Specialist Plant Operators
Job No:
GSC636
Location:
Gunnedah
Location: Gunnedah, NSW
Contract Type: Full Time, 38 hours per week - 9 day Fortnight
Salary Range:
Advanced Operator (Grade 9 - $1313.65 > $1450.02 + 12% Superannuation and CLA)
Application Deadline: 5:00pm, Monday 25 May 2026
A council truly passionate about community!
Gunnedah Shire Council is an integral part of the Gunnedah community, a vibrant, warm and friendly town surrounded by the expansive Liverpool Plains and framed by the Nandewar Ranges. At Gunnedah Shire Council we are committed to providing a friendly and helpful service to all stakeholders. We are dedicated to Gunnedah being a liveable and accessible community for all ages and demographics. Additionally, as a council we are proud to promote economic and business development in the region.
We are not only invested in the people of Gunnedah, we are also heavily invested in its employees and their future careers.
Are you skilled in plant operations? Do you have experience with GPS guided machinery?
Gunnedah Shire Council is seeking a number of Specialist Plant Operators to join our Works team as Advanced and Versatile Operators.
- Looking for a tree change? Enjoy a rural community lifestyle!
- Fantastic opportunity to advance your career in a vibrant local community!
- Receive an attractive salary, 9 day fortnights and enjoy the many perks of work for your local community
Our Next Specialist Plant Operator
Reporting to the Works Coordinator, you will be responsible for operating various construction and maintenance machinery, assisting in infrastructure projects, and ensuring the upkeep of public facilities and spaces.
- Key Responsibilities for this role include:
- Operate and maintain assigned complex plant effectively, safely and in accordance with standing operating procedures.
- Ensure compliance with Council’s WHS policies and with legislative requirements or regulations.
- Accurately perform general road maintenance operational works required to construct, repair, maintain Council’s infrastructure. This would typically include but not be limited to; the operation of small plant and hand tools, performing traffic control duties and applying basic engineering principles, systems and processes.
- Quality check work and identify and remediate defects.
- Supervise staff where delegated by the Team Leader.
- Work constructively and cooperatively with other members of the department to complete work programs in accordance with agreed timeframes and standards.
- Apply WHS and risk management systems in accordance with Council’s policies and procedures.
- Complete assigned administrative tasks accurately in accordance with Council’s policies and procedures.
- Maintain required qualifications essential for the position and undertake agreed training to meet the positions desired skill level.
- Participate in on-call duties as required.
To read the full position description, please click on the following:
What You’ll Bring to the Team
To qualify, you will need at minimum a Cert 3/Cert 4 qualification in Civil Construction, or willingness to undertake with 5+ years of direct work experience.
Key requirements for the positions are as follows:
Advanced Operator - Cert 4 in Civil Construction or a similar field, or willingness to undertake with 5+ years of direct work experience.
- Experience in GPS guided grader operation and other plant.
- HC class driver's licence highly desired
- All essential requirements of a Versatile Operator
- PWZ ticket highly desired
Versatile Operator - Cert 3 in Civil Construction or a similar field, or willingness to undertake with 5+ years of direct work experience.
- Highly competent in operating 3 or more of the following items of plant – Grader, Excavator, HR/MR/HC Truck, Backhoe, Jet Patcher, Dozer, Stabiliser/Mixer, Loader.
- HC class driver's licence highly desired
- PWZ ticket highly desired
No candidate will meet every single desired qualification or skill. If your experience looks a little different from what we have identified and you think you can bring value to the role, we would love to learn more about you!
Why Join Gunnedah Shire Council?
Some of the benefits working for Gunnedah Shire Council include:
- Work only 38 hours per week!
- Accrue a Rostered Day Off (RDO) every 2 weeks, helping you manage the work-life balance
- Long Service Leave after 5 years!
- Access to 2 Health and Wellbeing days annually, allowing you to get to those important appointments
- Receive annual award salary increases with potential for further increases during performance appraisal cycles
- Salary packaging and salary sacrificing options available - Salary Packaging Australia
- Supportive and dynamic work environment.
- Professional development and career growth opportunities.
- 4 weeks annual leave
- Opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the community.
- Access to employee wellbeing programs
- Active social club
For further information regarding this role please contact Peter Smith, Manager Works, on 02 6740 2100 or see the Position Description's attached above.
How to Apply
Please read the Position Description by clicking on the link above. It is important to read this carefully to understand what the job involves.
No candidate will meet every single desired qualification or skill. If your experience looks a little different from what we have identified and you think you can bring value to the role, we would love to learn more about you!
If this sounds like you, click the Apply button below, complete the application form. Please ensure you answer all questions and upload a current resume and cover letter outlining your suitability for this role, as well as any copies of relevant qualifications that support your application.
Only candidates with current Australian work rights (Australian citizens, permanent residents, NZ citizens with a current passport, valid work visa) will be considered.
Further information
As part of the recruitment process, suitable applicants will be required to complete pre-employment screening which may include relevant background checks, functional capacity assessment and drug and alcohol screening. Our recruitment process is primarily via system generated emails. Please ensure your email is correct before submitting your application to avoid missing crucial updates and outcomes.
Email notifications may include application confirmation, interview invitations, request for references, and application outcomes. Please check your email regularly, including your junk email.
Council is an equal opportunity employer is committed to a merit-based workforce that encompasses inclusiveness and diversity in an environment of mutual respect. We invite, encourage, welcome and value candidate of all ages and from all backgrounds.
For all enquiries regarding the application and recruitment process, please contact the People and Culture team on 02 6740 2100 or peopleandculture@gunnedah.nsw.gov.au
