Backhoe Operator

About Us:

Kempsey Shire Council (KSC) is located on the Mid North Coast of NSW known for its genuine hospitality pristine beaches sub-tropical rainforests mountain ranges rock river gorges sprawling farmland and peaceful villages.

We are a progressive proactive and dynamic organisation and we pride ourselves on the respectful and supportive workplace we have cultivated. With 360 dedicated staff managing $1.5 billion worth of assets across many sites throughout the Shire KSC work closely with our community to build an inspired connected Macleay Valley.

Your New Role:

Kempsey Shire Council has an exciting opportunity for two (2) experienced Backhoe Operators to join our Infrastructure Delivery team.

Reporting to the relevant Team Leader you will be responsible for operating plant and equipment engaged in the construction and maintenance of Councils road network. This role requires a strong commitment to safety teamwork and quality service delivery.

If youre a safety-focused operator who takes pride in their work and enjoys being part of a team wed love to hear from you.

Key Accountabilities:

• Operate backhoes motor vehicles and plant items in an efficient effective and safe manner as required in compliance with relevant laws standards Council policy and having regard for the safety of the public road users and other employees.
• Demonstrated safety knowledge of operating backhoe and manufacturers specification.
• Operate other items of plant which may be required from time to time provided that relevant accreditation/competencies are held by the operator.
• Follow instructions courteously promptly and accurately.
• Ensuring plant is serviced/maintained in accordance with manufacturers requirements and Council Standards and to perform minor maintenance where required.
• Contributing to more efficient work practices other workplace development issues the promotion of teamwork and assisting in building team spirit within work crews to optimize work output.

For a full list of the Key Accountabilities of the role please refer to the Position Description.

About You

To be successful in this role you should possess:

• Certificate III in Civil Construction or Certificate III in Civil Construction Plant Operations and/or relevant demonstrated experience
• Current Class C Drivers Licence
• General Construction Induction Card
• Recent practical experience and demonstrated competency in the operation of a backhoe or similar item of plant
• Demonstrated knowledge of and ability to care and maintain plant and vehicles.
• Knowledge and experience of road construction and maintenance principles.
• Proven ability in the understanding of Traffic Control Plans and signage and hold relevant Traffic Control Tickets.
• Demonstrated working knowledge of Work Health and Safety in particular the understanding of the role of Safe Work Method Statements and experience in assisting in their preparation.
• General Labouring duties

Benefits of working for Kempsey Shire Council:

As the successful candidate youll enjoy:

• A permanent full-time position 38-hour work week
• Fortnightly RDOs
• Weekly salaryof $1309.01 to $1473.28 (plus superannuation).
• Generous leave entitlements including access to Long Service Leave after five years
• A working environment focussed on wellbeing including flexible work arrangements rostered days off EAP access social club and health and wellbeing programs.
• Fitness Passports for discounted access to a range of gym and pool facilities.
• Career development and learning opportunities access to study leave if required.
• A supportive collaborative working environment designed to help you grow!
• A fantastic lifestyle and work life balance on the beautiful Mid-North Coast.

Interested

Please apply via Councils website Note that you will be required to prepare and submit:

• A short statement (maximum 2 pages) outlining how your experience abilities knowledge and personal qualities will enable you to achieve the key accountabilities of the role (as listed in the Position Description); and
• Your current resume.

Applications Close: COB Wednesday 28 January 2026

Please note: Due to the Christmas /New Year shut down this job will be advertised for a duration of 6 weeks and shortlisting will commence week beginning 2 February 2026.

Please note that Council reserves the right to close this job advertisement before the stated closing date if a suitable candidate is found. Therefore we encourage all interested applicants to submit their applications as soon as possible.

Have questions Please contact Dan Powick or Peter Shaw Coordinator Works for a confidential discussion onPh:.

Please Note: Our recruitment notification process is primarily via system generated emails. Please ensure your email is correct before submitting your application to avoid missing crucial updates.

Completion of a pre-employment medical assessment is a requirement of KSCs recruitment process for this position

If you experience any difficulties applying online please contact the Recruitment team on or email

Thank you and good luck with your application.

Kempsey Shire Council is an equal opportunity employer and we celebrate our diverse inclusive and values-led workforce. We welcome and encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people people with diverse culture and linguistic backgrounds and people with a addition Kempsey Shire Council will provide reasonable adjustments for suitably qualified individuals with disabilities. If you require additional assistance to participate in the recruitment process please discuss with the advertised contact person. You can ask for reasonable adjustments to be made at any time during the recruitment process.