Port Macquarie-Hastings Council

Water Operations Plant Operator

About the Opportunity

At PMHC, every employee plays a part in ensuring we work together to achieve positive outcomes for our community. We are currently seeking a Water Operations Plant Operator to join our dedicated Water Operations team within the Utilities Operations Division.

In this role, you’ll play a key part in maintaining and constructing the water and recycled water network across the Port Macquarie-Hastings region. You’ll help ensure our community continues to receive safe, reliable, and high-quality water services every day.

This is a hands-on operational role, with the majority of your time spent operating an excavator to complete maintenance and construction works on water and recycled water mains and services. While excavator operation forms a significant part of the role, you will also be required to work outside of the plant when needed, assisting with on-the-ground and in-trench activities, particularly where access is restricted or site conditions require manual support. You’ll assist with emergency responses, operate additional plant and equipment, and carry out general water network maintenance and labouring duties as required.

You’ll work both independently and as part of a supportive team committed to safety, quality workmanship, and community service.

To succeed in this role, you will have:

• Demonstrated experience operating an excavator or other plant equipment
• Current plant operator accreditation (or ability to obtain)
• A current MR Licence
• Sound knowledge of plant operation and maintenance
• A Construction Industry Safety Induction (White Card)
• Understanding of Work Health and Safety obligations and safe work practices
• Sound literacy, numeracy, and communication skills
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment and participate in an on-call roster for after-hours works

On a typical day this role will:

• Operate an excavator and other plant to carry out construction and maintenance works on water and recycled water mains
• Install, repair, and maintain water and recycled water services and related infrastructure
• Undertake excavation and site preparation works safely and efficiently
• Respond to water main breaks and assist with emergency repairs
• Maintain plant, tools, and equipment in good working order
• Assist with construction and general labouring duties as directed by the Team Leader
• Represent Council professionally when working within the community

If you’re an experienced or accredited plant operator who takes pride in delivering quality work and wants to contribute to essential services for your community, we encourage you to apply.

Remuneration and Benefits

Employment type: Permanent, full-time role (38 hours per week, 9-day fortnight)

Salary (exclusive of super): Starting salary of $1263.28 per
week with the opportunity for competency-based progression up to $1414.01 per
week.

Allowances: Adverse Working Level 2 and On Call

Benefits

• Fortnightly
  RDO
• PPE
  provided
• Discounted
  gym membership through membership to Fitness Passport
• Career
  development opportunities
• Annual
  salary increase as per the Local Government (State) Award 2023 plus annual
  salary review
• Long
  service leave after 5 years
• Generous
  employee assistance program
• Salary
  packaging options available through Salary Packaging Australia and Maxxia
• Recognition
  through our annual awards ceremony celebrating and rewarding staff
  achievements

Questions?

If you would like to know more about this opportunity or have any questions about the role please contact Shannon Chapman, Water Operations Coordinator on 02 6581 8458.

Interested in Applying?

Please complete the application form below and answer the questions which relate to the essential and desirable criteria within the selection criteria, then upload a copy of your resume and cover letter.

You will find the position description when you apply for the role.

You may find it helpful to write your response to the questions in a word document then copy/paste this into the application form once you are ready to submit your application.

Applications Close: Sunday 12 July at 11:30pm

Notes:

Suitable candidates may be placed on a talent pool or eligibility list for future identical, or similar positions for a period of 12 months.

Please upload documents in PDF format.

We often ask our preferred applicants to complete pre-employment checks. This may include Reference Checks; National Criminal Police Check; Medical Assessment; Qualification Verification; Working with Children Check Verification.

PMHC's recruitment notification process is primarily via system generated emails. Please ensure your email is correct before submitting an application to avoid missing crucial updates and outcomes. Email communication notifications are used for but not limited to: application received, interview booking tools, confirmation of interview, request for references/more information, delay notifications, testing/assessments (aptitude/psychometric/industry specific) and application outcomes (unsuccessful before or after interview).

Please regularly check your 'junk mail' or ensure our email address [email protected] and [email protected] is set to 'trustworthy'.

Port Macquarie Hastings Council adheres to the principles of a child safe organisation and is committed to the care and protection of all children and young people.

At Port Macquarie-Hastings Council, we believe that diversity makes us stronger. We are committed to creating a workplace that reflects the vibrant community we serve—where everyone feels welcome, respected, and empowered to thrive. We encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, veterans, people with disabilities, culturally and linguistically diverse individuals, and members of the LGBTQIA+ community. If you require any adjustments during the recruitment process or in the workplace, please contact us at [email protected]. We’re here to support you every step of the way.

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