plant operator

HR Partners; Cairns Regional; On-site; AUD 86,000 - 99,000; Full time

Job summary

HR Partners is seeking a paving plant operator in Portsmith to operate paving equipment, support crew tasks and ensure quality road surfacing on key road infrastructure projects. The role offers full-time, temp-to-perm progression with a strong safety culture and potential for permanent employment, with a competitive hourly rate and overtime

Flexible day and night shifts are available, along with opportunities to work on away projects as needed.

Qualifications

• Roller and Skid Steer tickets (RII competencies / VOCs) required.
• Experience operating asphalt paving or civil surfacing equipment.
• Ability to pass a full pre-employment medical (including silica & PEA) and drug screening.
• Safety-first mindset and willingness to cross-train across crew tasks.

Responsibilities

• Operate paving plant equipment (rollers, skid steers with attachments, pavers) safely.
• Assist crew with level hand duties, raking, shovelling, sweeping and truck spotting.
• Monitor asphalt spread rates, depth and surface texture against shift plans.
• Perform daily pre-start checks, HSEQ checks and end-of-shift equipment clean-downs.

Skills

Roller tickets

Skid Steer tickets

Machine operating experience

Safety-first attitude

Cross-training ability

Pre-employment medical clearance

Job description

Join a leading civil surfacing leader in Portsmith operating paving plant machinery on key road infrastructure projects. This full-time, temp-to-perm role offers an excellent rate of $41.46/hr + OT, cross-training opportunities, and a clear path to permanent employment.

First-Rate Pay:

Earn $41.46 per hour with extra earnings potential through available penalty overtime rates.

Growth:

Continuous upskilling across multi-plant machinery with a structured pathway leading to full permanent employment.

Shift Options:

Flexible day and night shift rosters with occasional opportunities to work on away projects.

Culture/Environment:

Join an industry leader with a strong, supportive team culture and a safety-first workplace environment.

Duties:

• Equipment Operation: Safely operate paving plant including rollers, skid steers with attachments, and pavers.
• Paving Crew Tasks: Assist crew with level hand duties, raking, shovelling, sweeping, and truck spotting.
• Quality Control: Monitor asphalt spread rates, depth, shape, and surface texture against daily shift plans.
• Safety & Maintenance: Perform daily equipment pre-start checks, active HSEQ checks, and end-of-shift machinery clean-downs.

Skills & Experience:

• Relevant Roller and Skid Steer tickets (RII competencies / VOCs required).
• Proven machine operating experience within the asphalt paving or civil surfacing industry.
• Ability to cross-train across crew tasks and safely perform physical manual labor when needed.
• A proactive, safety-first attitude committed to high-quality road surfacing standards.
• Ability to pass a full pre-employment medical (including silica & PEA) and drug screening.

Eligibility & Clearances:

Please Note: Applicants must hold Australian Work Rights (Citizen or Permanent Resident ONLY) and be eligible to obtain and maintain a Medium Rigid (MR) driver's licence and Construction White Card.