Join us in our mission to promote biodiversity, conserve our valuable ecosystems, and provide engaging attractions that connect people with nature.
THIS IS A PERMANENT, FULL-TIME POSITION
THIS POSITION IS BASED IN ALBANY
APPLICATIONS FOR THIS POSITION CLOSE AT
MIDDAY ON THURSDAY, 14 MAY 2026
The South Coast Region extends 1,200 km from Denmark to the South Australian border and includes 14 national parks and 150 nature reserves covering 2.5 million hectares plus 7 million hectares of unallocated Crown land (UCL). National parks include Torndirrup, Porongurup, Stirling Range, Fitzgerald River, West Cape Howe, Gull Rock, Waychinicup, Stokes, Cape Le Grand, and Cape Arid.
The South Coast Region’s key service deliverables include nature conservation, parks and visitor services and fire management.
We currently have an opportunity for a Machine Plant Operator to join our team.
Under the direction of the Crew Leader, this position:
- Operates heavy machinery such as a 950 Caterpillar Wheel Loader or equivalent, D6 Caterpillar bulldozer or equivalent in forested environments and challenging terrain. Undertakes loading, unloading and transportation of heavy machinery with Prime Mover and float on a variety of roads and conditions.
- Undertakes bushfire suppression work at all categories of bushfire (level 1, 2 and 3) once fire line competent.
- Applies appropriate disease hygiene and work, health and safety requirements at all times.
At the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA), we have adopted Leadership Expectations which provides a common understanding of the mindsets and expected behaviours required of all our employees and the public sector. In this role, you will demonstrate Personal Leadership to help drive positive change.
Selection Criteria
Applicants should submit a cover letter using all following criteria as a guide to express their interest in being selected for interview. The interview process will also be used to assess these criteria and desirable criteria will be assessed as required.
- Demonstrated ability to operate heavy machinery such as a 950 Caterpillar Wheel Loader or equivalent, and/or D6 Caterpillar bulldozer or equivalent in forested environments and challenging terrain and/or can load, unload and transport heavy machinery with Prime Mover and float on a variety of roads.
- Ability to supervise and coach others in a range of work situations, identify training needs, conduct training as appropriate, and promote an environment of continuous learning.
- Physically fit for “on the ground” operational fire work and be able to pass the departmental fire fitness test.
- Be available for fire service consistent with the AWU (WA Public Sector) Award 1992 and any prevailing industrial agreements, including regular participation in fire availability rosters on weekends and out of hours; plus, ongoing willingness and ability to participate in fire management activities that contribute to bushfire suppression and prescribed burning operations commensurate with capability, training and level of experience.
- Ability to participate in the planning of and implement works programs in an efficient manner, organise resources, determine day to day priorities and ensure best practice quality control measures are achieved.
- Ability to liaise with and negotiate with other internal stakeholders to ensure all approvals are in place and agree on standard of work before operational works commence.
- Good oral communication and interpersonal skills, ability to work with departmental employees and contractors with limited supervision and work effectively in a team.
- Good literacy skills with an ability to complete all records and reports in an accurate and timely manner including use of computers relevant to the requirements of the job.
- Understanding of work, health and safety, and equity and diversity principles and practices.
- Current ‘C’ and ’MR’ Class Driver’s Licence, plus an ‘HC’ Driver’s Licence or ability to acquire as soon as possible.
- Ability and willingness to acquire Certificate III in Conservation and Ecosystem Management.
- Experience in Dieback Disease Hygiene requirements and machine operations in environmentally sensitive areas. (Desirable)
- Current HVPL (Heavy Vehicle Pilot License), or ability and willingness to obtain a HVPL.
About Us
DBCA, one of Western Australia's largest state government agencies, providing exciting and challenging career opportunities in biodiversity conservation and park and natural resource management. We employ people with world-class scientific, policy, land and marine management, visitor services, research and educational skills.
For more information on what we do, our recruitment process, and why working at DBCA is an attractive proposition, please visit our website.
Benefits of working with us
In addition to the attractive salary and opportunities to contribute to biodiversity and environmental conservation initiatives, the department offers incentives including:
- Flexible working arrangements.
- 12% superannuation, full employer contribution and salary packaging options.
- Cultural leave for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff.
- Access to study, bereavement, foster caring and parental leave.
- A confidential employee assistant program (EAP) for you and your family, including psychology and counselling services.
- An annual National Park Entry Pass.
- Well-established learning and development programs.
- Relocation and other allowances.
- Free staff parking.
How to apply:
All applications are to be submitted online. Select 'Apply for job', located at either the top or the bottom of the screen, and follow the instructions; you will need to provide a:
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a covering letter using all the above criteria as a guide to express their interest in being selected for interview.
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current CV, including the details of two referees with one being a recent or current manager/supervisor.
For further job-related information: contact Dave Cronin on 0455 059 265 or for further information about the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, visit https://www.dbca.wa.gov.au/.
We have a detailed Job Application Kit to provide information about us, the value of the department and practical guidance on the process for you. Please ensure you have saved your documents in MS Word (.docx files only) or PDF format and have allowed plenty of time to submit your application, as late, emailed and proforma applications will not be accepted.
Prior to commencement, the successful applicant will need to possess or obtain:
- A current Western Australian ‘C’ and ’MR’ Class Driver’s Licence, plus an ‘HC’ Driver’s Licence or ability to acquire as soon as possible.
For the full role description, detailed responsibilities and a full list of selection criteria, please refer to the Job Description link below. The documents linked to this advertisement are available in alternative formats upon request.
Eligibility: To be eligible for permanent appointment, it is essential to have Australian citizenship, New Zealand citizenship or Australian permanent residency status.
A search for additional applicants may be conducted for this position where necessary to provide a more diverse and/or competitive field.
Substantive Equality Statement
DBCA is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages Indigenous Australians, young people, people with disabilities, people from culturally diverse backgrounds and women to apply for positions within our agency. People with disability will be provided with reasonable adjustments in our recruitment processes and in the workplace. The Department also promotes flexible working arrangements.
Applicants with a disability who require adjustments in the recruitment process, including an alternative to applying online, can contact the Senior Recruitment Officer on (08) 9219 9879 or recruitment@dbca.wa.gov.au. Do not send job applications to this email; they will not be accepted.
If you are an Aboriginal person who would like assistance with your application, please contact Jobs and Skills WA on 13 64 64.
Similar appointments may be made from this process in locations throughout Western Australia within a 12-month period to positions that may be permanent or contract, including contract appointments with the possibility of subsequent permanency.
