Plant Operator Project Delivery

About The Opportunity

At PMHC, every employee plays a part in working together to achieve positive outcomes for our community. To help us achieve this, we are seeking a Plant Operator to join our Project Delivery team.

This is a practical, hands-on role with the majority of day-to-day work undertaken on a backhoe, supporting a wide range of civil construction and maintenance projects across the region. You’ll also have opportunities to operate other plant as required, working as part of a skilled and supportive team. If you’re confident on a backhoe and other plant, enjoy varied outdoor work, and take pride in operating plant safely and efficiently, we’d love to hear from you.

As a Plant Operator, you’ll be responsible for operating civil plant to support construction and infrastructure delivery works across Council. While this role involves exposure to a variety of plant, backhoe operation will form the core component of the position, including trenching, excavation, and general civil works.

On a Typical Day, Your Duties Will Include

• Operating a backhoe as the primary plant, undertaking trenching, bulk excavation, road pavement works, and other civil construction activities.
• Operating additional plant such as skidsteer, roller, excavator, loader, grader, or outreach mower as required.
• Assisting with construction and general labouring duties as directed by the Team Leader.
• Working safely on Council worksites, including near live traffic, staff, and members of the public.
• Undertaking risk assessments and ensuring all works are completed in accordance with WHS legislation and Council safety policies.
• Protecting Council and public assets through safe and responsible plant operation.
• Carrying out routine checks, basic maintenance, and cleaning of plant and associated tools.
• Securing plant and equipment when not in use and maintaining a tidy, functional work environment.
• Reading and working from basic plans and work instructions.
• Participating in Council’s after-hours on-call roster, as required.
• Reporting hazards, incidents, injuries, and HR-related matters to your supervisor.
• Always representing Council in a professional and positive manner.

To Be Successful In This Role, You Will

• Current MR Licence
• Have demonstrated recent experience operating civil plant, with strong capability and confidence operating a backhoe.
• Have experience operating additional plant such as excavators, rollers, skidsteers, loaders, graders, frannas, or outreach mowers.
• Possess sound knowledge of plant operation and basic plant maintenance.
• Hold Construction Industry Safety Induction Training (White Card) and a strong understanding of WHS obligations.
• Have good literacy, numeracy, and communication skills.
• Be a reliable team player who can also work independently when required.
• Be willing and able to work out-of-hours for emergencies or programmed works.
• Be committed to safety, quality workmanship, and following Council policies and procedures.

Remuneration And Benefits

Employment type: Permanent, full-time role (38 hours per week with 9-day fortnight)

Salary (exclusive of super): Starting salary of $1263.29 per week with the opportunity for competency-based progression up to $1414.02 per week.

Allowances: Adverse Working Level 1

Benefits

• Fortnightly RDO
• PPE provided
• Discounted gym membership through membership to Fitness Passport
• Career development opportunities
• Annual salary increase as per the Local Government (State) Award 2023 plus annual salary review
• Long service leave after 5 years
• Generous employee assistance program
• Salary packaging options available through Salary Packaging Australia and Maxxia
• Recognition through our annual awards ceremony celebrating and rewarding staff achievements

Questions?

If you would like to know more about this opportunity or have any questions about the role please contact Richard Ward, Construction Coordinator Project Delivery on 0418 655 731.

Interested in Applying?

Please complete the application form below and answer the questions which relate to the essential and desirable criteria within the position description, then upload a copy of your resume and cover letter.

You will find the position description when you apply for the role.

You may find it helpful to write your response to the questions in a word document then copy/paste this into the application form once you are ready to submit your application.

Applications Close: Sunday 19 July 2026 at 11:30pm

Notes

Suitable candidates may be placed on a talent pool or eligibility list for future identical, or similar positions for a period of 12 months.

Please upload documents in PDF format.

We often ask our preferred applicants to complete pre-employment checks. This may include: Reference Checks; National Criminal Police Check; Medical Assessment; Qualification Verification; Working with Children Check Verification.

PMHC's recruitment notification process is primarily via system generated emails. Please ensure your email is correct before submitting an application to avoid missing crucial updates and outcomes. Email communication notifications are used for but not limited to: application received, interview booking tools, confirmation of interview, request for references/more information, delay notifications, testing/assessments (aptitude/psychometric/industry specific) and application outcomes (unsuccessful before or after interview).

Please regularly check your 'junk mail' or ensure our email address ***email_hidden*** and Pulse email [email protected] is set to 'trustworthy'.

Port Macquarie Hastings Council adheres to the principles of a child safe organisation and is committed to the care and protection of all children and young people.

At Port Macquarie-Hastings Council, we believe that diversity makes us stronger. We are committed to creating a workplace that reflects the vibrant community we serve—where everyone feels welcome, respected, and empowered to thrive. We encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, veterans, people with disabilities, culturally and linguistically diverse individuals, and members of the LGBTQIA+ community. If you require any adjustments during the recruitment process or in the workplace, please contact us at [email protected]. We’re here to support you every step of the way.