Operator - Sorting

Why join us?

• Make a Difference: Play an important role in helping Palmerston North reduce waste and recover valuable recyclable materials that support a cleaner, more sustainable city.
• Professional Growth: Gain hands-on experience working in a Material Recovery Facility, with training and support to build your operational knowledge, safety capability, and equipment skills.
• Benefits: We do more than just pay you a salary too. We have awesome benefits to support you including 5 weeks annual leave.

Do you enjoy hands-on work, being part of a team, and helping create a cleaner, more sustainable community? The Palmerston North City Council is looking for a motivated and reliable Operator – Sorting to join our Resource Recovery team.

As an Operator – Sorting you play an important part in ensuring recyclable materials are processed to a high standard while supporting the safe and efficient operation of our Material Recovery Facility (MRF).

Some days can be dusty, dirty, noisy and yes, occasionally a bit smelly. Don’t worry, we will kit you out with PPE and a team that enjoys getting stuck in.

About the role

Based at the Awapuni Resource Recovery (Recycling) Centre, you’ll provide operational support across the MRF and related facilities.

Your day-to-day will look like:

• Sorting recyclable materials, including glass, to meet quality standards
• Keeping work areas clean, tidy and safe
• Following all health and safety standards and procedures

This role involves physically demanding work. The preferred candidate will be required to complete a pre-employment medical assessment to confirm they can safely perform the inherent requirements of the role.

About you

We’re looking for someone who is dependable, safety-conscious, brings a positive attitude and that will help keep our facilities running smoothly — even when the job gets a little “fragrant.”

You will enjoy working in a fast-paced operational environment. We sort on average 18 tonne of recycling every day!

In addition, you will have:

• Ideally experience in working on Materials Recovery Facilities (MRF's) together with its associated plant and equipment.

What we offer | Te āhua o ā mātou mahi

• Competitive remuneration of $29.95 per hour, with a 3.5% KiwiSaver employer contribution (where eligible)
• Full uniform including all the PPE you need
• 5 weeks annual leave and a community service day
• Long service leave after qualifying periods
• Paid parental leave benefits
• Supportive work environment that values safety, teamwork and work-life balance
• Annual flu vaccinations and subsidised health and eye checks
• Access to staff gym
• The opportunity to make a real difference in the future of a vibrant, growing city

This is a safety-sensitive role. The preferred candidate will be required to undergo and pass a pre-employment drug test as part of the recruitment process.

Applications close: 11.00 pm, Wednesday 2 September 2026

We are an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and welcome applications from all those suitably qualified for this position.

Job Profile

Please click here to download and view this additional information.