Shoalhaven City Council

Water Treatment Plant Operator

• Permanent / Full Time
• Salary: $79,354 - $89,196 gross p.a. plus 12% Super plus L1 Adverse Working Conditions
• 38 hours per week (Monday to Friday) with a 9-day fortnight
• Located at Bamarang Water Treatment
• Applications close: Wednesday, 15 July 2026 (at midnight)

About the Role

This role is responsible for operating and maintaining Water Treatment Plants and associated infrastructure, while leading and supporting a team across water operations, construction and maintenance activities. The position ensures compliance with Australian Drinking Water Guidelines, Council policies and relevant legislation, supports staff training and supervision, manages operational risks, and responds to reactive maintenance, customer requests and a 24/7 on‑call emergency roster. This includes:

• Maintain and operate the water treatment plant, dams, reservoirs, chlorinators and pump stations as per the scheduled maintenance plans.
• Operate an advanced treatment process through SCADA, review plant performance and optimise the treatment process.
• Respond swiftly to alarms, investigate the root cause of faults and action in a timely manner.
• Responsible for the day-to-day direction and control of Attendants - Water/Wastewater and temporary staff working from the treatment plant, including coaching and on the job training.

Please refer to the Job Description under the Job Attachments for a comprehensive list of duties, responsibilities and skills required.

Being available to be on-call and complete reasonable overtime is a requirement of this position.
About You

To be successful in the position, you will have:

• Certificate III in Water Industry Operations, relevant trade qualifications or considerable experience in the maintenance or construction of wastewater/water systems.
• Part 1 Chemical Dosing Systems
• Part 2 Water Treatment Operations
• Fluoridation of Public Water Supply Training
• Current MR Truck Licence or must obtain within 6 months.
• Current NSW First Aid Certificate.
• Current National WHS Construction Card (SafeWork).
• Current NSW SafeWork Confined Spaces Entry Certificate.
• Completion of Dam Surveillance Training or must obtain within 6 months.
• Chlorine Handling Accreditation.

We are looking for a reliable, safety focused team leader with hands on experience in water treatment operations. You will have strong technical skills, communicate well, support your team effectively and respond confidently to reactive and on‑call operational requirements.

How to Apply

To submit an application, click Apply and complete each Step of the application. You will be required to attach your resume (and cover letter if required) and respond to questions regarding general information about you.

In addition, you will be required to demonstrate how you satisfy the requirements of the position by answering the below questions relevant to the essential criteria as outlined in the job advertisement.

1. At Shoalhaven City Council our corporate core values are: Collaboration, Adaptability, Integrity and Respect. Please choose one value and advise how you have enacted this value in a professional setting.
2. Please outline how you meet the essential criteria for this position including skills, qualifications, certifications and licenses relevant to this position.
3. Please outline what treatment plants you have worked at, and their processes

Applicants who progress to pre-employment checks may be required to undergo a Qualification Check, Work Rights Verification, Reference Checks and Medical (High Risk). Employment is subject to satisfactory outcomes for all required checks.

For tips and more information on how to submit a great application, please visit how to apply on Councils website. If you require assistance submitting your application, please contact the Talent Acquisition Team on 02 4429 3253 or 02 4429 3203.

Applications Close: Wednesday, 15 July 2026 (at midnight)

If you have any questions about this role, please contact Daniel Price - Water Operations Manager - 02 4421 1707

Why Work with Us

The Shoalhaven area is a unique place of great natural beauty, offering an enviable lifestyle and positive work-life balance. Our workforce is our greatest asset, and we pride ourselves on our people. Our teams are talented and inclusive and work together to provide better outcomes for our community, who are at the heart of everything we do. With a diverse range of professions and roles, we offer many career options and pathways, actively promoting opportunities and encouraging staff professional development.

Benefits include:

• Generous leave entitlements
• Long Service Leave after 5 years
• Option of flexitime for indoor staff
• 9-day fortnight for outdoor staff
• Flexible and remote working arrangements
• Novated lease arrangements available
• Opportunities for professional development and training
• Corporate wellbeing programs, including Fitness Passport and Employee Assistance Program (EAP), discounted health insurance
• NSW Welcome Experience

**Conditions apply as per the Local Government State award, and Council policies

Shoalhaven City Council is committed to creating a workplace that reflects our diverse community. We welcome applicants of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, veterans, people with a disability, culturally diverse individuals, and LGBTQIA+ community members. We ensure equitable recruitment practices, and encourage applicants living with a disability to request reasonable adjustments. As a Child Safe Organisation, we uphold the rights and safety of all children and young people.