Trainee Waste Services

Kempsey Shire Council; Kempsey; On-site; AUD 1,481,000 - 2,517,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fortnightly RDO

Fitness Passports

Career development

Wellbeing programs

Flexible work arrangements

Job summary

Kempsey Shire Council is offering an 18-month Trainee Waste Services position on a full-time basis on the Mid North Coast of NSW. You will learn on-the-job and complete a Certificate III in Waste Management with support from experienced team members across the Waste Management Centre and transfer stations.

You will gain practical skills in customer service, weighbridge and point-of-sale activities, resource recovery and recycling, while developing safety and environmental compliance knowledge as

Qualifications

• Completed Year 10, with Year 12 desirable.
• Willingness to complete a Certificate III in Waste Management (or equivalent).
• Basic computer skills and confidence learning new systems.

Responsibilities

• Participate in structured on-the-job training and formal coursework.
• Develop practical skills across Waste Management Centre and Waste Transfer Stations.
• Assist with customer service, weighbridge and point-of-sale activities.
• Assist with resource recovery, recycling and landfill operations.
• Support litter management and site housekeeping.
• Develop strong health and safety practices in a team environment.

Skills

Willingness to learn

Customer service

Teamwork

Basic computer skills

Clear communication

Safety awareness

Education

Year 10 completed

Year 12 desirable

Certificate III in Waste Management (or equivalent)

Tools

Weighbridge operations

Point-of-sale systems

Waste management equipment

Job description

Start your career in waste management and earn while you learn!

Council is looking for a motivated and enthusiasticTrainee Waste Servicesteam member to join our Waste Services team.

This is a fantastic opportunity to gain practical, hands-on experience while completing aCertificate III in Waste Management (or equivalent)within 18 months. You’ll learn from experienced team members while developing the skills and knowledge needed to work safely and confidently across a range of waste management operations.

No two days will necessarily be the same. You’ll gain experience across Council’sWaste Management Centre and Waste Transfer Stations, assisting with customer service, weighbridge and point-of-sale activities, resource recovery, recycling, landfill operations, site maintenance and litter management.

You’ll also develop an understanding ofenvironmental compliance, EPA requirements, Work Health and Safety and responsible waste management, while helping deliver important services to the Kempsey Shire community.

What you’ll do:

As a Trainee Waste Services team member, you will:

• Participate in structured on-the-job training and formal coursework.
• Work towards and complete aCertificate III in Waste Management (or equivalent)through a Registered Training Organisation.
• Develop practical skills across Council’s Waste Management Centre and Waste Transfer Stations.
• Develop customer service and point-of-sale skills, including assisting with weighbridge operations.
• Assist with day-to-day waste operations and safe manual handling activities.
• Assist with operations at theSouth West Rocks, Stuarts Point and Bellbrook Waste Transfer Stations.
• Promote recycling and responsible waste management to customers and members of the community.
• Assist with resource recovery and recycling activities.
• Support landfill operations at theCrescent Head Road Waste Management Centre, including learning to operate landfill machinery when appropriately trained and deemed competent.
• Assist with the maintenance and servicing of plant and equipment.
• Assist with litter management and general site housekeeping.
• Develop strong Work Health and Safety practices and contribute to a safe workplace.
• Work cooperatively with the Waste Services team and provide professional and respectful service to the community.

For a full list of the Key Accountabilities of the role, please refer to the Position Description.

Your New Role:

Start your career in waste management and earn while you learn!

Council is looking for a motivated and enthusiasticTrainee Waste Servicesteam member to join our Waste Services team.

This is a fantastic opportunity to gain practical, hands-on experience while completing aCertificate III in Waste Management (or equivalent)within 18 months. You’ll learn from experienced team members while developing the skills and knowledge needed to work safely and confidently across a range of waste management operations.

No two days will necessarily be the same. You’ll gain experience across Council’sWaste Management Centre and Waste Transfer Stations, assisting with customer service, weighbridge and point-of-sale activities, resource recovery, recycling, landfill operations, site maintenance and litter management.

You’ll also develop an understanding ofenvironmental compliance, EPA requirements, Work Health and Safety and responsible waste management, while helping deliver important services to the Kempsey Shire community.

For a full list of the Key Accountabilities of the role, please refer to the Position Description.

About You:

We’re looking for someone who ispractical, reliable, willing to learn and ready to get involved.

