AddressPlant Operators provide civil/earthwork construction support to the Air Force's infrastructure. The Plant Operator's role involves the operation of various items of heavy earth moving equipment (dozer, excavator, dump truck etc) in the construction and maintenance of pavements and site excavations and also in emergency/battle damage repair activities. Plant Operators may be required to work shifts or participate in deployed operations with the Army in remote areas located within or external to Australia.
Principal 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 RAAF Bases and at isolated temporary RAAF airfields or construction sites within Australia. Plant Operators receive training in general and specialist heavy vehicle and plant operation and are required to support other trades (Plumber, Carpenter, Electrician) in the performance of their duties. Plant Operators 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.
Plant Operators are trained to perform their 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.
