Plant Operator

Council Jobs; Cooma; On-site; AUD 70,000 - 77,000; Full time

Job summary

Snowy Monaro Regional Council is hiring for a plant operator role. The successful candidate will operate Backhoe, Excavator, Grader, HR Trucks and rollers, performing maintenance and construction of transport infrastructure.

Applicants must hold a valid HR licence, traffic control credentials, and a current First Aid certificate. The role requires safe operation, teamwork and adherence to council procedures, with on‑call rostering and safety responsibilities.

Qualifications

• Valid unrestricted HR Licence.
• Demonstrated ability to operate plant safely and efficiently.
• Traffic Control Licences: TC and plans.
• Current First Aid Certificate.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.
• Ability to read and understand simple plans.

Responsibilities

• Operate assigned plant (Backhoe, Excavator, Grader, HR Trucks, Rollers) and assist in maintenance of Council transport infrastructure.
• Conduct regular maintenance checks and servicing of the plant.
• Operate vehicles and equipment safely with regular checks.
• Ensure safety of staff and public with proper safety equipment and procedures.
• Perform traffic control at worksites as directed.
• Participate in toolbox talks and follow written/oral instructions.
• Accurately complete timesheets and plant sheets.

Skills

HR Licence

Plant operation

Traffic Control Licences

First Aid

Teamwork

Reading plans

Job description

Package: $70,187 - $77,473 + 12% Super(Grade 5 of the SMRC Salary System 2026-2027)

About The Region:

The Snowy Monaro region is a unique and culturally diverse region of south-east NSW. From our history of the Snowy Hydro Scheme, our proud agricultural industry and popular ski resorts, we are a region that has a lot to offer. Withfantastic lifestyle choices, whether you are anadventure seekeror prefer the finer things in life, we really can offer it all, and all within close proximity to our nation's capital Canberra. The Snowy Mountains region is packed with year-round experiences with so much more than snow sports and alpine walks. Glorious wildflowers blanket the alpine landscape of Kosciuszko National Park during summer, and if you love adventure sports there's rock climbing, kayaking, caving, fishing, horse riding, mountain biking, and 4WD touring activities to get your heart racing. Explore the famous Snowy River and go skiing or snowboarding on the slopes of Perisher and Thredbo - or camp under the stars at some of the most picturesque campgrounds in NSW. You'll never forget the rugged alpine scenery of Australia's largest national park. Snowy Monaro Regional Council employs over 380 staff from all walks of life and working with us will give you the opportunity to enjoy our beautiful surrounds, progress your career and make a difference in our local community.

About the Role:

• Operate assigned plant (including but not limited to, Backhoe, Excavator, Grader, HR Trucks and Rollers (13 tonne minimum preferable) and carry out labouring duties in the maintenance and construction of Council's transport infrastructure in accordance with Council standards, schedule of work and environmental management plans
• Conduct regular maintenance checks and servicing of the plant to ensure a high level of operational standard is maintained
• Operate Council's vehicles, plant and other equipment in a safe and competent manner and ensure regular maintenance checks and servicing are carried out to maintain a high level of operational standards
• Ensure the safety of staff and public through the appropriate use of safety equipment and clothing in accordance with relevant safety standards and Council procedures
• Traffic Control at Worksites as directed
• Participate in toolbox talks as required
• Follow written and oral instructions at all times
• Accurately complete timesheets, plant sheets and other Council records
• Participate in on-call rostering in response to requests through Councils out-of-hours call centre and Supervisors of Construction and Maintenance
• Promote information sharing and knowledge transfer to drive evidence-based decision-making, enhance capability and optimise capacity
• Contribute to the performance of Council: demonstrate professional conduct, make the best use of knowledge, experience and skills and be accountable for own decisions and actions
• Contribute to a safe workplace: comply with legislative and organisational requirements and be accountable for own decisions and actions

About You:

To be successful in this role you will have:

• Valid unrestricted HR Licence - ongoing employment is conditional on maintaining this licence
• Demonstrated ability to operate plant in a safe, competent and efficient manner
• NSW White Card (Construction Induction Card)
• Traffic Control Licences: Traffic Controller and Implement Traffic Control Plans
• Effective communication skills with the ability to provide excellent internal and external customer service
• Physically fit to perform the inherent requirements of the role
• Demonstrated experience working in a team environment
• Demonstrated written and oral communication skills
• Demonstrated ability to carry out general labouring/ maintenance repair
• Demonstrated ability and ongoing commitment to work as directed by Supervisor, according to Council's prescribed practices, policies and procedures with or without supervision
• Demonstrated ability to manually lift in accordance with WHS guidelines
• Demonstrated understanding of and the ability to maintain plant, equipment and hand tools in a safe and useable condition
• Demonstrated experience with minor plant e.g. chainsaws, compaction equipment and power tools
• Current First Aid Certificate
• Demonstrated experience in an operational environment
• Ability to read and understand simple plans

Enquiries

At Snowy Monaro Regional Council, we are committed to providing EEO and embracing diversity. We are an inclusive workforce which reflects the unique region, community, and customers we serve. In addition to providing an encouraging and positive environment, Council is a smoke free work environment.

Please advise us if you require any reasonable adjustments to fully participate in the recruitment process or perform the requirements of the role.

Moving to the Snowy Monaro Region ?

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