Looking for a hands-on role where variety is part of every shift?
As a Factory Assistant, you'll be one of the most versatile members of the factory shift team, working across the plant to help keep production moving safely and efficiently. You'll respond where you're needed — operating mobile plant, cleaning up product spills, assisting with plant start-ups and shutdowns, undertaking general operational and maintenance tasks, and supporting shift tradespeople with hands-on trade assistant duties.
This is a physically demanding role suited to someone who enjoys practical work, has good mechanical awareness and is comfortable working around heavy industrial plant and equipment. You'll need to be able to move between tasks, respond to changing priorities and work effectively alongside operators, fitters, electricians and other members of the shift team.
This is a permanent position within our sugar processing operations, initially based at Victoria Mill in the Herbert Region. During the crushing season (June to December) you'll work a rotating shift roster including nights, weekends and overtime. During the maintenance season (January to May) the role transitions to day work supporting maintenance activities and preparation for the next crush.
Your Role in Action
- Keep the Factory Moving: Respond to operational needs across the factory, assisting crews with cleaning, spill response, general plant duties and whatever practical support is required to keep production running safely and efficiently.
- Operate Mobile Plant: Use forklifts, skid steers, mobile cranes and other mobile equipment to clean up product spills, move materials, re-rail bins and support factory operations.
- Support the Milling Train: Assist with the safe start-up and shutdown of the Milling Train and operate associated equipment, including steam turbine-driven shredders.
- Support Our Trades: Work alongside shift fitters, electricians and other tradespeople, providing practical trade assistant support during maintenance, breakdowns and repairs.
- Care for the Plant: Undertake routine cleaning, lubrication, inspections and basic maintenance activities on equipment including spotters, carriers, pinions and juice heaters.
- Work Safely: Follow procedures, communicate effectively with the shift team — including via UHF radio — identify hazards and abnormal plant conditions, and contribute to a safe working environment.
Your Winning Combination
We're looking for someone who is physically fit, safety focused and mechanically minded, with a practical approach to getting the job done. You'll be comfortable working in a physically demanding industrial environment and able to move between operational, cleaning and maintenance-support activities throughout your shift.
You'll be a reliable team member who communicates effectively, follows instructions and works well alongside a broad range of people. Previous experience in manufacturing, heavy industry, maintenance, mobile plant, trades assistance or other hands-on operational environments will be highly regarded.
Ideally, you'll already hold a number of the licences and competencies used in the role, including:
- Turbine High Risk Work Licence
- Forklift High Risk Work Licence
- Dogging High Risk Work Licence
- Confined Space
- Working at Heights
- Mobile Crane
- Skid Steer
- HR Driver Licence
Don't hold them all? We still want to hear from you. For the right candidate with the aptitude, safety focus and willingness to learn, we can provide on-the-job training and development to build the competencies required for the role.
Additional maintenance experience, trade qualifications and Rigging or Scaffolding High Risk Work Licences will also be highly regarded.
The successful applicant will be required to undertake further training and complete the relevant operational station and maintenance competencies.
What Wilmar will offer you
At Wilmar, you'll be embraced as a valued member of our team, appreciated for your unique contributions. We offer competitive pay and benefits, including additional leave and superannuation entitlements and exclusive partner discounts. Our emphasis on safety and innovation creates a supportive work environment where you can thrive.
**This position is eligible for the Employee Referral Program**
How to Apply
If you think you're the right fit for this role, we invite you to apply online via Wilmar Careers before midnight on 9th September 2026.
Candidates are encouraged to take the time to review and update their résumé before applying, ensuring it provides an up-to-date reflection of their skills, knowledge and experience, including relevant licences, training and recent work experience.
Got questions or need a helping hand with your application? Our friendly People & Culture Team is just a call away at 0417 868 541. We look forward to receiving your application.
About Wilmar Sugar & Renewables
Wilmar Sugar and Renewables is Australia’s largest manufacturer and exporter of raw sugar, and among the top 10 producers globally.
We own and operate eight sugar factories across the Herbert, Burdekin, Proserpine and Sarina regions and employ more than 2,000 people during the annual sugar production season.
We are one of Australia’s largest generators of renewable electricity from biomass and one of only two bioethanol producers in Australia. We are also the largest sugarcane grower in Australia and a leading supplier of sustainable liquid fertiliser and stockfeed products.
