Waste and Recycling Operator

Department: Planning and Regulation

Reports to: Supervisor Waste & Recycling

Salary Range: $59,109 - $68,694 per annum + superannuation

Warrumbungle Shire Council is looking for a reliable Waste & Recycling Operator to help deliver our kerbside recycling service and support operations at our recycling facilities. The main part of this role is driving Council’s recycling collection truck, collecting kerbside recycling bins across the Shire and ensuring the service runs safely and efficiently.

You’ll spend a lot of time working on your own, following scheduled collection runs and planning your day to get the job done safely and on time so being organised, paying attention to detail, and taking pride in your truck is key. When you’re not out on the recycling run, you’ll assist at Council’s recycling and waste facilities., helping customers, sorting materials, and keeping the place clean and tidy. Occasionally, you might be asked to drive the garbage truck when someone’s on leave.

This is a practical, hands-on role where flexibility matters – recycling runs happen even on public holidays and you'll be part of the overtime roster to ensure weekend operation of waste and recycling facilities. We’re looking for someone dependable, who takes safety seriously and is comfortable working both on their own and as part of a small team. If you’ve got an MR licence with truck driving experience, like working outdoors, and take pride in doing a good job, this could be the role for you. 

Please click here to view the position description.

This position is located in the beautiful town of Coonabarabran, known as the Astronomy Capital of Australia, which is midway between Melbourne and Brisbane and is known for its beautiful landscape and stunning night skies. The town has medical services, excellent schools, a variety of sporting and social clubs and a thriving tourism Industry. With the nearby Warrumbungle National Park, which is also Australia’s first Dark Sky Park, there is plenty to do and explore whether you’re looking for adventure or relaxation.

Selection criteria include:

• Current MR (Medium Rigid) driver’s licence and experience driving trucks.
• Demonstrated ability to safely and competently operate plant and equipment relevant to waste and recycling operations.
• Knowledge of safe work practices and a demonstrated commitment to Work Health and Safety.
• Cash handling and reconciliation experience.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to deal respectfully with members of the public.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Physical fitness and stamina to undertake manual labouring duties.

While not essential, it would be great if you have an HR licence, forklift licence, and telehandler, traxcavator, dozer or compactor tickets and experience.

It is a plus if you have previous experience working in waste management, recycling, or a similar environment, knowledge of Council operations and services and experience with customer service in a public-facing role. 

Benefits of working for Council

Council is committed to creating a positive working environment and offer a range of benefits for staff, including

• Great leave opportunities 
  • Long service leave after 5 years
  • 1 RDO every 4 weeks 
  • Paid parental and concurrent parental leave
  • Carer’s leave
  • 3 weeks sick leave per year including up to 2 days health and wellbeing leave each year
  • Purchase additional leave or cash out leave
  • Deferred leave scheme – eg work three years at 75% of your pay and have the following year off at 75% of your pay! 
• Support for training and professional development
  • Formal training opportunities
  • Access to thousands of free online training courses
• Weekly pay cycle
• Mobile phone allowance available if you bring your own device
• Salary Packaging options to maximise your take-home pay
• Wellness – we want you to be at your best self so you and your immediate family members have access to our employee assistance program with TELUS Health One
• Free annual flu vaccinations and bi-annual skin cancer checks available
• PPE provided

About Warrumbungle Shire Council

Warrumbungle Shire is strategically positioned on the Newell Highway, a short drive from Tamworth, Mudgee and Dubbo, and just over 3 hours from Newcastle, making Warrumbungle Shire a great place to live and work. Covering an area of more than 12,000km², and with a population of nearly 10,000, Warrumbungle Shire Council is one of the larger Local Government Areas in Central West NSW, home to the townships of Coonabarabran, Coolah, Dunedoo, Binnaway, Baradine and Mendooran. 

With a rich history and stunning landscapes including spectacular mountain ranges, waterfalls, ancient sandstone caves, gorges, and beautiful plains, our scenic location amongst friendly country communities provides an ideal setting for those looking to balance a country lifestyle and career.

At Warrumbungle Shire Council we offer a broad variety of jobs with a range of benefits and career development opportunities within Local Government. The guiding principles of honesty, integrity, fairness and compassion form the spirit of the team along with respect, transparency, passion, trust and opportunity is how Warrumbungle Shire Council strengthens its working environment to deliver on the aspirations of our community. Council is proud to be an equal opportunity and child safe employer with a commitment to our staff and our vision is Excellence in Local Government. 

How to apply

Please provide sufficient detail in your answers to the questions as this information is used to assess your suitability for interview.

1. Scroll down and complete the fields below. Note: Fields marked with a red asterisk* are mandatory.
2. Click ‘Next’
3. Attach your resume, covering letter and copies of your qualifications
4. Click ‘Next’
5. Review your application and click ‘Confirm’ to submit your completed application

You will receive an email acknowledgement to confirm receipt of your application. You will receive email notifications regarding the status of your application. It is important that you regularly check your email to ensure you do not miss any notifications from Council. It is also recommended that you check your spam or junk folder and consider adding careers@warrumbungle.nsw.gov.au to your email address book to ensure you do not miss any correspondence in regard to your application.

Applications close at 11.00 pm Sunday 29 March 2026.

Interviews are expected to be held 7 April 2026. The final date will be confirmed with preferred candidates after applications have closed and shortlisting has been completed.

For enquiries, please contact Human Resources on 6849 2000.

Applicants should note that Criminal History Checks, as well as alcohol and drug testing, are conditions of employment.