Plant Operator
What you'll do
Take control of heavy military machinery and accomplish construction projects in various terrains and conditions to support Army capability. Not only will you be in the driver’s seat, you’ll also learn the engineering foundations to make technical decisions and advise on all aspects of construction on the ground.
You’ll gain the satisfaction of knowing the work you do will make a real difference in people's lives. Due to the diversity of work, over the course of your career you’ll have opportunities to help communities in need such as remote Aboriginal communities and assisting with disaster relief efforts.
Your duties may include:
- constructing, maintaining, and repairing infrastructure, including roads, ports, and airfields
- operating and maintaining heavy plant equipment, such as forklifts (on-road and off-road), loaders, excavators, rollers, graders, dozers and cranes
- undertaking environmental work, such as drainage and soil stabilisation
- installing infrastructure services, like water and electricity.
Following training, you could be posted to one of these primary posting locations:
- Brisbane, Qld
- Darwin, NT
- Ipswich, Qld
- Townsville, Qld.
There may be opportunities to post to other locations based on service need, career development needs and individual preferences. You may also have the opportunity to deploy overseas on operations during your career.
Discover where the Army operates across Australia on our base locations map.
Requirements and training
You must be an Australian citizen to serve in the ADF. However, Australian permanent residents may be eligible. For more details, visit the "Citizenship" tab on the Eligibility Requirements page.
All ADF members require a security clearance. As an ADF member, you’ll need to obtain the appropriate level of security clearance for your role. You’ll need a collection of relevant information including background checks and/or interviews so the Australian Government Security Vetting Agency (AGSVA) can make an informed assessment to ensure the protection of Government resources and information. Your Careers Coach will explain what level of clearance is required for the career you are considering.
For more information or to learn about how security clearance will apply to you, view the eligibility requirements page.
To join the ADF, you must be healthy and physically fit. This is partially assessed from the completion of an extensive questionnaire covering your medical history, followed by a physical examination.
You’ll also be required to successfully pass a physical fitness assessment.
Female
- Sit-ups (feet held): 20
- Push-ups: 4
- Shuttle Run Score: 6.1.
Male
- Sit-ups (feet held): 20
- Push-ups: 8
- Shuttle Run Score: 6.1.
For further details on medical and physical fitness standards, refer to physical fitness standards for entry into the ADF and medical process for entry into the ADF.
You’ll be enlisted for an Initial Minimum Period of Service (IMPS) of 4 years. Subsequent periods of service may be offered subject to the requirements of the ADF and your suitability for further service. You’ll have a Careers Coach who can advise on how IMPS will relate to your chosen occupation and personal situation.
You may request discharge at any time provided you do not have an outstanding IMPS obligation.
Course: Army Recruit Course
Duration: 13 weeks
Location: Kapooka, Wagga Wagga, NSW
During training, you'll take part in physical training, weapon handling, and shooting, first aid, drill, and field craft. You'll be challenged both mentally and physically.
Although it can be demanding, most recruits gain a sense of achievement, purpose, and confidence during basic training, and on completion of the course feel justifiably proud of what they have accomplished. The priority of our instructors is to help you succeed.
Key components of the course include:
- Physical Fitness: Structured training to improve strength, endurance, and overall fitness, preparing you for the physical demands of Army life.
- Field Craft: Learn how to live and operate in field conditions, including camouflage, movement techniques, and working in outdoor environments.
- Weapons Handling and Marksmanship: Safe handling, maintenance, and use of Army-issued weapons, and participating in live-fire exercises.
- Drill and Discipline: Develop attention to detail, teamwork and discipline through parade drill and military routine.
- First Aid and Battlefield Casualty Care: Gain essential life-saving skills and learn how to respond to injuries in both training and operational environments.
- Military Skills and Knowledge: Introduction to Army structure, values, customs, and basic soldier responsibilities.
- Resilience and Teamwork: Build mental resilience and learn to work effectively within a team in high-pressure situations.
On successful completion of the Army Recruit Course, you’ll participate in a Graduation Parade and have the opportunity to invite family and friends to view the parade. You’ll then move on to your Initial Employment Training (IET), where you’ll learn the specific skills required for your chosen role.
Course: 40M Operator
Duration: 4 weeks
Location: Puckapanyal, Vic
This course is designed to teach you how to drive in-service medium rigid vehicles.
You’ll be trained to drive the in-service 40M medium rigid vehicle both in an urban and field environment. You’ll also gain the competencies that can be used towards obtaining a civilian MR2 licence
Course: Civil Construction Plant Course
Duration: 12 weeks
Location: School of Military Engineering, Holsworthy, NSW
During this course, you’ll learn the fundamentals of civil construction, underpinning knowledge and the following vehicle operations:
- backhoe
- excavator
- grader
- front-end loader
- roller
- skid steer loader
- dozer
- material handling equipment.