Mobile Plant Operator

Jones Skips; Wolverhampton; Hybrid; GBP 22,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

Jones Skips in Wolverhampton is seeking a Mobile Plant Operator to run heavy machinery across construction, recycling and industrial sites. You will load, sort and move waste materials, perform pre-shift checks, and ensure safe, efficient operation in line with site procedures.

With demonstrable experience operating mobile plant (e.g., excavators, loaders, telehandlers) and a valid licence, you will help maintain throughput, support the recycling process and uphold safety standards in a

Qualifications

• Proven experience operating mobile plant in waste, recycling, construction, quarrying or similar heavy-industry environment.
• Valid commercial driver's license with a clean driving record.
• Strong mechanical knowledge to troubleshoot basic issues and perform routine maintenance on equipment.
• Familiarity with safety standards related to heavy machinery operation and site protocols.
• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions and physically handle the demands of the role.
• Excellent communication skills for effective teamwork and reporting.
• Nice-to-have: excavator operation experience and relevant licences/tickets.

Responsibilities

• Operate mobile plant machinery including loading shovels, telehandlers, 360 excavators, forklifts and other site vehicles.
• Load material into the processing plant to maintain a consistent feed to the picking belt.
• Conduct pre-sorting of waste materials prior to loading to maximise recycling efficiency.
• Carry out daily operational checks on all mobile plant, including fluid levels, tyres, hydraulics, safety systems and attachments.
• Report all defects, faults or maintenance issues promptly in line with company procedures.
• Perform daily maintenance tasks such as greasing, cleaning, clearing blockages and general upkeep of plant machinery.
• Ensure safe operating procedures (SOPs), site rules, traffic management plans and risk assessments are followed at all times.
• Promote and maintain a strong safety culture, reporting near misses, hazards and unsafe behaviours.
• Keep work areas, loading zones, stockpiles and roadways clean, tidy and accessible at all times.
• Load vehicles safely, accurately and in a timely manner.
• Assist the Yard Marshal with traffic flow management, vehicle movements and pedestrian safety when required.
• Conduct stock checks at the beginning and end of each shift for end-of-line materials and processed waste streams.
• Support the recycling process by assisting with picking line operations, material handling and general production tasks as required.
• Segregate waste materials in accordance with site procedures, environmental regulations and recycling targets.
• Operate plant in compliance with environmental permits, duty of care requirements and waste handling legislation.
• Communicate effectively with colleagues, supervisors and drivers to ensure smooth operational flow.
• Participate in toolbox talks, safety briefings and training sessions as required.
• Undertake any other operational duties that support the efficient running of the recycling facility.

Skills

Mobile plant operation

Safety compliance

Maintenance basics

Communication

Outdoor/physical work

Tools

NPORS/CPCS/ITSSAR licences

Job description

Overview

Join our dynamic team as a Mobile Plant Operator and be at the forefront of efficient and safe equipment operation across diverse work sites. In this role, you will operate a range of heavy machinery, including excavators and other mobile plant equipment, to support construction, mining, or industrial projects. The Mobile Plant Operator is responsible for the safe, efficient and compliant operation of mobile plant and machinery within the waste management and recycling facility. The role supports the end‑to‑end recycling process by loading, sorting, moving and processing incoming waste materials to ensure continuous plant feed, optimal throughput and high‑quality output materials. The operator will maintain plant equipment, uphold site safety standards, and contribute to the smooth running of daily yard and recycling operations.

Duties

• Operate mobile plant machinery including loading shovels, telehandlers, 360 excavators, forklifts and other site vehicles as required.
• Load material into the processing plant to maintain a consistent and suitable feed to the picking belt.
• Conduct pre‑sorting of waste materials prior to loading to maximise recycling efficiency and reduce contamination.
• Carry out daily operational checks on all mobile plant, including fluid levels, tyres, hydraulics, safety systems and attachments.
• Report all defects, faults or maintenance issues promptly in line with company procedures=.
• Perform daily maintenance tasks such as greasing, cleaning, clearing blockages and general upkeep of plant machinery.
• Ensure safe operating procedures (SOPs), site rules, traffic management plans and risk assessments are followed at all times.
• Promote and maintain a strong safety culture, reporting near misses, hazards and unsafe behaviours.
• Keep work areas, loading zones, stockpiles and roadways clean, tidy and accessible at all times.
• Load vehicles (including skip lorries, bulkers and articulated vehicles) safely, accurately and in a timely manner.
• Assist the Yard Marshal with traffic flow management, vehicle movements and pedestrian safety when required.
• Conduct stock checks at the beginning and end of each shift for end‑of‑line materials and processed waste streams.
• Support the recycling process by assisting with picking line operations, material handling and general production tasks as required.
• Segregate waste materials in accordance with site procedures, environmental regulations and recycling targets.
• Operate plant in compliance with environmental permits, duty of care requirements and waste handling legislation.
• Communicate effectively with colleagues, supervisors and drivers to ensure smooth operational flow.
• Participate in toolbox talks, safety briefings and training sessions as required.
• Undertake any other operational duties that support the efficient running of the recycling facility.

Qualifications

• Proven experience operating mobile plant in a waste, recycling, construction, quarrying or similar heavy‑industry environment.
• Valid commercial driver’s license with a clean driving record
• Strong mechanical knowledge to troubleshoot basic issues and perform routine maintenance on equipment
• Familiarity with safety standards related to heavy machinery operation and site protocols
• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions and physically handle the demands of the role
• Excellent communication skills for effective teamwork and reporting
• Nice‑to‑have skills include experience operating an excavator specifically, along with additional certifications related to heavy machinery operation
• Valid and up‑to‑date mobile plant licences/tickets (e.g., NPORS, CPCS, ITSSAR).
• Strong understanding of safe plant operation, site safety rules and traffic management.
• Ability to carry out daily maintenance checks and basic mechanical tasks.
• Good awareness of environmental compliance and waste handling procedures.
• Physically fit and able to work in an outdoor, fast‑paced industrial environment.
• Reliable, punctual and able to work independently or as part of a team.
• Strong communication skills and ability to follow instructions accurately.

Embark on a career where your skills drive success! We are committed to providing a safe, inclusive environment that values your expertise in mobile plant operation. Join us in making impactful contributions on exciting projects while advancing your professional growth.