Trade Assistant - forklift operator

Reporting to the Machine Shop Supervisor, the Trade Assistant will join our Machine Shop team on a Full-Time basis at our South Guildford location.

This role plays a critical part in supporting daily machine shop operations by ensuring components, materials and vendor-supplied work move efficiently through the workshop.

This is a hands-on operational role where the successful candidate will be responsible for forklift operations, coordinating incoming and outgoing vendor work, and conducting quality checks to ensure components meet required standards before returning to production.

Working alongside machinists, leading hands and workshop personnel, this position helps maximise workshop productivity by keeping materials flowing safely and efficiently throughout the Machine Shop.

Overview The Machine Shop forms a key part of WesTrac's component repair and rebuild operations, providing machining services that support some of the most critical Caterpillar component repairs across mining and construction equipment. The team is committed to delivering high-quality workmanship while maintaining the highest standards of safety, productivity and customer service. The Machine Shop team lives WesTrac's values of Safety, Pride, Accountability, Respect and Customer, ensuring every component is handled with care and precision. Roster Monday to Friday Permanent Dayshift 8 hrs South Guildford location What You'll Do Load and unload courier deliveries for components and materials being sent to and returned from external vendors Conduct quality inspections on vendor-completed work using established checklists and procedures Operate forklifts safely and efficiently to transport components between workshop racking, storage areas and machine stations Support workflow efficiency by ensuring machinists have timely access to components and materials Coordinate with workshop personnel to maintain smooth movement of work through the Machine Shop Maintain a clean, organised and safe work environment Follow WesTrac safety procedures, risk assessments and operational standards Assist with general workshop and trade support activities as required Skills & Experience Previous experience in a workshop, manufacturing, mining, construction, warehousing or industrial environment Current High Risk Forklift Licence (LF) High attention to detail and ability to identify quality issues against established inspection criteria Ability to follow procedures, checklists and documented processes accurately Strong organisational skills and ability to manage competing priorities Experience using safety tools such as Take 5s and Job Safety Analyses (JSA) is desirable Dogging or rigging experience (desirable but not essential) Our Benefits inclusive of but not limited to: Financial Benefits – Paid Parental Leave & Secondary Carers Leave, Salary Sacrificing, Novated Leasing, Income Protection Insurance & More than 600 retail discounts such as Coles, Petbarn, Virgin, HOYTS & Crown. Health & Wellness – Discounts with BUPA, Fitness Passport to access multiple gyms across Australia & EAP access to support you and your immediate family. Culture & Career – Personal and Team Recognition (Made for More Awards), Internal Career Progression, Training & Upskilling through our award-winning WesTrac Institute. Employee Referral Program – Opportunity to receive a referral bonus up to $5000 for applicable roles. Additional Perks – Emergency Services Leave, Defence Force Reserves Leave & Employee Share Purchase Plan opportunity. Our Company & Commitment With over 4,500 employees, WesTrac is one of the world's largest authorised Cat® equipment dealers, offering a wide range of mining and construction equipment and management solutions. At WesTrac, we reflect diverse communities, celebrate our people's diversity, and create a culture where employees feel safe to be their authentic selves. We encourage applications from First Nations people, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and those from culturally diverse backgrounds. WORK180 endorsed employer for our commitment to diversity, inclusion, and equality. Ready to take the next step? Apply now and start your journey with WesTrac—where your skills meet endless opportunities. Reference Number: 6189