Quarry Operator

Central Highlands Regional Council; Emerald; On-site; AUD 83,000 - 101,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

5 weeks annual leave with 17.5% leave

Fortnightly RDOs

Salary sacrifice options

Wages paid fortnightly

Employee Assistance Program

Training and Development opportunities

Job summary

Central Highlands Regional Council is seeking an experienced Plant Operator to join our Quarry team in Emerald, Queensland. You will operate a range of heavy plant and perform maintenance to support road base products, dam construction, and vegetation clearing.

The role requires HR licence, on-site work at remote camps, and relevant tickets. We offer benefits and a progressive regional work environment with development opportunities.

Qualifications

• Queensland HR class driver’s license required.
• General Construction Induction Card required.
• Statement of Attainment for at least three plant items (Dozer, Excavator, Front End Loader or Crushing/Screening).
• Load and unload plant capability preferred or obtainable.
• Ability to operate within a remote camp environment.
• Experience with dam construction and vegetation clearing.
• Experience with production and stockpiling of quarry materials.
• Proven ability to operate and maintain heavy plant in civil construction.

Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain assigned mobile and stationary heavy plant.
• Conduct regular maintenance checks on plant.
• Perform manual tasks such as site marking and use of power tools.

Skills

Plant operation

Heavy equipment operation

Remote site work

Safety awareness

Education

Queensland HR class driver’s license

General Construction Induction Card

Tools

Dozer

Grader

Excavator

Crushing/Screening plant operations

Job description

Central Highlands Regional Council – Emerald QLD

Remuneration: Stream B, Level 6: $92,911.79 per annum inclusive of superannuation and allowances

Central Highlands Regional Council is currently seeking an experienced Plant Operator to join our Quarry team.

The Plant Operator - Quarry will be required to undertake plant operation and labouring duties across the Central Highlands Regional Council area as directed by the Supervisor.

This role forms part of Council’s Natural Resources Team and will primarily be responsible for the operation and maintenance of mobile and stationary heavy plant for the purposes of manufacturing road base products, construction of dams and clearing of re-growth vegetation

In this busy role, you will support the organisation by:

• Ensure safe and competent operation of assigned plant, including, but not limited to, dozer, grader, excavator and crushing plant, to Council and TMR Standards on road networks and Civil Construction/Maintenance projects.
• Undertake regular maintenance checks on any assigned plant.
• Carry out a variety of manual tasks associated with the completion of the objective which may include but not limited to; site mark out, operation of hand held and mechanical power tools etc.

To be considered for this opportunity, you will need to possess:

• Minimum of Queensland Heavy Rigid (HR) class driver’s license.
• General Construction Induction Card.
• Statement of Attainments for at least three of the following items of plant – Dozer, Excavator, Front End Loader or Crushing and Screening Plant Operations. Where tickets are held upskilling will be provided on commencement.
• Load and Unload Plant (or ability to obtain).
• Ability to operate within a remote camp environment.
• Experience with the construction of dams and vegetation clearing.
• Experience with production and stockpiling of quarry materials.
• Proven ability to operate and maintain heavy plant in a civil construction environment.

Working for Central Highlands Regional Council has its benefits.

We are a progressive region, committed in creating opportunities for all. We welcome forward thinking individuals who are focused on continuous improvement, a sustainable future and understand the valuable role we play in investing in our regional community.

As an equal opportunity employer, we welcome applications from diverse backgrounds.

Benefits Include:

• 5 weeks annual leave with 17.5% leave loading
• Fortnightly RDO’s
• Payroll deductions and salary sacrifice options
• Wages paid fortnightly
• Employee Assistance Program
• Training and Development opportunities available

Applicants who are progressed to the next stage of the recruitment process will be invited to participate in a shortlisting process.

Eligibility & Pre-employment Checks

To be appointed to a permanent position, you must be an Australian citizen, or have permanent residency status, or hold a visa permitting you to work in Australia permanently. If you have a visa permitting you to work temporarily in Australia, you may be appointed to a position on a temporary basis, providing the work complies with the conditions of your visa.

The pre-employment checks relevant to this position include:

• Right to Work in Australia
• Medical Assessment
• Reference and licence checks

Applications close: Thursday 29th October 2026 at 8am.
Please note applicants may be contacted and progressed prior to the closing date.