In every remote mining or gas camp across Australia, thousands of workers live and work together in tight quarters. Waste builds up fast — from food scraps and packaging to industrial and hazardous materials. Without proper waste management, entire sites could grind to a halt.
FIFO waste management and janitorial workers are the unsung professionals who keep these camps clean, hygienic, and compliant with strict environmental and safety laws. Their work ensures not only a pleasant living environment but also the safety of workers and the protection of Australia’s fragile outback ecosystems.
If you are looking for a stable, well-paid, hands-on FIFO role that doesn’t require trade qualifications, this is one of the most dependable options available in 2025.
1. What FIFO Waste Management and Janitorial Work Involves
Waste Management Responsibilities
- Collecting and segregating general, recyclable, and hazardous waste
- Operating compactors, bins, and waste trucks within camp perimeters
- Managing waste transfer areas and coordinating with disposal contractors
- Cleaning and sanitising bins, skips, and outdoor waste stations
- Handling food and chemical waste safely according to WHS and EPA standards
- Maintaining accurate waste disposal records and reports
- Ensuring compliance with site environmental management plans
Janitorial Responsibilities
- Cleaning and maintaining public and high-traffic areas such as dining halls, gyms, and offices
- Disinfecting restrooms, locker rooms, and site amenities
- Refilling consumables (soap, paper, hand sanitiser)
- Performing floor care including vacuuming, mopping, and pressure washing
- Cleaning glass, handrails, and entry points to meet hygiene standards
- Reporting damages, hazards, or blocked drains to the maintenance team
- Supporting event clean-ups, spill responses, and urgent callouts
Waste and janitorial teams often work early mornings or night shifts to ensure camps are spotless before workers return from their shifts.
2. Where FIFO Waste Management and Janitor Jobs Are Based
Western Australia
Western Australia employs the largest number of FIFO janitors and waste operators in Australia.
- Pilbara Region: Massive mining towns like Port Hedland, Karratha, Newman, and Tom Price require full-time waste management teams for BHP, Rio Tinto, and Fortescue camps.
- Goldfields: Operations around Kalgoorlie, Laverton, and Leonora depend on waste staff to handle both camp and industrial waste.
- Midwest: Smaller sites near Geraldton and Meekatharra use compact crews who handle cleaning and waste duties together.
Queensland
- Bowen Basin: Towns like Moranbah, Dysart, Emerald, and Blackwater run large-scale accommodation facilities employing janitorial and waste management crews through Cater Care and Compass Group.
- Surat Basin: Gas projects near Roma, Chinchilla, Miles, and Dalby require strict waste control due to environmental regulations protecting local water tables.
South Australia
- Roxby Downs (Olympic Dam) and Prominent Hill continue to employ cleaning and waste staff through Downer Group, Spotless, and Sodexo.
Northern Territory
- Darwin LNG, Gove, and Katherine offer long-term FIFO cleaning and waste contracts through ISS Facility Services, Cleanaway, and Morris Corporation.
New South Wales
- Broken Hill and Lithgow energy projects employ short-term FIFO cleaners and waste attendants during shutdowns and maintenance seasons.
3. Major Employers
- Sodexo
- Compass Group (ESS)
- Cater Care
- Morris Corporation
- ISS Facility Services
- Downer Group / Spotless
- Cleanaway (specialising in waste transport and hazardous material disposal)
- Veolia Australia (environmental and waste management contracts across WA and QLD)
These companies service most of the resource industry, managing entire camp operations — from catering to cleaning to waste logistics.
4. Required Qualifications and Skills
Essential Requirements
- White Card (CPCWHS1001): Required to access mining and construction sites
- Manual Handling Certificate: Essential for lifting bins and operating cleaning machinery
- National Police Clearance: Must be valid within 12 months
- Pre-Employment Medical: Includes fitness test, hearing, vision, and drug screening
Desirable Training
- Certificate II in Cleaning Operations (CPP20617)
- Certificate III in Waste Management (CPP30719)
- First Aid and CPR
- Hazardous Waste and Chemical Handling Training (MSMENV272)
- Forklift Licence (LF Class) for waste transport operations
- Confined Space Entry or Working at Heights if required by the site
Skills That Employers Value
- Strong understanding of hygiene and WHS procedures
- Physical stamina and attention to detail
- Teamwork and reliability
- Environmental awareness and recycling knowledge
- Ability to operate cleaning and waste machinery safely
Experience in hospitality, industrial cleaning, or local council waste services is an advantage.
