Warrumbungle Shire Council

Tractor Operator

Department: Roads

Reports to: Supervisor Roads South

Salary Range: $1,044 - $1,191 per 38 hour week + superannuation

Warrumbungle Shire Council is seeking a dedicated and capable Tractor Operator to join our Roads Crew, with a focus on vegetation control across our extensive road network. This hands-on role will see you undertaking mowing, slashing and general maintenance across Council and RMS roads, public reserves, and various Council-managed properties. 

You’ll be responsible for operating a tractor and a range of attachments — including slashers and four-in-one buckets — to manage roadside vegetation and ensure visibility and safety for road users. From mowing verges and shoulders to slashing dense growth along rural corridors, you’ll help ensure our road network remains safe, tidy and compliant with regulatory standards. Your day-to-day will also involve selecting the most effective and safe routes for scheduled works, conducting minor servicing and upkeep of your plant, and assisting with general road crew duties.

You’ll also take on labouring tasks that support the wider road maintenance program, such as installing signage, guideposts and safety barriers, as well as carrying out traffic control responsibilities. Operating hand tools, chainsaws, brush cutters and other small plant will be part of your regular routine, so a sound knowledge of safe machinery use and maintenance is essential. Your ability to work independently, take initiative and contribute positively to a team environment will be key to your success in this role.

We are looking for someone who brings solid experience with plant operation and maintenance, and who thrives in an environment where no two days are quite the same. You’ll hold a valid Class C NSW Driver’s Licence, White Card, Traffic Controller ticket, and ideally some relevant machinery tickets or certifications. A strong understanding of workplace safety, a willingness to get stuck into physical work, and a professional attitude when dealing with the community are essential. If you also bring additional tickets such as a Chemical Handling Certificate, MR licence or a Level 2 Chainsaw Ticket, even better!

Please click here to view the position description.

This position is located in Coolah. Situated on the picturesque Coolaburragundy River and nestled in a valley of the Liverpool Range, the town is surrounded by undulating hills and fertile river flats and is an attractive service town for the surrounding agricultural district. Only an hour south east of Coonabarabran, close to major centres, and with the nearby Coolah Tops National Park offering rugged natural beauty and adventure, Coolah delivers the best of country living. 

Selection criteria include:

• Class C NSW Drivers Licence.
• Work Health and Safety General Construction Induction (White Card)
• Experience in a similar role, including the operation, servicing and maintenance of a tractor, mower and/or slasher
• Demonstrated competency and experience in undertaking specified labouring duties for civil projects and maintenance tasks
• Demonstrated ability to both work unsupervised and independently and as part of a team, fostering an environment based on teamwork and cooperation
• Ability to work efficiently, meet predetermined works schedules and determine material and labour requirements to complete basic work components
• Current Traffic Control ticket/s

It's a plus is you have a Certificate III in Plant Operations, chemical handling qualifications, Verification of Competency for tractor and attachments, Level 2 Chainsaw Ticket and MR driver’s licence.

Benefits of working for Council

Council is committed to creating a positive working environment and offer a range of benefits for staff, including

• Great leave opportunities 
  • Long service leave after 5 years
  • 1 RDO every 2 weeks
  • Paid parental and concurrent parental leave
  • Carer’s leave
  • 3 weeks sick leave per year including up to 2 days health and wellbeing leave each year
  • Purchase additional leave or cash out leave
  • Deferred leave scheme – eg work three years at 75% of your pay and have the following year off at 75% of your pay! 
• Support for training and professional development
  • Formal training opportunities
  • Access to thousands of free online training courses
• Weekly pay cycle
• Mobile phone allowance available if you bring your own device
• Salary Packaging options to maximise your take-home pay
• Hybrid work and flexible hours by agreement and subject to role requirements
• Wellness – we want you to be at your best self so you and your immediate family members have access to our employee assistance program with TELUS Health One
• Free annual flu vaccinations and bi-annual skin cancer checks available
• PPE provided

About Warrumbungle Shire Council

Warrumbungle Shire is strategically positioned on the Newell Highway, a short drive from Tamworth, Mudgee and Dubbo, and just over 3 hours from Newcastle, making Warrumbungle Shire a great place to live and work. Covering an area of more than 12,000km², and with a population of nearly 10,000, Warrumbungle Shire Council is one of the larger Local Government Areas in Central West NSW, home to the townships of Coonabarabran, Coolah, Dunedoo, Binnaway, Baradine and Mendooran. 

With a rich history and stunning landscapes including spectacular mountain ranges, waterfalls, ancient sandstone caves, gorges, and beautiful plains, our scenic location amongst friendly country communities provides an ideal setting for those looking to balance a country lifestyle and career.

At Warrumbungle Shire Council we offer a broad variety of jobs with a range of benefits and career development opportunities within Local Government. The guiding principles of honesty, integrity, fairness and compassion form the spirit of the team along with respect, transparency, passion, trust and opportunity is how Warrumbungle Shire Council strengthens its working environment to deliver on the aspirations of our community. Council is proud to be an equal opportunity and child safe employer with a commitment to our staff and our vision is Excellence in Local Government. 

How to apply

Please provide sufficient detail in your answers to the questions as this information is used to assess your suitability for interview.

1. Scroll down and complete the fields below. Note: Fields marked with a red asterisk* are mandatory.
2. Click ‘Next’
3. Attach your resume, covering letter and copies of your qualifications
4. Click ‘Next’
5. Review your application and click ‘Confirm’ to submit your completed application

You will receive an email acknowledgement to confirm receipt of your application. You will receive email notifications regarding the status of your application. It is important that you regularly check your email to ensure you do not miss any notifications from Council. It is also recommended that you check your spam or junk folder and consider adding careers@warrumbungle.nsw.gov.au to your email address book to ensure you do not miss any correspondence in regard to your application.

Applications close at 11.00 pm Sunday 4 May 2025.

For enquiries, please contact Human Resources on 6849 2000.

Applicants should note that Criminal History Checks, as well as alcohol and drug testing, are conditions of employment.