Experienced Machine Operator - Waste & Resource Recovery

Experienced Machine Operator – Waste & Resource Recovery

Planet Recovery
Laverton North, Melbourne VIC
Full Time

About Planet Recovery

Planet Recovery is part of the ATLAST Waste Network group and operates a busy waste and resource recovery facility in Laverton North.

We provide safe, practical and sustainable waste management solutions, with a focus on compliant processing, recycling, material recovery and reducing waste to landfill.

This is a hands-on operating environment where safety, reliability, teamwork and strong machinery skills matter every day.

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced Machine Operator to join our Planet Recovery team.

This role is suited to someone who is confident operating mobile plant / yellow gear in a waste, recycling, transfer station, quarry, civil, construction, demolition or similar heavy-industry environment.

You will be involved in sorting, loading, moving and processing waste and recyclable materials using site plant and equipment. You will work around trucks, bins, stockpiles, other machinery and ground staff, so safe operation, awareness and communication are essential.

This is not a role for someone who only wants to sit in a machine all day. We need a capable operator who can operate machinery confidently, follow procedures and assist with general yard duties when required.

Key Responsibilities

• Operate mobile plant and machinery safely in a busy waste and recycling yard
• Operate materials handler / grab machinery for sorting, loading and material movement where competent
• Operate front-end loader, excavator, forklift and other site plant where appropriately licensed, ticketed or deemed competent
• Load and unload trucks, bins and material stockpiles
• Sort, separate and move recyclable and waste materials in line with site procedures
• Complete plant pre-start checks and report faults, hazards or maintenance issues
• Follow site traffic management rules, safety procedures and supervisor directions
• Assist with housekeeping, yard cleanliness and general operational duties
• Work cooperatively with supervisors, drivers, yard staff and management
• Support daily production, recovery and operational targets

What We Are Looking For

The successful applicant will have:

• Proven experience operating mobile plant / yellow gear

• Experience working in a waste, recycling, transfer station, landfill, quarry, civil, construction, demolition or similar environment

• Current forklift high-risk work licence

• Demonstrated forklift operating experience

• Experience operating one or more of the following:

  • Materials handler / grab machine
  • Front-end loader
  • Excavator
  • Skid steer
  • Telehandler or similar mobile plant

• Relevant plant tickets, VOCs or demonstrated competency

• Strong safety awareness when working around people, trucks and machinery

• Reliability, punctuality and a strong work ethic

• Ability to follow procedures and take direction

• Australian work rights

Highly Regarded

• Experience in resource recovery or waste sorting environments
• Ability to manage stockpiles and load materials safely and efficiently
• Experience working around hooklift bins, walking floors, tippers or heavy vehicles
• Multiple plant tickets or VOCs
• Mechanical awareness or ability to identify plant issues early

Additional remuneration may be considered for candidates who hold relevant tickets, VOCs and proven experience across multiple machines.

Why Join Planet Recovery?

• Stable full-time employment
• Work with a growing waste and resource recovery business
• Practical, hands-on role with variety
• Opportunity to use and further develop machinery operating skills
• Supportive site team and management structure
• Be part of a business focused on recycling, recovery and reducing landfill

How to Apply

If you are an experienced machine operator with the right attitude, safety focus and work ethic, we would like to hear from you.

Please submit your resume outlining your machinery experience, licences, tickets, VOCs and availability.