Plant Operator
Pertemps Scotland
Baberton · posted 17 August 2026
Salary
£14.51 – £15.74 an hour
Job type
full time
Location
Baberton, City of Edinburgh
Category
Construction
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
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.
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.
Apply Now
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