Machine Operative

Greenstar; Sheffield (TX); On-site; USD 43,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

Panda is hiring a Machine Operative (Loading Shovel & 360 Grab Operator) for our busy Sheffield recycling facility. You will operate mobile plant to load, move and sort waste materials, ensuring safety, compliance and high operational standards at all times.

Join our team and help maximise recovery and recycling while maintaining rigorous housekeeping and reporting any issues promptly. This hands-on role requires valid plant operator tickets and a commitment to safe working practices.

Qualifications

• Has experience operating a loading shovel and 360 grab.
• Holds relevant and valid plant operator tickets or licences.
• Understands mobile plant and workplace safety procedures.
• Is comfortable working in a busy waste/recycling environment.
• Maintains high housekeeping standards.
• Reliable, safety-conscious and a team player.

Responsibilities

• Operate loading shovels, 360 grabs, forklifts and other mobile plant.
• Load and unload vehicles safely and efficiently.
• Move and segregate materials to maximise recovery and recycling.
• Complete daily safety and defect checks before operating equipment.
• Identify and report unsuitable or non-conforming materials.
• Keep operational areas, walkways and machinery clean and free from debris.
• Support routine plant maintenance once fully trained.
• Follow all health, safety, environmental and site procedures.
• Report equipment defects, incidents and near misses immediately.
• Wear the required personal protective equipment at all times.

Skills

Loading shovel

360 grab operator

Plant operator tickets

Safety conscious

Job description

About The Role

Machine Operative (Loading Shovel & 360 Grab Operator)

Location: Sheffield

We are looking for an experienced Loading Shovel & 360 Grab Operator to join our team at our busy Sheffield recycling facility.

You will operate mobile plant to safely move, load and sort waste materials throughout the site. This is a hands-on role where safety, compliance and maintaining high operational standards are essential.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Operate loading shovels, 360 grabs, forklifts and other mobile plant
• Load and unload vehicles safely and efficiently
• Move and segregate materials to maximise recovery and recycling
• Complete daily safety and defect checks before operating equipment
• Identify and report unsuitable or non-conforming materials
• Keep operational areas, walkways and machinery clean and free from debris
• Support routine plant maintenance once fully trained
• Follow all health, safety, environmental and site procedures
• Report equipment defects, incidents and near misses immediately
• Wear the required personal protective equipment at all times

About You

We are looking for someone who:

• Has experience operating a loading shovel and 360 grab
• Holds relevant and valid plant operator tickets or licences
• Understands mobile plant and workplace safety procedures
• Is comfortable working in a busy waste, recycling or industrial environment
• Takes pride in maintaining high housekeeping standards
• Is reliable, safety-conscious and able to work effectively as part of a team

Join us as a Loading Shovel & 360 Grab Operator and play an important role in keeping our Widnes operation safe, efficient and compliant.

About Us

We are Panda. We value waste.

We’re in the business of waste management but that doesn’t just mean collecting bins. Behind every collection is a passionate team of people finding smarter, safer, and more sustainable ways to recycle and repurpose materials that would otherwise go to waste.

Over the past 30 years, Panda has grown into a leading resource recovery business, bringing together almost 3,000 people across multiple brands, united by a shared vision and strong values. While our operations are diverse, our purpose is clear: to protect our people, support our customers, and create positive impact for the communities and environments we serve.

At Panda, people are at the heart of everything we do. We work as one team, combining different skills, experiences, and perspectives to achieve shared goals. We care for each other’s wellbeing, encourage development, and support growth because we know we’re stronger together.

We expect excellence in how we operate. High standards, bold thinking, and continuous improvement drive our passion for innovation. We challenge the ordinary, put safety first, and embrace new ideas while delivering practical, cost-effective solutions that move our business forward.

We own what we do. From day-to-day tasks to major projects, we take pride in our work and responsibility for the outcome. We don’t walk past problems we address them together. Our expertise, reliability, and care reflect who we are and the difference we make.

And above all, we act with trust and integrity. Trust is built through open communication, honesty, and accountability. It allows us to move quickly, make confident decisions, and deliver results — knowing our people are empowered to do the right thing.

Our journey depends on talented, committed people who want to make an impact.

Take the first step and join us on the journey.

Panda is committed to attracting and retaining a skilled and diverse workforce that reflects the communities in which we operate and the people we serve.

(DE&I Policy Statement)