• Salary range of $57,829 - $66,591 + Award Allowances + 12% Super
• 9-day fortnight, 4 weeks annual leave, and 15 days sick leave
• Operate with Purpose - Build a Career That Matters in Tenterfield!
• Multiple depot opportunities: Tenterfield and Urbenville
• Be part of a growing infrastructure team that values upskilling and internal career progression

Proudly Serving Tenterfield – Where Your Work Matters

Tenterfield Shire Council is located in the picturesque New England region of New South Wales and proudly holds the title “Birthplace of the Australian Nation.” As a rural medium-sized council, it offers the perfect mix of lifestyle and career with easy access to Northern NSW’s beaches, Queensland’s Granite Belt, and the wider Brisbane region. Here at Tenterfield Shire Council, our mission is to showcase "quality nature, quality heritage and quality lifestyle". We are a close-knit and dedicated team that cultivates a community spirit and promotes a quality lifestyle, equal opportunities and access to all services. We really live and breathe our values each and every day -  Integrity, Community, Accountability, Respect, and Excellence – and foster a workplace culture that empowers staff to lead, innovate, and thrive.

Our people are at the heart of everything we do and are central to our success. In this role, you will be working with a team that feels empowered and challenged while fostering an emphasis on work/life balance.

For more information, visit: www.tenterfield.nsw.gov.au

Build Roads. Build Community. Build Your Career.

Tenterfield Shire Council is seeking reliable and safety-focused Plant Operators to join our Civil Infrastructure team. Opportunities are available across multiple depots within the Shire.

Whether you’re an experienced Water Cart Operator or an All-round Plant Operator ready to grow, this is your chance to work in a supportive rural council environment that values safety, teamwork and long-term development.

In this hands-on role, you will support road construction and maintenance across our 640km road network, operating plant safely and efficiently while contributing to high-quality infrastructure outcomes for the community.

More specifically, your responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Operating and maintaining plant and machinery (including water carts where applicable)
• Assisting with road construction, pothole patching and maintenance works
• Conducting daily pre-start and user maintenance checks
• Installing signage, guideposts and erosion control measures
• Working within live traffic environments and complying with traffic control requirements
• Completing site documentation and reporting via tablet/iPad systems
• Following Safe Work Method Statements and risk management procedures
• Working outdoors in varying weather conditions and performing manual handling tasks as required
• Contributing positively to crew culture and communication

Please Note: Depot locations include Tenterfield and Urbenville

Candidates will nominate their preferred depot/location during the application

Is This You?

To qualify, you will need a Certificate II in Civil Construction (or equivalent) and demonstrated experience in road construction and maintenance operations. A Heavy Rigid (HR) Licence will be required for a Water Cart position. 

Additionally, the following skills, background and checks will be highly valued:

• Certificate III in Civil Construction (or willingness to obtain – Council support provided)
• Safework NSW Traffic Controller qualification
• General Construction (White) Card
• Certificate of Competency for the type of plant to be operated
• First Aid Certificate

Who Thrives in This Role?

This role requires more than just plant skills. We are seeking someone who:

• Brings a strong safety mindset, particularly when working in live traffic environments, and takes responsibility for keeping themselves and their crew safe
• Communicates clearly and respectfully, contributing positively to site discussions and working well with supervisors, operators and apprentices
• Is reliable, prepared and ready to follow the works program with care and consistency
• Works well within diverse crews, building trust and backing their teammates each day
• Is comfortable speaking up when something does not look right and contributing to a strong safety culture
• Is open to learning, gaining additional tickets and building a long-term career within civil infrastructure

The Rewards of Joining Our Team

This role offers a competitive salary of $57,829 - $66,591 (based on skills and experience) + Award Allowances + 12% Super, within a supportive rural council environment - alongside a host of additional benefits, including:

• 9-day fortnight for better work/life balance
• 4 weeks annual leave + 15 days personal/carer’s leave
• On-the-job training and enrolment in Cert III (if needed)
• Safety-focused environment and strong team culture
• Opportunities for pay progression through annual performance evaluations
• Uniforms and PPE supplied
• Access to monthly Employee Assistance Program (EAP) counselling
• Participation in the Council’s Health & Wellbeing initiatives

There are genuine pathways into higher plant roles, Leading Hand positions and broader infrastructure opportunities for driven employees.

Be Part of Tenterfield’s Story

If you’re looking for a stable, rewarding, and community-focused role, this is your opportunity to become part of a Council that values your contribution and supports your development. APPLY NOW!

Please Note: As part of the recruitment process, candidates will be required to undergo vehicle assessment and competency checks. Successful applicants must also complete a current National Police Check and a pre-employment medical assessment prior to commencing employment.