Waste Operations Traineeship

What you'll be doing…

You will complete a Certificate III in Waste Management qualification over 18 months through a combination of formal training with a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) and practical on-the-job experience with Zeal Futures and Host employer, Shoalhaven City Council.

Throughout your formal training and practical experience in the workplace, you will have the opportunity to:

• Work within a diverse team in leading Recycling and Resource Recovery operation at Councils Recycling and Waste Facilities.
• Perform recycling operations in several ways from manual separation, to using mobile plant, to high tech fixed plant and sorting equipment
• Complete duties within different operational areas such as: Transfer area, Garden organics & Bulky Waste pick-up, Weighbridge/gatehouse, buy-back centre, recycling attendant duties and many more.
• Operate earthmoving plant and heavy vehicles

What you'll bring to the table…

To be successful in this role, you'll need to meet the following criteria:

• Ability to work as part of a team and independently
• Commitment to full term of the traineeship and study requirements
• Demonstrate willingness to learn and develop new skills and knowledge
• Ongoing commitment to safety, quality, and principles of continuous improvement
• Ability to work without constant direct supervision and make sound decisions independently
• Current drivers licence (P1 preferred, but open to Learners working towards obtaining P1)
• WHS Construction Induction (White Card), or willingness to obtain
• Willingness to undergo a pre-employment medical (audiometry, spirometry, drug and alcohol screening, and functional capacity assessment)

About Zeal Futures

Zeal Futures provides the ultimate training and employment experience. We create life-changing opportunities by working with industry-leading organisations to deliver high-quality, innovative apprenticeship and traineeship programs across a range of industries.

As experts in vocational education and training, we will support you through all phases of your learning journey, creating a supportive environment that empowers our employees to thrive. Our track record speaks for itself, as we consistently maintain one of the highest completion rates in Australia.

What's in it for me?

Being a Zeal Futures trainee opens the door to working for industry-leading Employers to provide life changing opportunities. Our network of Host Employers means we can offer rotations to ensure you can fulfil your education and training requirements; become qualified without getting yourself into debt and actually earn an income

Throughout your traineeship, you'll also be able to take advantage of our exclusive employee benefits such as coaching and mentoring, safety training, discounted health benefits, rewards and counselling.

How to apply

To apply for this role, click the 'Apply for this job' button and then follow the steps to complete your application. You can also apply online at  by clicking on 'Vacancies' and selecting the relevant position, then the 'Apply Online' button at the top of the page.

All applications require a resume and cover letter outlining your suitability to the role.

If you require assistance with the recruitment process (for instance, this may be filling out forms, interviews, or completing online tests), please contact your recruitment representative on We are happy to provide any necessary reasonable adjustments or assistance you may need.  Please do not hesitate to ask for any help. We look forward to hearing from you.

What else is involved?

After submitting your online application, you may be invited to complete online testing, interviews and pre-employment medicals. We'll also contact your references if you progress through these recruitment stages. Please be sure to check your emails (including your junk folder) and respond to missed phone calls, voicemail messages and text messages.

If you have any questions about this role, please contact Tas Gool

Applications close 30th October 2025.

As a recognised Diversity Champion, Zeal Futures is committed to Equal Employment Opportunities, Ethical Practices, and the principles of Cultural Diversity. We encourage applications from all members of the community, including people from indigenous backgrounds, people with disability, women seeking non-traditional trade opportunities, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and mature aged people. If you require assistance lodging your application with Zeal Futures, please contact our Recruitment Team on