruitment process, including an alternative to applying online, can contact the Senior Recruitment Officer on [phone] or [e-mail]. Do not send job applications to this email; they will not be accepted.

If you are an Aboriginal person who would like assistance with your application, please contact Jobs and Skills WA on 13 64 64.

Similar appointments may be made from this process in locations throughout Western Australia within a 12‑month period to positions that may be permanent or contract, including contract appointments with the possibility of subsequent permanency.