Plant & Equipment Operator

Soilco; Canberra; On-site; AUD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

SOILCO is seeking a motivated Plant & Equipment Operator for its Mugga Lane site, Canberra. This permanent, full-time role covers composting, quarry wash plant support, and diverse off-site tasks.

You’ll operate a range of machinery, drive HR/MR trucks, and help keep the site safe and productive. Ideal candidates will hold a current Australian Driver’s Licence, valid Excavator and Loader tickets, and a strong safety mindset.

Qualifications

• Requires current Australian driver’s licence.
• Requires valid Excavator and Loader tickets.
• Demonstrated commitment to health and safety.
• Reliability and a can-do attitude.
• Ability to work effectively in a team.
• Comfort working outdoors around heavy machinery.

Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain equipment (excavators, loaders, chippers, grinders).
• Drive HR/MR trucks for onsite/local movements.
• Support composting operations: turning, screening, processing.
• Assist quarry sand wash operations: stockpiling, loading, site upkeep.
• Perform daily equipment checks and follow safety procedures.
• Possibly travel for short-term off-site projects.

Skills

Driver's Licence

Excavator tickets

Loader tickets

Safety awareness

Teamwork

Outdoor work

HR/MR licence (desirable)

Maintenance interest

Heavy machinery familiarity

Job description

Join our SOILCO team and proudly part of The Life-Giving Soil Company!

As part of the SOILCO Group, you will benefit from the supportive, close-knit environment, along with the expanded resources and opportunities of a larger organisation. With a strong reputation for quality and service, specialising in the extraction, landscape supply, processing, sourcing, and delivery of a broad range of soils, making us a key supplier to the landscaping industry.

SOILCO is an industry leader in organics recycling, producing quality assured soil, compost and mulch products. SOILCO specialises in the design, construction and operation of innovative organics recycling facilities that convert organic waste into quality assured products. Our proven technologies transform organics into products that regenerate and give life to soil, providing customers with sustainable, reliable and cost-effective solutions. We proudly enable the circular economy by harnessing the power of people and technology.

The Role:

We’re on the lookout for a motivated Plant & Equipment Operator to join our operations team. This is a hands-on role that involves working across our composting facility, assisting at the quarry sand wash plant, and helping with various off-site projects as needed.

If you enjoy working outdoors, are confident around machinery, and thrive in a role where no two days are the same this could be the job for you.

This is a permanent full-time position based at our Mugga Lane Site.

As part of our team, you will work in a collaborative environment where success is attributed to our shared values: Courage, Authenticity, Achievement, and Respect.

Key Responsibilities:

Operate and maintain a range of equipment including excavators, loaders, chippers, and grinders

Drive HR/MR trucks for onsite and local product movements

Support green waste composting operations – turning, screening, and processing

Assist with quarry sand wash plant operations, including stockpiling, loading, and general site upkeep

Perform daily equipment checks and follow all safety procedures

Work flexible hours and travel occasionally for short-term off-site jobs

What you’ll bring

Current Australian Driver’s Licence

Valid Excavator and Loader tickets

A strong commitment to workplace health and safety

Reliability and a positive, can-do attitude

Ability to work effectively as part of a team

Confidence working outdoors and around heavy machinery

Highly regarded:

Current HR or MR licence

Experience operating chippers, grinders or screening.

Previous experience in composting, quarrying, recycling, civil construction or a similar industry

Mechanical aptitude and an interest in basic equipment maintenance

We’re looking for someone who is willing to get involved, learn new skills and take pride in maintaining a safe and productive workplace.

Why Join Us:

Work with a collaborative and supportive team

Be part of a purpose-driven company leading sustainability in organics recycling

Gain exposure to a diverse range of tasks, building valuable skills and experience

Well established customer relationships and meaningful work that supports the circular economy

To get in touch with us or for more information about this position, please contact the People and Culture Team on email at *************@soilco.com.au

Additional Information:

SOILCO is committed to providing a safe working environment for all, (everyone, every day and everywhere) and make available wellbeing programs to support mental, physical and social wellbeing of our staff to be at their best.

Applicants are required to undergo an employment screening process which involves a pre-employment medical including drug and alcohol testing and reference checking. Employment is subject to clearance of all these checks.

General terms and conditions of employment while employed with SOILCO will be governed by the Waste Management Award 2020 and the National Employment Standards (NES). Working a standard 38-hour week, however additional opportunities for overtime, shift work and weekend work may be available.

SOILCO is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and we promote a workplace that values and foster the diversity of our staff. We strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with disabilities, people from culturally diverse backgrounds, the LGBQTIA+ community, and young people.

Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted

Please note that SOILCO does not accept unsolicited resumes/candidate profiles from external agencies or suppliers via any method.Full Australian working rights (valid visa with no restrictions).