Department: Roads
Reports to: Supervisor Roads
Salary Range: $65,198 - $75,771 per annum + superannuation
Are you an experienced and versatile operator who thrives in a hands-on, outdoor environment?
Want a role where no two days are the same?
Warrumbungle Shire Council is looking for a skilled and versatile Plant Operator to join our dedicated Roads team!
As a Plant Operator, you’ll be an essential part of our road construction and maintenance crew, operating a variety of machinery across different worksites throughout the Shire. This is a hands-on role ideal for someone who enjoys variety in their day-to-day work, with responsibilities ranging from operating plant and machinery to supporting road construction and maintenance activities across the Shire.
From graders to front end loaders, rollers and tip trucks, this is a diverse and dynamic role offering real variety, responsibility, and the opportunity to contribute to improving infrastructure in our local community. You’ll be involved in road and pavement construction, equipment transportation, traffic control, and general site preparation and clean-up. Your ability to work independently and safely, follow instructions, and contribute to a positive team culture will be key to your success. Your ability to adapt and operate multiple types of plant and machinery will be highly valued, and you’ll be supported by a proactive and safety-focused team environment.
To be successful, you’ll need demonstrated experience operating road construction plant, a valid HR driver’s licence, a white card, and a Traffic Controller ticket. A front end loader and roller VOC are required, while additional VOCs for grader or excavator, and a Certificate III in Civil Construction are highly desirable. Most importantly, you’ll bring a strong understanding of work health and safety and a proactive attitude to maintaining machinery and equipment.
Please click here to view the position description - Coonabarabran.
Please click here to view the position description - Coolah.
We have positions in both Coolah and Coonabarabran. Coolah is a picturesque country town nestled at the gateway to the Coolah Tops National Park, offering a blend of natural beauty, rich heritage, and genuine community warmth. Known for its friendly locals, vibrant main street, and strong agricultural roots, Coolah provides a relaxed and fulfilling lifestyle with all the essential services, quality schools, and sporting facilities close at hand. With affordable living, stunning landscapes, and a close-knit community, Coolah is an ideal place to build a rewarding career and enjoy the benefits of regional living.
Coonabarabran, known as the Astronomy Capital of Australia, 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:
- Demonstrated commitment to work health and safety (WHS) in the workplace.
- Demonstrated capability operating roller, tip truck and front end loader to effectively carry out the construction and maintenance of civil infrastructure, as well as undertaking daily maintenance with minimal supervision.
- Verification of competency (VOC) for front end loader and roller or ability to demonstrate competency during recruitment process.
- Current Traffic Controller Ticket and Implement Traffic Control Plans Ticket would be a plus.
- Demonstrated sound oral and written communication skills.
- OHS Construction Induction Certificate (white card).
- HR drivers licence is essential - an HC would be even better!
It's a plus if you have a Certificate III in Civil Construction and demonstrated ability to safely and competently operate a grader and excavator on road construction and maintenance worksites (VOC would be great!).
Why join Warrumbungle Shire Council
Warrumbungle Shire Council offers more than just a job — we provide the opportunity to build a stable, long-term career while enjoying genuine work-life balance, strong team support, and a rewarding regional lifestyle.
As part of Council, you’ll join a workplace that values professionalism, safety, collaboration, and continuous development, while supporting the essential services and infrastructure that keep our communities thriving.
Council offers a wide range of employee benefits designed to support your wellbeing, career growth, and lifestyle, including:
- Long service leave available after 5 years
- Fortnightly RDO (9 day fortnight)
- Paid parental and concurrent parental leave
- Generous leave provisions
- Opportunities to purchase additional leave or access deferred leave arrangements
- Ongoing training, mentoring, and professional development opportunities
- Access to thousands of free online learning courses
- Weekly pay cycle
- Salary packaging options to help maximise your take-home pay
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP) available to employees and immediate family members
- Health and wellbeing initiatives including flu vaccinations, hearing tests and skin cancer checks
- PPE and/or a generous uniform allowance provided, depending on the role
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.
- Scroll down and complete the fields below. Note: Fields marked with a red asterisk* are mandatory.
- Attach your resume, covering letter and copies of your qualifications
- 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 [email protected] to your email address book to ensure you do not miss any correspondence in regard to your application.
Council's normal practice is to appoint at the entry salary for the grade. A higher commencing salary may be approved where an applicant can demonstrate significant directly relevant qualifications, skills and experience.
Applications close at 11.00 pm Sunday 16 August 2026.
Interviews are expected to be held 24 August 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.
