Plant Operators provide civil/earthwork construction support to the Air Force's infrastructure. Your role involves the operation of various items of heavy earth moving equipment (dozer, excavator, grader, dump truck, etc.) in the construction and maintenance of pavements and site excavations, and also in emergency airfield damage repair and recovery activities. You may be required to work shifts or participate in deployed operations with the Army in remote areas located within or external to Australia.
As a Plant Operator, your duties concentrate on deployed conditions both within Australia and overseas. These roles are performed regularly on deployments to temporary and permanent airfields in support of expeditionary air operations. Such activities could also be undertaken at any of the major Air Force bases and at isolated temporary Air Force airfields or construction sites within Australia.
You will receive training in general and specialist heavy vehicle and plant operation and you are required to support other trades (Plumber, Carpenter, Electrician) in the performance of their duties. You will also participate regularly in ground defence exercises and are required to provide temporary construction services. Working conditions vary from an office environment to the field.
You will be trained to perform your role through a combination of on the job training and various intensive courses. Plant Operators are able to progress to the rank of Corporal and then apply to become Works Supervisors where they can then follow a career path up to Warrant Officer.