EcoSort Operator
The role
At EcoCentral, the EcoSort Operator plays a hands-on role in keeping Canterbury’s recycling system operating safely and effectively. You will work on fast moving conveyor lines, wearing full personal protective equipment, removing items that do not belong in each recycling stream.
This is a physically active, operational role based on standing at the line and manually sorting materials. Depending on the station, this may include plastics, metals, soft plastics, or non-recyclable items. Team members rotate across different parts of the line, so flexibility and willingness to do a bit of everything is important. The environment is industrial rather than clean, and success in the role comes down to resilience, consistency, teamwork, and a solid constitution.
Key responsibilities
Safely sort recyclable materials on conveyor lines and designated areas
Remove contamination to maintain material quality and throughput
Rotate across sorting positions as required
Maintain cleanliness of work areas and equipment
Follow all health, safety, and environmental procedures
Communicate clearly with team leaders and colleagues
About you
Comfortable with physical work and being on your feet for long periods
Calm, reliable, and able to work steadily under pressure
Good communication skills and a team focused approach
Willing to work in environments with heat, dust, and odour
Strong attendance and a consistent work ethic
Able to follow instructions and safety processes closely
About EcoCentral
EcoCentral provides the backbone for waste diversion in Canterbury, striving to provide solutions that protect the natural environment that we call home. EcoCentral specialises in resource recovery, from rubbish to reusables, the team processes collections from the Canterbury region for households and commercial premises. EcoCentral’s mission is to lead and support best practice waste minimisation and provide enduring refuse and recycling services for South Island Councils, businesses, and communities.
The operations carried out by the team work to support EcoCentral’s goal, which is to play a leadership role in creating an economically sustainable circular economy for New Zealand. Across Canterbury EcoCentral operates three core facilities: EcoSort, a large semi-automated processing plant for the yellow bin recycling that is collected from around the region; three EcoDrop sites where people can drop off household rubbish, green waste, hazardous rubbish and items for reuse or recycling; and the EcoShop, located on Blenheim Road, where the team sells checked over reusable goods supplied by the EcoCentral Resource Recovery Centres.
EcoCentral is passionate about being a great place to work, offering an environment that promotes personal and professional development. To learn more about EcoCentral visit www.ecocentral.co.nz.
Why join us
Living wage employer
Full time, stable hours Monday to Friday (Plant operates 6:00am to 3:30pm)
Structured training and clear safety systems
Supportive team environment with low turnover
Opportunities to develop skills and progress over time
How to apply
If you are practical, reliable, and take pride in doing a job well, we would like to hear from you. Apply via SEEK with your CV.
For a confidential discussion, contact Kerry at [email protected]
We will begin progressing people as applications are received.
We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and experiences. If you are unsure whether you meet every requirement, we encourage you to apply or get in touch for a chat.