Waste Recycler and Operator

Auckland Council Group; Auckland; Hybrid; NZD 34,000 - 49,000; Part time

Job summary

Auckland Council's Waitakere Resource Recovery Park in Henderson is seeking a casual Waste Recycler and Operator to join our frontline Solid Waste team delivering essential services to Tāmaki Makaurau. You will operate heavy machinery, transfer waste, and help divert recyclables in a busy, outdoor environment.

We require a full NZ driver’s licence (Class 1 and 2), a WTR endorsement with Fork Hoist/Lift certification, and demonstrable experience in a heavy machinery role.

Qualifications

• Experience operating heavy machinery and power tools in waste, construction, landscaping, or similar industries preferred.
• Good physical fitness for a demanding role and ability to work outdoors in varied conditions.
• WTR endorsement and Fork Hoist/Lift certification are required.
• Full NZ driver’s licence (Class 1 and 2) is essential.

Responsibilities

• Transfer waste to landfills and divert reusable items from the waste stream.
• Assist customers at drop-off areas and ensure safety at all times.
• Operate heavy machinery and power tools in daily tasks.
• Maintain high health and safety standards for staff and customers.

Skills

Heavy machinery operation

Physical fitness

Safety awareness

Tools

Fork Hoist/Lift certification

WTR endorsement

NZ Class 1-2 driver’s licence

Job description

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We have an opportunity for a casual Waste Recycler and Operator to join our Henderson team based at the Waitakere Resource Recovery Park.

This is an exciting opportunity to join a team delivering essential services to Tāmaki Makaurau and our environment!

Auckland Council’s Solid Waste unit plays a critical, boots‑on‑the‑ground role in managing around 40% of the region’s waste across our facilities, handling everything from commercial refuse and kerbside collections to recycling, hazardous materials, and inorganic waste.

PLEASE NOTE: We are open 8am-6pm, Monday to Sunday.

The remuneration rate for this role is $30 per hour depending on experience and skillset.

As an essential service, we’re out there year‑round in all conditions, supporting our communities and keeping Tāmaki Makaurau clean. Our frontline teams operate transfer stations, work with machinery, and keep waste moving safely and efficiently every day.

Recycling is hands‑on, physical work that makes a real difference—join a team that takes pride in delivering for the community while protecting the environment.

Day-to-day you could expect to work on:

• Transfer of waste to landfills
• Diverting reusable items and recycling materials from the waste stream
• Managing customers at the different drop‑off areas
• Health and Safety - ensuring staff and customers are kept safe

You are a physically fit individual who is ready to get stuck into work and support the team with your experience operating heavy machinery.

Please note a practical assessment is part of the recruitment process.

We’re looking for someone who has:

• A full NZ driver’s licence (Class 1 and 2 – essential)
• WTR (Wheels, Tracks and Rollers) endorsement and Fork Hoist/Lift certification
• Demonstratable experience operating heavy machinery and power tools (waste, construction, landscaping, or similar industries preferred)
• Good physical fitness – physically demanding role
• An approved Handler Certificate, particularly in chemical handling, would be highly advantageous but is not essential.

At Auckland Council, you will join a dynamic, supportive environment where your mahi (work) will directly impact the lives of over 1.7 million Aucklanders. We offer flexible working conditions, a focus on well‑being, and a culture of continuous improvement.

We are proud to be recognised for our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion.

We are accredited by GenderTick, a signatory of the Pride Pledge. These commitments reflect our ongoing efforts to create a workplace where all staff feel valued, respected, and empowered to thrive.

Together, we can create a Tāmaki Makaurau we can all be proud of.

Application Deadline: 23rd November 2026

We are reviewing applications on a rolling basis and may close this advert earlier than initially advertised. We will update the advert accordingly, so please check back regularly for any changes.

This role is safety-sensitive and requires pre-employment drug testing.

If you have any support or access requirements, please advise us when submitting your application so we can assist you.

Our employer Kiwisaver contribution is additional to base salary offered.

Auckland Council is an equal opportunity employer (EOE) and we are committed to providing a working environment that embraces and values diversity and inclusion. If you have any support or access requirements, we encourage you to advise us at the time of application to assist you through the recruitment process.