Yard Hand/Plant & Equipment Operator

Join our SOILCO team and proudly part of The Life-Giving Soil Company!

As part of the SOILCO Group, you will benefit from the supportive, close-knit environment, along with the expanded resources and opportunities of a larger organisation. With a strong reputation for quality and service, specialising in the extraction, landscape supply, processing, sourcing, and delivery of a broad range of soils, making us a key supplier to the landscaping industry.

SOILCO is an industry leader in organics recycling, producing quality assured soil, compost and mulch products. SOILCO specialises in the design, construction and operation of innovative organics recycling facilities that convert organic waste into quality assured products. Our proven technologies transform organics into products that regenerate and give life to soil, providing customers with sustainable, reliable and cost-effective solutions. We proudly enable the circular economy by harnessing the power of people and technology.

The Role:

Are you a hands-on, safety-conscious operator with experience handling plant and equipment? We are looking for a reliable and proactive Yard Hand/Plant & Equipment Operator to join our team and help keep operations running safely and smoothly.

We are looking for an energetic, motivated, and enthusiastic individual with a solid work ethic. Prior experience in the horticulture, landscaping, manufacturing, waste or recycling industries, is an advantage. However, the most important qualities we are seeking are a positive attitude, reliability, and the ability to work harmoniously with a diverse range of staff. 

This is a casual position based at our Compost Manufacturing Facility in Ballina.

As part of our team, you will work in a collaborative environment where success is attributed to our shared values: Courage, Authenticity, Achievement, and Respect.

Key Responsibilities:

• Support general yard maintenance and compost production

• Undertake basic safety checks on all machinery and equipment before operation

• Operate plant and equipment, including but not limited to: Loader/Excavator/Screen/Tipper/Forklift 

• Perform cleaning and maintenance of work areas according to workplace and environmental guidelines 

• Work efficiently and collaboratively with the team

• Communicate effectively using UHF radios 

• Comply with Safe Systems of Work and maintain a high standard of safety

Essential Criteria:

• A valid driver's licence is essential

• Forklift licence

• Ability to work in a unique environment processing green/organic waste

• Front-end loader experience

• A positive, reliable team player with a strong work ethic

• Initiative and pride in getting the job done safely and effectively

• Strong focus on safety and preventative maintenance

Desirable Criteria:

• MR licence or higher

• Excavator experience

How to Apply:

If you are a team oriented, self-directed, and eager individual, please submit a cover letter and resume via the “Apply” link by Friday 11th September 2026.

To get in touch with us or for more information about this position, please contact the People and Culture Team on email at ••••@soilco.com.au 

Additional Information:

SOILCO is committed to providing a safe working environment for all, (everyone, every day and everywhere) and make available wellbeing programs to support mental, physical and social wellbeing of our staff to be at their best.

General terms and conditions of employment while employed with SOILCO will be governed by the Waste Management Award 2020 and the National Employment Standards (NES).

SOILCO is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and we promote a workplace that values and foster the diversity of our staff. We strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with disabilities, people from culturally diverse backgrounds, the LGBQTIA+ community, and young people.

***Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted***

Please note that SOILCO does not accept unsolicited resumes/candidate profiles from external agencies or suppliers via any method. Full Australian working rights (valid visa with no restrictions).