Compost Process Operator

Wellington City Council; Wellington; On-site; NZD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Wellington City Council is seeking a Compost Process Operator to be part of its Waste Operations team. This full-time permanent role involves operating composting machinery and processing organic materials to help produce premium-grade compost. Join a purpose-driven team in making a real difference in reducing waste and promoting sustainability. Additional benefits include five weeks of annual leave and various learning opportunities.

Benefits

5 weeks annual leave

Health and wellbeing support

Flexible working options

Council staff discounts

Learning and development programmes

Qualifications

• Experience operating composting machinery preferred.
• Attention to detail for process monitoring essential.
• Commitment to environmental sustainability is a must.

Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain composting machinery including loaders and excavators.
• Process organic waste into high-quality compost.
• Monitor compost batches from intake to delivery.

Skills

Machinery Operating

Attention to Detail

Communication

Team Player Attitude

Mechanical Maintenance

Job description

• Join a purpose-driven team making real environmental impact
• Make a real difference in reducing waste and carbon emissions
• Fulltime permanent role + 5 weeks annual leave

As a great harbour capital city, Wellington City Council has established a vision for Wellington as 'an inclusive, sustainable and creative capital for people to live, work and play'. The future of Wellington is compact, inclusive & connected, greener, resilient, vibrant and prosperous.

Wellington City Council's Waste Operations team is at the frontline of one of the biggest environmental challenges facing Aotearoa today: waste management and resource recovery. With a team of around 40 staff, we're responsible for managing the city's solid waste systems - and leading the shift from landfill reliance to circular solutions.

One of our flagship initiatives is Capital Compost , based at the Southern Landfill. Here, we take organic material such as green waste and food waste and transform it into high-quality compost that supports local gardens, parks, farms, and food production. This process diverts valuable resources from landfill, reduces greenhouse gas emissions, and strengthens Wellington's commitment to a low-carbon, sustainable future.

We're looking for a Compost Process Operator to join our passionate team. This is a hands-on, practical role where you'll play a vital part in processing organic materials, operating heavy equipment, and helping us produce and distribute premium-grade compost. You'll also be a key part of supporting our retail compost sales, building relationships with our customers and community.

What You'll Be Doing

• Operating and maintaining composting machinery (loaders, shredder, screen, forklift, excavator).
• Processing organic waste into nutrient-rich, weed-free compost.
• Monitoring compost batches from intake to maturation and packaging.
• Supporting the sale and delivery of compost products.
• Maintaining stock levels and supporting customer service and delivery.
• Upholding the highest standards for environmental, health & safety, and organic certification.

What You'll Bring

• A practical mindset with machinery operating experience and a full NZ drivers licence (training provided for the right person).
• Strong attention to detail, especially around process monitoring and documentation.
• A team player attitude with great communication skills.
• Commitment to environmental sustainability and continuous improvement.
• A basic understanding of mechanical maintenance as the role requires prestartr check and daily maintenance tasks.
• A reliable vehicle to get to work as the site is not accessible through public transport or cycling.

There is a requirement to be physically fit for this role and applicants must be prepared to undergo pre-employment health, fitness, and drug screening as part of the pre-employment process.

Are you passionate about sustainability and ready to get your hands dirty for a cleaner, greener future? Apply today.

About us

Working for the Council offers youa range of benefits including 5 weeks annual leave, flexible working options, health and wellbeing support, Council staff discounts and a range of learning and development programmes and opportunities.

Applications close on the 13 th of July 2025.All applications must be submitted online. All applicants must have the current right to work in New Zealand.

Diversity:We want your application to enable you to portray the real you. Skills are gained across many areas of our life, not just formal employment. If you can demonstrate the skills listed in the advert through whānau life, community or mahi aroha (volunteering) we encourage you to apply and share your story with us in your cover letter. We welcome applications from all walks of life and like our workforce to reflect the diverse communities we serve.

Accessibility Support:We want to make sure any accessibility requirements you may have, are well supported so the selection process is equitable for everyone. Please let us know if there are any adjustments or support, we can offer to make our process more accessible to you by emailing:[e-mail]