IWS Operator

Plant Operator

Application Deadline: 31 May 2026

Department: Industrial Services

Employment Type: Permanent - Full Time

Location: Carryduff IW

Reporting To: Yard Operations Manager

Compensation: £14.50 / hour

Description

To support the safe and efficient operation of the treatment plant through waste sorting, processing activities, and routine maintenance of operative equipment. The role involves manual handling, adherence to Health & Safety, proactive reporting of issues, and contributing to smooth site operations.

Location: Irish Waste, 94-96 Hillsborough Road, Carryduff, BT28 8HT

Key Responsibilities Plant & Equipment Operation

• Operate heavy plant and machinery involved in waste processing and treatment.
• Monitor machinery performance, identify abnormalities, and escape issues promptly.
• Ensure all operating equipment is functioning correctly and report defective or unsafe equipment immediately.
• Use service and operational equipment correctly, ensuring tools are cleaned and stored securely after use.

Waste Handling & Processing

• Assist with daily waste sorting, segregation, and processing activities within the treatment facility.
• Follow correct waste-handling methods to maintain product quality and prevent cross-contamination.
• Support end-to-end operational processes to meet throughput targets and maintain efficiency.

Health, Safety & Compliance

• Fully comply with all Health & Safety, Quality, Environmental, and operational policies and procedures.
• Use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) at all times and ensure it remains clean, fit for purpose, and stored correctly.
• Participate in safety talks, toolbox briefings, and training sessions as required.
• Contribute to a culture of safety by reporting hazards, near misses, and incidents promptly.

Site Support & Housekeeping

• Maintain high housekeeping and hygiene standards across work areas.
• Support general site activities including loading, unloading, movement of materials, and stock handling.
• Assist colleagues and supervisors with tasks required to maintain continuous site operations.

Administrative & Reporting Responsibilities

• Record equipment faults, daily production notes, and operational logs accurately.
• Assist with completing checklists and compliance forms.
• Communicate operational issues clearly to the line manager.

Flexibility & Team Contribution

• Be prepared to work overtime and participate in out-of-hours rota schedules.
• Perform additional duties as directed by management in line with changing operational requirements.
• Support new starters or less experienced colleagues by demonstrating correct processes and safety behaviours.

This is not an exhaustive list. You may also be required to carry out any other duties as required by the business that you are qualified/trained in that meet the requirements of this role.

Job Requirements

• Monday to Friday
• 45 hours per week
• 7:30am to 5:00pm
• Unpaid lunch break included
• Overtime, night shift and weekend work may be required depending on operational demands
• 4 weekly pay

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise Essential Criteria

• Experience in the operation and monitoring of heavy plant and machinery.
• Ability to perform physical manual labour, including lifting, carrying, and repetitive tasks.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to follow instructions clearly.
• Demonstrates initiative and the ability to work effectively as part of a team.
• Reliability with excellent timekeeping and attendance.
• Availability to work overtime, shift work and participate in out-of-hours rotas as required.

Desirable Criteria

• CSR Card or relevant Health & Safety qualification.
• Full driving licence.
• Experience operating agricultural-type machinery.
• Mechanical knowledge or prior experience in equipment maintenance.
• Industrial cleaning experience.

Training and Development Offered

The company is committed to developing its people. Operators will receive mandatory and role-specific training to ensure competency, compliance and safe operation of plant and equipment. The following training may be required or recommended, and can be gained as part of employment:

• First Aid Training
• Harness Training
• Loading Shoval
• Manual handling
• MEWP (Scissor and Boom)
• Shunter Training
• Various SOPs (Handlers, Twin Ram Baler, Doppstadt Shredder, Emergency response and so on)
• Telehandler (Above 9m)
• Water Jetting Association
• Working at Height

This is not an exhaustive list.

Benefits

• A competitive salary in a growing company committed to our people.
• A competitive holiday allowance.
• Company pension scheme.
• Enhanced family friendly policies.
• Employee Assistance Program
• Lifestyle & Leisure Discounts: Discounts for gym, leisure, cinema, shopping and many more
• Employee Life Insurance.
• Bike2Work scheme.
• Free on-site parking.