Waste Compactor Labourer
Permanent Full-Time
Salary from : $69,551.56 per annum plus superannuation
(Salary will be assessed based on skills, experience and qualifications)
At Wollongong City Council, we continuously strive to create an Extraordinary Wollongong. We focus on the delivery of exceptional services, infrastructure and facilities for our community.
Wollongong is a great place to work, live and play! Together, our responsibility is to create an inclusive community where everyone is welcome, valued and belongs. Our strength is the diversity of our people.
We lead with courage, openness and curiosity and believe our employees are the key to our success. Learn more about us here.
How you will be making a difference
As a Compactor Labourer, you'll be part of a self-sufficient and dynamic team responsible for maintaining the cleanliness and safety of public spaces across the Wollongong Local Government Area. Starting at 5am, your day begins with a toolbox talk before heading out on the compactor truck to follow a scheduled route. Your tasks will include emptying and cleaning public bins (including dog waste bins), sweeping footpaths, gutters, and gully pit entrances, and spot spraying weeds with herbicide. You'll also respond to customer requests, including deceased animal disposal, and assist with special cleaning tasks as needed.
You'll operate and maintain small plant equipment such as blower vacs, help with the loading and cleaning of compactor vehicles, and ensure all safety procedures are followed, including the use of PPE. The role requires respectful interaction with community members and strong collaboration with your team to ensure smooth daily operations. Monthly team briefs and training sessions support your growth. An MR (Medium Rigid) Licence is desirable for this role, however, if you do not currently hold an MR Licence, we can support you in gaining this Licence as part of your employment. With a great mix of experience and team dynamics, and the chance to work along the beautiful northern coastline of the LGA, this is a role where you can make a real impact.
Physical Fitness: You must be physically fit to undertake the manual duties required, including lifting, bending, and working outdoors in varying weather conditions.
Rostered Work: The role includes rostered weekend work. Overtime as required to meet operational demands.
On-Call Availability: You may be required to be on call when operationally necessary to respond to urgent requests or incidents.
Safety Commitment: Safety is a top priority in this role. You'll be expected to follow all workplace health and safety procedures, including the correct use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and safe handling of equipment and materials. Road safety is especially critical, as the role involves working around and operating compactor vehicles in high-traffic public areas. You'll be trained to maintain awareness of surroundings, follow traffic management protocols, and contribute to a safe working environment for both the team and the community.
About you
You're a reliable and motivated team player who takes pride in delivering quality work for the community. You have a strong commitment to safety, including road safety, and can follow procedures to ensure a secure working environment. With a practical approach, you're comfortable working outdoors in all weather conditions, handling tasks that involve contact with waste and natural elements, and early morning starts. You bring initiative and adaptability, thriving in a dynamic environment where priorities can change. Physically fit and ready for hands-on work, you communicate clearly with your team, engage respectfully with the public, and maintain a positive attitude.
Why you'll love working at Wollongong City Council!
- True work-life balance
We know you work hard, and we make sure that effort is rewarded with real flexibility. Our hybrid work options, flex-time, and rostered days off mean you can maintain balance while delivering great outcomes.
- Great working conditions
Enjoy a 35-hour work week or a 9-day fortnight with a regular rostered day off (RDO).
- Career growth and recognition
We are committed to supporting your personal and professional development. Our initiatives include a reward and recognition program, corporate learning opportunities, study assistance, and leadership development programs to help you grow and succeed.
- Generous leave provisions
Benefit from five weeks of annual leave per year (pro rata) and access long service leave after just five years.
- Health, safety, and wellbeing
We prioritise a safe workplace for everyone, every day, everywhere. Our wellbeing programs support mental, physical and social wellbeing of our people to be at their best and include an Employee Assistance Program, skin and hearing checks, vaccinations, and discounted gym memberships.
- A vibrant social culture
Join our Social Club for monthly activities, an annual trivia night, and fantastic Christmas events!
Participate and engage in meaningful work, and contribute to our extraordinary community, where together we make a difference.
For more information, click on 'Apply' to be redirected to Wollongong City Council's job vacancy page.
Applications close 11:59pm, Monday 10 November 2025.
Internally this position is known as Street Cleaner
We invite everyone to apply no matter your identity, you'll be welcome. We encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people who are culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD), people with disability and veterans.
Wollongong Council adheres to the principles of a child safe organisation and is committed to the care and protection of all children and young people in the community.
Applicants are required to undergo a rigorous employment screening process which will include Reference, Identity and Medical History Checks, and may also include a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check and Working with Children Check. Employment is subject to clearance of all these checks.
