Resource Recovery Specialist
Key Responsibilities:
* Manage the Resource Recovery Centre according to operational, safety, and environmental procedures.
* Ensure cleanliness, tidiness, and presentation of the centre are maintained.
* Receive, sort, separate, and move waste and recyclables, including recovery of items for resale.
* Remove contaminants safely (including asbestos, following training and procedures).
* Perform minor maintenance tasks and pre-start checks on equipment.
* Operate plant and equipment safely (forklift, loader, backhoe, excavator).
* Respond to hazards or incidents, following emergency procedures.
* Maintain personal protective equipment (PPE) and ensure its correct use.
Customer Service:
* Provide professional assistance to residential and commercial customers.
* Assist customers with unloading materials and wayfinding within the centre.
* Supply information on disposal and recycling options.
Workplace Safety & Risk Management:
* Follow all WHS policies, procedures, and guidelines.
* Report hazards, incidents, or near misses.
* Participate in training, audits, and inspections to maintain a safe work environment.
* Contribute to a positive risk management culture.
Environmental Sustainability:
* Support Council's sustainability initiatives, including reducing environmental impact of RRC operations.
Other Duties:
* Undertake additional tasks within skills and capabilities as directed.
* Record and report data as required.
* Collaborate with colleagues to achieve team objectives.
Required Skills & Knowledge:
* Knowledge of landfill and resource recovery operations.
* Understanding of occupational health and safety principles.
* Proficient operation of machinery: forklift, loader/backhoe, and excavator.
* Ability to identify and recover recyclable and reusable materials.
* Basic computer literacy (emails, online training, industrial machinery systems).
* Effective verbal and written communication skills.
* Ability to work collaboratively in a team and interact positively with the public.
Management & Organisational Skills:
* Plan and manage own tasks to meet daily operational goals.
* Adhere to procedures for day-to-day operations and safety compliance.
* Train and guide other employees as needed.
* Resolve day-to-day operational issues, including minor conflicts with customers.
Qualifications & Experience:
* Experience in hands-on outdoor roles, ideally in waste, recycling, landfill, or resource recovery.
* Relevant machinery licenses or competencies.
* Frontline customer service experience with conflict resolution skills.
* Willingness to work outdoors in varied weather and conditions.
* National Police Record Check clearance.
* Availability to work weekends and public holidays as required.
Physical & Inherent Requirements:
* Frequent outdoor work with exposure to weather.
* Manual handling of materials, including lifting above 10kg.
* Repetitive bending, twisting, kneeling, and reaching.
* Use of PPE: hearing protection, eye protection, safety boots, gloves.
* Operation of machinery and hand tools.
Success Factors for the Role:
* Work safely and follow WHS procedures consistently.
* Be physically capable and comfortable with outdoor, hands-on work.
* Operate plant and equipment efficiently and safely.
* Provide courteous and professional customer service.
* Work well within a team and support colleagues.
* Demonstrate initiative in problem-solving and maintaining site operations.
* Show environmental awareness and actively support sustainability practices.
* Communicate effectively with internal staff, contractors, and the public.