Collections Operator

Why join us? | What are the benefits of joining us?

• Make a Difference: Contribute to the development of Palmerston North City while enjoying a fulfilling career that positively impacts our community
• Professional Growth: Elevate your career through a range of Learning and Development opportunities at Palmerston North City Council.
• Benefits: We do more than just pay you a salary too. We have awesome benefits to support you including 5 weeks annual leave.

About the role | About the position

We are seeking a motivated individual to join our team of rubbish and recycling truck drivers. We call them Collections Operators because not only do they drive the trucks, they do a range of physical tasks from collecting rubbish, sorting glass recyclables or emptying recycling bins.

In this role you will be specifically focusing on our public space bins.

This is a full-time role, Monday to Friday, starting at 7:15am and finished by 3:45pm.

In this role your focus will be:

• Collecting rubbish, glass recyclables and other recycling in accordance with Palmerston North City Council’s rubbish and recycling collections service specifications.
• Maintaining your vehicle with regular cleaning, daily inspections, servicing & reporting of any faults in a timely manner to ensure vehicles are fit for purpose

About you | About you

In this role it’s essential that you have a Class 2 license and a good level of physical fitness. You will also have a can-do attitude, sound driving skills and commitment to safety.

In addition, you will have:

• The ability to work constructively alongside colleagues in a team environment.
• Excellent attention to detail.
• Focus on providing excellent service.
• Courteous & sound driving skills.

About us | About us

Palmerston North (or as we like to call it, Palmy) is a growing, innovative and exciting city. With small city benefits and big city ambition, Palmy has secured its place on the map as a creative and exciting city, with leading innovation and developments! We’re proud to be a city that includes, supports, connects and uses the talents of the whole community in our pursuit to provide a connected and safe community. We’re also a future-focused city who cares about enhancing our natural and built environment. Our future looks bright, it looks vibrant and progressive.

What we offer | What our work looks like

• Competitive remuneration between $30.63 and $32.25 per hour, with a 3.5% KiwiSaver employer contribution (where eligible)
• Full uniform including all the PPE you need
• 5 weeks annual leave and a community service day
• Long service leave after qualifying periods
• Paid parental leave benefits
• Supportive work environment that values work-life balance
• Annual flu vaccinations and subsidised health and eye checks
• The opportunity to make a real difference in the future of a vibrant, growing city

Applications close: 11.00pm, Wednesday 23 September 2026

We are an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and welcome applications from all those suitably qualified for this position.

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