Plant Operator

The Plant Operator position in Edinburgh involves operating heavy machinery to manage, sort, and load waste and recyclable materials at a site in EH11 4HD. Working full-time on a temporary basis, the schedule runs four days on, four days off, with shifts from 07.00 to 18.42 on weekdays and 07.00 to 17.42 at weekends, including 60-minute breaks.

Duties centre on JCB 3CX machines, 360 excavators with grabs, and large CAT loading shovels.

Candidates should possess solid machine-handling skills and a commitment to workplace safety.

Pay starts at £14.51 per hour, rising to £15.74 from week thirteen. This hands-on role suits those comfortable with varied physical tasks.

Plant Operator - Waste Recycling

Location: EH11 4HD

Hours: 4 days on 4 days off. Mondays - Fridays 07.00-18.42, Saturdays and Sundays 07.00-17.42 with 60 min breaks

Pay Rate: £14.51 per hour rising to £15.74 as of week 13

Duration: Ongoing

The Role

You will play a key role in the safe and efficient operation of the site, using heavy plant machinery to manage, sort, move and load a range of waste and recyclable materials. The role is hands-on and varied, with a strong focus on operating JCB machinery, 360 excavators with grabs and large CAT loading shovels. You will also help maintain a safe, clean and efficient working environment

Key Responsibilities

• Operate JCB 3CX or similar machinery safely and efficiently around the site.
• Operate 360 excavators fitted with grabs to sort, move and load waste materials.
• Operate large CAT loading shovels to move waste and recycling and load haulage vehicles.
• Load and transfer waste streams into containers, vehicles and processing areas.
• Assist with the segregation and sorting of waste to minimise contamination.
• Direct vehicles and site users to the correct recycling areas.
• Carry out daily plant and vehicle safety checks and report defects promptly.
• Assess site equipment and infrastructure, reporting hazards and making unsafe areas or equipment safe where required.
• Support the operation of the Household Waste Recycling Centre when required.
• Provide clear and professional advice to members of the public and site users.

Qualifications

• Proven experience operating JCBs, 360 excavators and/or large loading shovels.
• Relevant plant operator qualifications or certificates.
• Experience operating a 360 excavator with a grab would be highly desirable.
• Experience operating large CAT loading shovels would be highly desirable.
• The ability to operate machinery safely around vehicles, pedestrians and other site users.
• Good awareness of site safety, vehicle movements and environmental risks.
• Good communication and customer service skills.