Waste Recycler and Operator

Role overview

Auckland Council is hiring one permanent full-time Waste Recycler and Operator to join the Henderson team at Waitakere Resource Recovery Park. This is a front-line role supporting essential waste services for Tāmaki Makaurau and the surrounding environment. The work is practical, physical, and hands-on, and you’ll be part of a close-knit site team.

The Solid Waste unit is responsible for a major share of the region’s waste across council facilities, including commercial refuse, kerbside collections, recycling, hazardous waste, and inorganic waste management.

Working pattern

The site operates from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm, Monday through Sunday. This position follows a five-day roster and includes one weekend day each week, agreed with the team leader. Shifts are fixed and repeat regularly. The roster will be either Sunday to Thursday or Tuesday to Saturday.

Key duties

In this role, you will help keep waste moving safely and efficiently while supporting the community and environment in all weather conditions throughout the year.

• Move waste through to landfill destinations
• Separate reusable goods and recyclable material from the waste stream
• Assist and direct customers at the site’s drop-off areas
• Maintain strong health and safety practices to protect staff and visitors

What we are looking for

You should be physically fit and comfortable with demanding manual work. Experience using heavy machinery is important, and you should be ready to contribute actively as part of the team. A practical assessment is included in the hiring process.

• Full New Zealand driver licence with both Class 1 and Class 2 endorsements is required
• WTR endorsement and Fork Hoist/Lift certification are required
• Proven experience operating heavy machinery and power tools is needed; background in waste, construction, landscaping, or similar fields is preferred
• Good physical fitness is essential because the work is physically demanding
• An approved handler certificate, especially for chemical handling, would be a strong advantage but is not mandatory

Pay and other details

The role pays $30 per hour, depending on experience and skill set. This is a safety-sensitive position, so pre-employment drug testing is required. The role is permanent and full time, and an employer KiwiSaver contribution is provided in addition to the base salary. Auckland Council also highlights its commitment to flexibility, well-being, continuous improvement, diversity, equity, and inclusion, and notes that support or access needs can be discussed during the application process.

Additional information

The application deadline is Monday 13 July at midnight. Applications may be reviewed as they come in, and the listing may close earlier than planned if the role is filled. Auckland Council is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating a workplace where diversity and inclusion are valued.