Operator - Hazardous Waste

Waste Management; Tauranga; On-site; NZD 52,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

WM New Zealand seeks a reliable, motivated individual to support operations in an industrial distillation and oil processing environment. You will operate plant equipment, perform start-ups/shutdowns, and maintain safety and quality records as part of a shift-based team.

With training provided and PPE supplied, this permanent full-time role offers development opportunities and a pathway to career progression within WM New Zealand.

Qualifications

• Willingness to learn; all training provided.
• Autonomy and ability to work with a team.
• Rotating shifts Monday–Friday; variable patterns.
• Permanent full-time role; 40 hours per week.
• Experience in production or operations preferred.
• Able to pass pre-employment drug and alcohol tests.
• Non-smoker preferred; strong safety mindset.
• Access site with own vehicle; forklift license desirable.

Responsibilities

• Operate plant equipment and processing systems safely and efficiently.
• Receive, inspect and process waste oils, sludges, oily water and other approved streams.
• Complete plant start-up, shutdown and routine maintenance checks.
• Monitor plant performance, tank levels and product quality.
• Conduct sampling, inspections and stock reconciliations.
• Maintain accurate operational records and compliance documentation.
• Safely load and unload incoming waste and recovered products.
• Maintain high standards of housekeeping and environmental compliance.
• Follow health, safety and environmental procedures, including PPE requirements.

Skills

Can-do attitude

Teamwork

Autonomy

Willingness to learn

Safety awareness

Shift work

Tools

Forklift license

Job description

Let’s take care of work that matters - people, place and purpose. From roads to recycling to reporting, everyone at WM New Zealand (WM) helps take care of our people, protect our whenua and support our communities.

WM New Zealand is New Zealand's leading resource recovery, recycling, and waste management, provider. We’re committed to safeguarding our beautiful environment through sustainable management of our valuable resources. Put simply, sustainability is what we do.

Job Description

About the Role

You will contribute to the safe and efficient operation of an industrial distillation unit, boiler and oil filter baler, ensuring all assigned tasks are completed within each shift.

You will join a supportive work environment with ongoing training and all required personal protective equipment (PPE) provided.

We are looking for a reliable, motivated and responsible individual who demonstrates a strong work ethic, maintains consistent attendance and can work independently to complete assigned duties efficiently and safely.

This is a great opportunity for someone seeking shift-based work in an industrial environment, with ongoing training and support to develop their skills.

Key Responsibilities

Operate plant equipment and processing systems safely and efficiently.

Receive, inspect and process waste oils, sludges, oily water and other approved waste streams.

Complete plant start-up, shutdown, operational checks and routine maintenance.

Monitor plant performance, tank levels and product quality.

Conduct sampling, inspections and stock reconciliations.

Maintain accurate operational records and compliance documentation.

Safely load and unload incoming waste and recovered products.

Maintain high standards of housekeeping, spill prevention and environmental compliance.

Follow all health, safety and environmental procedures, including PPE requirements.

Qualifications

Skills/Requirements:

• A great can-do attitude and willingness to learn. (All training will be provided)
• Forklift experience is desirable but not essential.
• The ability to work autonomously and as part of a team.
• Rotating shifts across Monday to Friday, with flexibility to work different shift patterns required.
• Permanent full time job with40hours per week, with shifts arranged as either standard 8-hour days across five days or longer 10-12-hour shifts over fewer days.
• Experience (moderate) in a production or operations environment
• Can pass a pre-employment police, drug and alcohol test
• Working with flammable solvents so a non-smoker is a plus but a proactive strong drive to safety or following protocols is essential
• Ability to get to site for the shift using own vehicle and for forklift license desirable

Preferred:

• Experience in waste management, oil recovery, wastewater treatment, manufacturing, or process plant operations.
• Dangerous Goods awareness or certification.

Additional Information

What’s In It For You?
A role that’s challenging, varied, and meaningful
A supportive, close-knit team culture
Strong training and development support
Proven career progression within WM New Zealand
Work that makes a genuine environmental impact

At WM, we invest in our people - because they are our greatest asset.

Additional Information

• You must be currently in New Zealand with valid work rights (NZ citizenship, residency, or a current work visa)
• WM New Zealand is an EEO employer
• We operate a drug and alcohol-free workplace

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