Forklift Operator

JobsCloseBy Editorial Insights

WM New Zealand is hiring a motivated Forklift Operator for its Queenstown based Material Recovery Facility to move recyclable bales safely and efficiently while supporting the site’s cleanliness and operational standards. Essential: a current Class 1 license with forklift endorsement, and either 3+ years’ relevant experience or a NZ Level 4 qualification. Desirable: mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, ability to work independently or in a team, and basic computer skills. Expect 40 hours minimum, rosters spanning 7.00am to 5.00pm, with a pay rate around $29.20 per hour. Tips: tailor your CV to prove safety discipline, accuracy in logging, and experience with forklifts, inventory systems, and maintenance; highlight sustainability motivation. Apply now.

Company Description

WM New Zealand is New Zealand's leading resource recovery, recycling, and waste management provider. We’re committed to safeguarding our beautiful environment through sustainable management of our valuable resources. Put simply, sustainability is what we do.

Job Description

Join the team that’s helping shape a cleaner, greener Aotearoa. At WM New Zealand, we’re committed to sustainability, innovation, and delivering world-class service. We’re currently looking for a motivated Forklift Operator to join our team at our Material Recovery Facility (MRF) and help us deliver on that promise.

About the Role

As a Forklift Operator, you’ll be responsible for the safe and efficient movement of bales of recyclable materials within our MRF, and help keep our facility operating smoothly and safely.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Operate a forklift to accurately position and raise/lower the forks for moving, stacking, unstacking and loading recyclable bales and other materials within waste processing facilities, recycling centres, and yard storage areas.
• Operate rail-guided or electronically-guided forklifts where applicable, to navigate narrow aisles and controlled movement zones within the warehouse and processing plants.
• Transport waste materials, recyclables, and packaged goods to designated storage or processing areas in a safe and efficient manner.
• Ensure all goods and materials are stored in correct locations according to site layout and inventory systems, enabling easy retrieval for order processing and dispatch.
• Monitor equipment performance through visual checks of gauges and instruments, as well as via computerised monitoring systems where installed.
• Conduct safety and maintenance checks on equipment to identify signs of wear, damage, or malfunction.
• Perform basic servicing, minor repairs, and adjustments to forklifts as per competency and training
• Complete all documentation accurately and in a timely manner.
• Contribute to high standards of site cleanliness.
• Any other duties may required by the business and uphold WM’s values at all times.

Qualifications

Essential:

• A current Class 1 driver’s licence with forklift (F) endorsement.
• At least 3 years of relevant working experience OR level 4 NZ qualification

Highly Desirable:

• Mechanical aptitude and good attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Basic computer skills (MS Office, operational databases).

Additional Information

What’s in it for me

• Permanent full-time employment
• Minimum 40 hours per week
• Working hours Monday – Sunday, rostered between 7.00am – 5.00pm
• Hourly Rate $29.20
• Based in Queenstown

WM New Zealand is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and promotes drug and alcohol-free workplaces. 

Click I’m Interested or Apply now to apply for this role.