Plant Operator
Listed on 2026-08-21
-
Trades / Skilled Labor
Heavy Equipment Operator, Construction Labor & Trades, Forklift Operator, General Labor
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 RecyclingLocation:
EH11 4HD
Hours:
4 days on 4 days off. Mondays – Fridays , Saturdays and Sundays with 60 min breaks
Pay Rate: £14.51 per hour rising to £15.74 as of week 13
Duration:
Ongoing
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.
- 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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