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Plant Operator
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About The Role
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
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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.
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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.
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