About Cowra & Cowra Council

Cowra is located within beautiful Central NSW on the banks of the Lachlan River. It is approximately one hour from the regional hubs of Bathurst and Orange, two hours from Canberra and four hours from Sydney. The town is situated at the intersection of three state highways: the Mid-Western Highway, the Olympic Highway and the Lachlan Valley Way, making it a central hub for travel, freight and logistics.

Cowra Council employs over 200 full time equivalent staff.  Our vision is to be a leading, innovative and creative community, proud of our place in history and offering opportunity with the best of country living. The region enjoys a range of economic, social, educational and health services with a welcoming community that embraces new members from all backgrounds. We strive to provide, maintain and extend Council services to improve the quality of life for residents throughout the Shire. We aim to actively lead, facilitate and foster sustainable development and wealth generating opportunities through agricultural, industrial, commercial and tourism growth.

About the Opportunity

We are seeking motivated, reliable and team-focused staff to join our Waste Operations team as Materials Recycling Facility (MRF) Attendants. With multiple positions available, this is a great opportunity to secure steady work while contributing to an essential community and environmental service.

These roles play a vital part in ensuring recyclables are sorted correctly and processed efficiently, supporting Council’s commitment to sustainability and waste reduction. Working primarily on the Container Deposit Scheme (CDS) and kerbside recycling sorting line, MRF Attendants are responsible for the safe and efficient day-to-day operation of the facility. The role is hands-on and suited to people who enjoy physical work, routine tasks and working as part of a team.

Key responsibilities include:

• Sorting recyclables on the CDS and kerbside recycling lines
• Operating mechanical presses to bale sorted materials
• Maintaining a clean and safe work environment, including litter collection and sweeping of sheds and receiving areas
• Providing basic customer service to members of the public attending the MRF
• Weighbridge operations
• Operation of plant and equipment (e.g. forklift, front-end loader, telehandler), where suitably qualified

To be successful in this role, you will have:

• A positive, “can-do” attitude and strong work ethic
• The ability to work safely and reliably in a repetitive, process-driven environment
• Good teamwork and communication skills
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail
• Willingness to work weekends and overtime as required
• Plant and machinery experience is desirable but not essential
• A current Class HR driver licence and forklift licence are highly desirable

Previous experience is not essential. We welcome applications from recent school leavers and those looking to start or change their career, provided you have a positive attitude, a strong work ethic and a willingness to be trained.

The MRF operates 7 days a week and flexibility to support weekend operations is essential.

The Benefits

Benefits of working at Council include:

• Fortnightly Rostered Day Off (RDO)
• Four weeks of Annual Leave per year
• Access to Long Service Leave after five years
• Three weeks sick leave per year
• Corporate Wellbeing Programs, including Fitness Passport and Health and Wellbeing initiatives including two (2) Health and Wellbeing days per year.
• Employee Benefits Program 
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Paid parental leave

Position Description

Please click on the link for a full copy of the POSITION DESCRIPTION

Further Enquiries 

For further enquiries please contact Supervisor - Waste Operations, Anthony Collins on 0428 423 080. 

How to Apply

Before you apply for this position, please read the position description carefully to assess your eligibility and suitability for the position. You will be required to answer questions relating to the selection criteria on the online application below, your answers will be accessed and rated, so please ensure you take time in providing your answers and give examples of demonstrated experience when requested.

You will also be asked to attach your current resume which should include two employment related referees. Please note that you cannot submit your application without attaching your resume. A cover letter is not mandatory but may be added if so desired.

Cowra Council is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing a working environment that embraces and values diversity and inclusion.  If you have any support or access requirements, we encourage you to advise at time of application. 

Job Closes 5:00pm Sunday 15 February 2026

Pre-employment Screening

In the event you are shortlisted for an interview, and are then selected to progress to the next stage following interview, you must be prepared to undergo the following pre-employment screening processes as part of the selection process:

• A pre-employment physical examination, including hearing, drug & alcohol assessments.
• Please include two referees in your resume for reference checking purposes - please ensure your referee details are current.
• Provide the applicable Working with Children Check number if the role applied for requires a Working with Children Check.
• Council may also check authenticity of certificates and qualifications.

Privacy Statement

As part of the recruitment process, Cowra Shire Council will be collecting information about you. This information is private information for the purposes of the Privacy and Personal Information Protection Act. This information will be included in the recruitment file and only accessed by members of the Recruitment Selection Panel. 

Equal Employment Opportunity

Council aims to ensure fair, equitable and non-discriminatory consideration for all applicants, regardless of sex, ethnic or racial origin, or physical disability.