At a Glance
- Tasks: Operate heavy machinery to manage and sort waste and recyclables in a hands-on role.
- Company: Join a leading waste recycling facility in Edinburgh with a focus on sustainability.
- Benefits: Earn £14.51 per hour, increasing to £15.74 after 13 weeks, plus flexible shifts.
- Other info: Enjoy a dynamic work environment with a 4 days on, 4 days off schedule.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in recycling while gaining valuable machine operation experience.
- Qualifications: Experience with JCBs, excavators, and loading shovels; safety awareness is key.
The predicted salary is between 14.51 - 14.51 £ per hour.
Plant Operator – Waste Recycling
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 on 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.
- 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.
- You Should Have
- 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.
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
Plant Operator employer: Jobs.co.uk
Join a leading disputes team in Oxfordshire as a Junior Contentious Trusts & Probate Solicitor, where you will benefit from a supportive work culture that prioritises employee growth and development. With hybrid working options and the chance to collaborate with experienced Partners on high-value cases, this role offers a unique opportunity to advance your career in a dynamic environment that values innovation and teamwork.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Plant Operator
✨Get Your Hands Dirty at Local Events
Look for local trade fairs or skilled trades expos in your area. These gatherings are perfect for networking and meeting potential employers like Jobs.co.uk who might be looking for temporary workers. Plus, it’s a great way to showcase your skills directly!
✨Tap into Trade Networks
Joining local trade associations can be a game changer. Not only do they often have job boards, but they also run events where employers are seeking temporary talent in the skilled trades field. It’s a chance to meet people who know about upcoming vacancies personally!
✨Leverage Online Job Boards Specific to Your Trade
Make sure to explore online job boards that cater specifically to skilled trades. Websites like Direct 2 Job and TradeSkills4U often have temporary positions listed. Keep an eye on these for bursts of hiring in peak seasons—there’s always demand around renovation times!
✨Apply Quickly and Show Up in Person
When applying for temporary roles, speed can be key. If you see a role you like, like one at Jobs.co.uk, don’t just send in your application; follow up with a phone call or even a visit. It shows proactivity and can leave a strong impression on employers!
We think you need these skills to ace Plant Operator
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Skills:In the skilled trades, it’s all about showcasing your hands-on abilities. Make sure your CV highlights specific trade skills you’ve mastered, along with any relevant certifications or training programmes you've completed. This is your chance to shine, so don’t hold back!
Keep It Concise and Relevant:Since this is a temporary role, we want you to focus on your most relevant experience. Tailor your CV to emphasise the projects or roles that align with the specific skills needed for the position at Jobs.co.uk. Less fluff, more actionable details!
Mention Your Availability:In your cover letter, let us know your availability and willingness to start right away. Since this is a temporary position, we want to hear how you can jump in and make an impact quickly. Be clear about when you can start and how flexible you can be.
Share Your Work Portfolio:If you've got a portfolio or evidence of past projects, include it! We love to see the tangible results of your skilled work. Whether it's photos or detailed descriptions of your previous jobs, sharing this with us can really set you apart from the competition.
How to prepare for a job interview at Jobs.co.uk
✨Show Off Your Skills
Since you’re diving into a temporary position in skilled trades, make sure to highlight your relevant hands-on experience. Bring along a portfolio of your past projects or photos showing your skillset in action. This isn’t just about what you say; it’s about showing what you can do as well!
✨Prepare for Practical Assessments
Get ready for some on-the-job assessment during the interview. Be prepared to demonstrate your technical skills, whether it’s through a practical test or skills assessment. Brush up on common tools and techniques specific to your trade, so you can showcase your competence confidently.
✨Flexibility is Key
Since this is a temporary role, companies often look for candidates who can hit the ground running. Be ready to discuss your availability and willingness to adapt to different projects or working conditions. Emphasize your eagerness to learn quickly and make a positive impact right away.
✨Communicate Your Team Spirit
In skilled trades, being part of a team is often crucial. Make sure to talk about your past experiences working collaboratively with colleagues. Whether it's sharing a tool or problem-solving on site, show that you understand the importance of teamwork in getting the job done efficiently at Jobs.co.uk.