You don’t need to have previous experience in waste management — what matters most is your attitude, willingness to learn and commitment to developing your skills.

You will ideally have:

• CompletedYear 10, with Year 12 desirable.
• A genuine interest in the waste management industry and environmental sustainability.
• A willingness and commitment to complete aCertificate III in Waste Management (or equivalent).
• The ability to successfully complete both the theory and practical components of the traineeship.
• Basic computer skills and confidence learning new systems.
• Clear verbal and written communication skills.
• A friendly and courteous approach to customer service.
• Good organisational and time-management skills.
• The ability to follow instructions, work safely and meet agreed deadlines.
• The ability to work effectively as part of a team.
• A flexible and proactive"can do" attitude.
• A willingness to work outdoors and undertake practical and manual tasks.
• A commitment to workplace health and safety.
• A willingness to learn about environmental regulations, waste management practices and Council procedures.
• A commitment to completing the traineeship and participating in ongoing workplace learning and development.
• The ability to demonstrate and uphold Council’s values in your day-to-day work.

Essential requirements

You will also need:

• A currentDriver Licence, or willingness to obtain and maintain one.
• ANSW General Construction Induction Card (White Card), or willingness to obtain one.
• CurrentTetanus, Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B immunisations, or willingness to participate in an immunisation program.
• A willingness to undertake all training and development required for the position.

About Us:

Kempsey Shire Council (KSC) is located on the Mid North Coast of NSW, known for its genuine hospitality, pristine beaches, sub-tropical rainforests, mountain ranges, rock river gorges, sprawling farmland and peaceful villages.

We are a progressive, proactive and dynamic organisation, and we pride ourselves on the respectful and supportive workplace we have cultivated. With 360+ dedicated staff managing $1.8 billion worth of assets across many sites throughout the Shire, KSC work closely with our community to build an inspired, connected Macleay Valley.

Why Join Us?

As the successful candidate, you’ll enjoy:

• A temporary full-time position for 18 months, 38-hour work week
• Fortnightly Rostered Day Off (RDO)
• Weekly salary of $625.80 to $1063.90 in accordance with the LocalGovernment (State) Award (plus superannuation).
• Developing transferable skills that can be useful across waste management, civil operations, environmental services, resource recovery and other Local Government areas.
• Gaining hands‑on experience, developing practical skills across waste collection, waste facilities, recycling, resource recovery, landfill operations and waste education.
• A working environment focussed on wellbeing, including flexible work arrangements, rostered days off, EAP access, social club, and health and wellbeing programs.
• Fitness Passports for discounted access to a range of gym and pool facilities.
• Career development and learning opportunities.
• A supportive, collaborative working environment designed to help you grow!
• A fantastic lifestyle and work life balance, on the beautiful Mid‑North Coast.

Interested?

Please apply via Council’s website http://careers.kempsey.nsw.gov.au/. Note that you will be required to prepare and submit:

• A short statement (maximum 2 pages) outlining how your experience, abilities, knowledge and personal qualities will enable you to achieve the key accountabilities of the role (as listed in the Position Description); and
• Your current resume.

Applications Close: COB Friday, 2 October 2026

Please note that Council reserves the right to close this job advertisement before the stated closing date if a suitable candidate is found. Therefore, we encourage all interested applicants to submit their applications as soon as possible.

Have questions? Please contact Jason Magill- Waste manager, for a confidential discussion on Ph: 02 6566 3***.

Please Note:

Our recruitment notification process is primarily via system generated emails. Please ensure your email is correct before submitting your application to avoid missing crucial updates.

• Completion of a pre‑employment medical assessment is a requirement of KSC’s recruitment process for this position
• Current immunisations against tetanus, Hepatitis A & B and Q Fever or willingness to obtain these vaccinations is a requirement of KSC’s recruitment process for this position.

If you experience any difficulties applying online, please contact the Recruitment team on 02 6566 3*** or email ****@kempsey.nsw.gov.au

Thank you and good luck with your application.

Kempsey Shire Council is an equal opportunity employer and we celebrate our diverse, inclusive and values‑led workforce. We welcome and encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with diverse culture and linguistic backgrounds and people with a disability. In addition, Kempsey Shire Council will provide reasonable adjustments for suitably qualified individuals with disabilities. If you require additional assistance to participate in the recruitment process, please discuss with the advertised contact person. You can ask for reasonable adjustments to be made at any time during the recruitment process.

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