5. Pay and Rosters
Average Pay in 2025:
- Janitor / Cleaner: $32–$38 per hour
- Waste Management Worker: $35–$42 per hour
- Waste and Environmental Technician: $45–$55 per hour
- Site Services Supervisor: $60–$70 per hour
Typical Annual Income: $80,000–$115,000 with overtime and allowances
Common Rosters:
- 2:1 (two weeks on, one week off) – standard across WA and QLD
- 8:6 – used for shorter projects and smaller camps
- 14:7 – common for long-term contracts in the Pilbara and Bowen Basin
Workers receive flights, meals, uniforms, and accommodation as part of the package.
6. A Typical Day in FIFO Waste and Janitorial Work
Morning (5:30–8:00am):
- Attend toolbox meeting and safety briefing
- Begin waste collection and bin replacement across accommodation and dining areas
- Operate compactors and ensure waste segregation compliance
Midday (11:00am–2:00pm):
- Clean shared facilities such as restrooms, recreation areas, and offices
- Manage food waste from kitchens and coordinate with catering teams
- Record waste volumes and check equipment for maintenance needs
Afternoon (3:00–6:00pm):
- Pressure wash waste zones and high-traffic paths
- Conduct deep cleaning of amenities and dining halls
- Log completed waste transfers and prepare for the next day’s collection schedule
For larger camps, waste operators often coordinate with Cleanaway or Veolia trucks for daily collection runs.
7. How to Apply for FIFO Waste Management and Janitorial Jobs
Step 1: Get Basic Tickets
- White Card
- Manual Handling
- National Police Clearance
- Medical clearance and drug test
Step 2: Build a FIFO Resume
Highlight:
- Cleaning, maintenance, or council waste experience
- Knowledge of safety and environmental procedures
- Reliability and teamwork in remote conditions
Step 3: Apply with Major Contractors
Start with:
- Sodexo Careers
- Compass Group / ESS Jobs
- Cater Care Careers
- ISS Facility Services Jobs
- Cleanaway or Veolia Careers for dedicated waste roles
Step 4: Prepare for Induction and Mobilisation
Once hired, you will receive uniforms, induction training, and a flight schedule for site mobilisation.
8. Career Progression and Opportunities
Waste and janitorial work can lead to supervisory or environmental compliance roles with further training.
Career Path Examples
- Janitor → Team Leader → Housekeeping Supervisor → Camp Operations Manager
- Waste Attendant → Waste Coordinator → Environmental Officer → Site Services Manager
- Cleaner → Safety Representative → WHS or Environmental Compliance Officer
Recommended next-step courses:
- Certificate IV in Environmental Management and Sustainability
- G2 Risk Management
- S123 Supervisor Course
- Diploma in Facilities or Environmental Management
Some workers transition into safety, logistics, or environmental roles once they gain experience managing waste systems on large sites.
9. Lifestyle and Work Environment
Advantages
- Strong job security and steady demand
- Meals, flights, and accommodation covered
- Regular rosters with extended time off
- Pathways into environmental or WHS roles
- Clear performance-based promotion systems
Challenges
- Hot and dusty outdoor work environments
- Physical demands including lifting and long walking distances
- Strict hygiene, environmental, and inspection standards
- Repetitive daily tasks
Camps provide recreational areas, gyms, and cooling facilities to help workers unwind during downtime.
10. Tips for Success
- Always wear PPE and follow waste segregation rules
- Keep accurate disposal and inspection logs
- Stay proactive — report spills or hazards immediately
- Communicate with kitchen, catering, and maintenance teams daily
- Be punctual and dependable; cleaning schedules affect camp operations
- Maintain professionalism even during physically demanding shifts
Those who consistently meet hygiene and compliance standards often get fast-tracked into supervisory roles.
11. Ready to Start?
- Obtain your White Card and Manual Handling Certificate.
- Get your Police Clearance and pass your medical check.
- Update your resume with relevant cleaning or waste experience.
- Apply through Sodexo, Compass Group, or Cleanaway.
- Prepare for induction and mobilisation to remote site locations.
Conclusion: The Essential Workers Behind Every FIFO Operation
FIFO waste management and janitorial teams are the backbone of every remote site in Australia. They protect worker health, uphold environmental standards, and keep daily operations running smoothly.
These jobs offer a reliable way to enter the FIFO world without needing trade qualifications, while still providing excellent pay, stability, and the satisfaction of meaningful, hands-on work. Whether you are emptying bins in Port Hedland or maintaining hygiene standards in the Surat Basin, your work directly supports Australia’s most important industries.
Next Steps:
- FIFO Laundry and Housekeeping Jobs (2025 Guide)
- FIFO Utility Worker Jobs: The All-Rounder Role Explained
- Certificate III in Cleaning Operations Guide
- Certificate IV in Environmental Management and Sustainability
