Ballina Shire Council

Wastewater Plant Operator – Vacuum Excavation Truck

ABOUT US

Change your lifestyle and live and work in a vibrant community and great coastal environment.

Ballina Shire Council is situated on the Far North Coast of New South Wales, 20 minutes from Byron Bay and one hour from the Gold Coast. The shire is a popular tourism destination with pristine beaches, rainforest retreats and hinterland hideaways.

ABOUT THE ROLE

Position

We are looking for an experienced and appropriately licenced truck driver who is interested in and capable of being trained to operate Council’s vacuum excavation truck.

Reporting to the Supervisor Wastewater, this position will be provided with training and mentoring to enable the safe operation of a vacuum excavation truck to assist in the completion of water and wastewater construction and maintenance projects. The position will also be required to conduct a variety of labouring duties associated with section functions.

What is a Vacuum Excavation Truck?

Council is currently operating the following two hydro excavation trucks:

• Hino / Vermeer  - a hydro excavation and suction truck.
• Volvo Cappellotto Combi - a combination drain cleaner, hydro excavation and suction truck.

Vacuum excavation is used to provide a fast and safe alternative to manual excavations, and has become a staple piece of equipment within Council’s construction crews. 

Vacuum excavation works by using high pressurised water to create a slurry of soil and debris that is then cleared away via a vacuum hose and stored in a tank for disposal. This gentle form of excavation causes very little damage to the area surrounding the excavation site, which makes it ideal for projects that require digging around buried utilities or small and tight spaces that can't be reached by traditional manual excavation methods.

Some of the key services that vacuum trucks can perform include:

• Horizontal directional digging which is used to install underground infrastructure (eg pipes) with minimal surface destruction.
• Location services to locate buried underground utilities without causing damage to them.
• Liquid Waste Removal where contaminated waste such as wastewater or septic tank content is removed safely, stored in the tank of the truck and then properly disposed of.
• Pot Hole and Post Hole Digging to create a safe and sturdy hole foundation for the placement of posts and poles.
• Pressure Cleaning. Vac trucks are powerful and are ideal for cleaning drains and pipes and removing blockages.

To be successful you will bring

• Behaviour that positively demonstrates Council’s values of: creative, accessible, respect, energetic and safe.
• Class HR driver licence with competence to operate a truck in a safe manner.
• Willingness and ability to be trained to operate a vacuum excavation truck.
• Demonstrated experience in and ability to perform a range of physical labouring duties.
• Demonstrated communication skills, both oral and written.
• Work Safely in the Construction Industry Induction ticket (white card).
• Ability and willingness to work in confined spaces.
• Current immunisation against Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B viruses or willingness to participate in an immunisation program.

The rewards

• A salary range of $57,500 to $66,000 per annum (plus 11.5% superannuation) dependent upon skills and experience.
• 9 day fortnight wording arrangement. Full time field staff will have the option to apply to work a compressed four day work week, subject to operational and team based requirements and approval. 
• Fitness Passport membership options.
• An inclusive culture where all our people are valued, EEO, diversity and differences are respected.
• An absolute focus on our peoples’ safety and well being.
• Learning and career development opportunities.
• Generous Award workplace conditions.

Click here to view the Position Description and Information Package.

Applications close

11.30pm on Friday 23 May 2025

Specific enquiries

Amy Hart | Coordinator Water and Wastewater | 02 6686 1449

How To Apply

Please Note:  Once you start your online application, you are able to save and return to it later. This 'unsubmitted' application will be visible to Council.  You must use your email address, and not one used previously by another person who has applied for a position with Council.

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