Plumbing & Drainage Inspector

Shoalhaven City Council; Nowra; On-site; AUD 135,391,000 - 152,941,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous leave

Long service leave

Flexible work arrangements

Novated lease

Professional development

Wellbeing programs

Job summary

Shoalhaven City Council in Nowra seeks an experienced Plumbing and Drainage Compliance Inspector to manage inspections, assess plans and provide expert advice on Section 68 applications for diverse properties. You will work with a broad client base, including consultants and contractors, ensuring high standards of service and compliance across council operations.

The role requires a current plumbing licence, NSW induction card, and extensive experience with sewer and water installations.

Qualifications

• Current Plumbing and Drainage Trade qualifications/licence.
• Certificate IV in Local Government (Planning) or Advanced Diploma in Building Surveying, or commitment to obtaining.
• NSW WorkCover Construction Induction Card.
• Current Class C Driver's Licence.
• Extensive experience with sewer, septic tank and water installations, approvals and inspections.
• Experience in assessment of plans and all types of plumbing and drainage work.
• Proof of Australian residency or citizenship, or authority to work in Australia.

Responsibilities

• Undertake plumbing and drainage inspections for residential, commercial and industrial buildings.
• Provide assistance and advice of a technical and general nature to clients and council stakeholders.
• Respond to customer enquiries and complaints in line with policies and procedures.
• Deal with associated correspondence promptly and efficiently.
• Provide detailed development referral input relating to plumbing, drainage, stormwater and onsite sewerage systems.

Skills

Plumbing inspections

Plan assessment experience

Customer advisory

Education

Plumbing and Drainage trade qualification/licence

Certificate IV in Local Government (Planning) or Advanced Diploma in Building Surveying

NSW WorkCover Construction Induction Card

Current Class C Driver's Licence

Australian residency/citizenship proof

Job description

• Salary: $54 - $61 gross per hour plus 12% Super
• Up to 35 hours per week (Monday to Friday) / as per roster
• Located at Nowra Administration Building, Bridge Road, Nowra
• Applications close Wednesday, 14 October 2026 (at midnight)

About the Role

This role will be responsible for ensuring compliance and quality in plumbing and drainage systems across residential, commercial, and industrial properties. You'll review and assess applications under Section 68 of the Local Government Act, providing expert advice and approvals. Additionally, you'll research council records and internal systems to compile accurate information for creating detailed internal drainage diagrams, supporting informed decision-making and high standards of service.

The key duties of this role will include:

• Undertake plumbing and drainage inspections for residential, commercial and industrial buildings.
• Provide assistance and advice of a technical and general nature to all clients, including but not limiting too, consultants, contractors, the general public and other areas of Council's operation.
• Respond to customer enquiries and complaints in accordance with Council Policies and procedures
• Deal with associated correspondence in a prompt and efficient manner.
• Provide detailed development application referrals relating to plumbing, drainage, stormwater, and Onsite Sewerage Management Systems for the Development Assessment Team

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

About You

To be successful in the position, you will have:

• Current Plumbing and Drainage Trade qualifications/licence
• Certificate IV in Local government (Planning) or Advance Diploma in Building Surveying or committed to obtaining
• NSW WorkCover Construction Induction Card
• Current Class C Driver's Licence
• Extensive experience with sewer, septic tank and water installations, approvals and inspections
• Extensive experience in the assessment of plans and all types of plumbing and drainage work
• Proof of Australian residency or citizenship, or authority to work in Australia (visa)

We're looking for a detail-oriented professional who shares our core values of Respect, Integrity, Adaptability, and Collaboration. The ideal candidate will have strong prioritisation and time management skills, a commitment to delivering accurate and compliant outcomes, and the ability to work collaboratively while providing exceptional customer service.

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

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

At Shoalhaven City Council, we are proud to foster a workplace that reflects the diverse community we serve. We welcome applicants of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds, and encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, veterans, people with disability, culturally diverse individuals, and LGBTQIA+ community members to apply. We are committed to ensuring a equitable recruitment processes. If you have a disability and require reasonable adjustments to fairly demonstrate your skills, please contact us. As a Child Safe Organisation, we are committed to upholding the rights of children and young people and ensuring a safe and respectful environment for all.

If you have any questions about this role, please contact Mal Dillon - Lead - Certification - 02 4429 3***.