Plant Operator – General (Based in Wadeye, NT)

About Us:

The West Daly Regional Council covers 14,000 square kilometres and is located about 300 to 420 kilometres south-west of Darwin. The area is mainly rural, with three Indigenous communities at Peppimenarti, Nganmarriyanga and Wadeye which are managed by West Daly Regional Council (Council).

Council’s vision is to work together to make a difference in the community by creating places that are respectful, peaceful and safe. The mission of Council is to walk alongside culture, country and people to build a stronger community and does it by working together, creating real opportunities and providing services and facilities that everyone can use.

Position Summary:

Plant Operator – General is responsible for the maintenance and upgrade of community and connector roads waste facility that are controlled by West Daly Regional Council and for the maintenance and operation of plant, equipment and vehicles in accordance with West Daly Regional Council strategic and regional plans, policies, procedures and relevant legislation. 

The key duties of this role include but are not limited to:

• Undertake a range of work duties relating to maintenance, including:

1. Preparing and positioning road plant and equipment as required such as graders, rollers,loaders, backhoes and water carts.
2. Selecting, fitting and removing attachments such as buckets, winches, loading scoops, shovel blades and rock breaking hammers.
3. Operating the above-mentioned plant controls to excavate, break, drill, level, compact, gouge out, move, load and spread earth, rock, rubble, soil and other materials.
4. Monitoring operation of plant and adjusting controls to regulate pressure, speed and flow of operation, and ensuring safety of other workers.
5. Raising, lowering and manipulating attachments using manual and hydraulic controls.

• Ensure all tools, plant, equipment and vehicles are used appropriately.
• Assist with the operations of servicing, lubricating, cleaning and refuelling of plant and equipment, performing minor adjustments and repairs to ensure plant and equipment is maintained in good working order.
• Work from drawings, markers and verbal instructions.
• Provide verbal work reports as requested by the respective service area managers.
• Undertake and/or support the counselling, mentoring and/or training of Indigenous Road crew employees to improve and optimise their skills, outputs and attendance in a cross-cultural environment. 
• Coordinate the purchase, use and installation of onsite materials and resources, including spare parts, to minimise down time. 
• Any other reasonable duties delegated by the Supervisor which are within level.

About You

To be successful in the role, you must have:

• Open unrestricted manual Heavy Combination Drivers Licence or above.
• Plant Tickets including grader roller, loader and backhoe
• Demonstrated experience in operating plant and equipment.
• Demonstrated ability to operate safely within a road crew and a workshop environment.
• Demonstrated interpersonal skills with the ability to resolve basic issues.
• Sound knowledge of Work Health and Safety requirements.   
• Hold a current first aid certificate or have the ability to obtain this qualification.
• An awareness of the socio-economic factors affecting Aboriginal people in remote locations.
• National Criminal History clearance
• White Construction Card
• Current Working with Children (Ochre) Card.

Why Join Our Growing Team?

• A generous salary package based on experience and qualifications
• 12% Superannuation
• A generous relocation package up to $5000 subject to Council Relocation Assistance Policy
• Generous leave entitlements including six weeks annual leave
• 1 additional public holiday for NAIDOC day dedicated to Council staff
• Flexible working arrangements subject to CEO’s Approval
• Excellent work/life balance giving you the opportunity to explore this iconic region and much more!

Important Information:

• This opportunity is open only to individuals with full and unrestricted working rights in Australia. Unfortunately, we are unable to consider international applicants or those requiring visa sponsorship at this time.
• Only the shortlisted/Suitable applicants will be contacted for interviews as they apply.
• The position may be filled/advertisement may be closed prior to the closing date if the suitable candidate is identified.
• Our recruitment process involves a number of checks including, but not limited to, criminal history, as well as verification of qualifications, licences and right-to-work status.
• Contact our People and Culture team at recruitment@westdaly.nt.gov.au for the Position Description or for any further information.
• To Apply, please click the “Apply” button and follow the process or submit a resume and cover letter to recruitment@westdaly.nt.gov.au.

We strongly encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander to apply for this role.

WDRC is committed to providing quality services and fostering a prosperous and sustainable future for the region. Join our team and contribute to building strong, safe, and healthy communities.

Closing Date: 29th July 2026