Senior Operator Sewer Process

Kempsey Shire Council; Kempsey; On-site; AUD 70,000 - 79,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fortnightly RDOs

Weekly salary

Flexible work arrangements

Wellbeing programs

Fitness Passport

Novated Leasing

Job summary

Kempsey Shire Council is seeking a capable water industry professional to coordinate daily sewer treatment operations and lead the Sewer Process Team. You will guide operators, monitor plants and SCADA systems, and manage chemical dosing and maintenance across facilities.

The role offers a permanent full-time position with a 38-hour week, fortnightly RDOs, a competitive weekly salary of AUD 1,543.90 to AUD 1,737.68 plus superannuation, and generous leave.

Qualifications

• Certificate III in Water Industry Operations (Treatment) or a Treatment Plant Operator Certificate.
• Current NSW White Card (Construction Induction).
• Current driver's licence, with an HR licence highly desirable.
• Chlorination and Chemical Dosing certifications, or willingness to obtain these.
• Current Hepatitis A and B immunisation, or willingness to participate.
• A Certificate IV in Water Industry Operations, relevant trade qualification, and current confined space or working at heights certifications will be highly regarded.

Responsibilities

• Coordinating daily activities, operational priorities and performance of the Sewer Process Team.
• Provide guidance, mentoring and support to operators, trainees, apprentices and contractors.
• Operate, monitor and maintain sewer treatment plants and recycled water systems.
• Monitor treatment processes via site inspections and SCADA; identify issues and take corrective actions.
• Manage chemical dosing systems and stock levels.
• Coordinate contractors and procure chemicals and supplies.
• Undertake inspections, fault finding and maintenance across plants and pump stations.
• Maintain operational records and environmental compliance documentation.
• Respond to issues via on-call and overtime rosters.
• Promote a safe, supportive workplace in line with WHS requirements.

Skills

SCADA monitoring

Team leadership

Operational planning

Safety compliance

Education

Certificate III in Water Industry Operations (Treatment)

Treatment Plant Operator Certificate

NSW White Card (Construction Induction)

Driver's licence (HR desirable)

Chlorination certification

Chemical dosing certifications

Hepatitis A & B vaccination

Certificate IV in Water Industry Operations

Confined space certification

Working at heights certification

Job description

Working closely with the Team Leader Sewer Treatment, you will play an important role in coordinating daily operations and supporting the Sewer Process Team to deliver safe, efficient and compliant sewer treatment services.

You will combine your technical expertise with practical leadership skills to support operators, maintain treatment performance and ensure Council's sewer and recycled water infrastructure operates effectively and in accordance with environmental and regulatory requirements.

Your key responsibilities will include:

• Supporting the Team Leader in coordinating daily activities, operational priorities and the performance of the Sewer Process Team.
• Providing guidance, mentoring and support to operators, trainees, apprentices and contractors, including stepping into the Team Leader role when required.
• Operating, monitoring and maintaining sewer treatment plants, recycled water systems and associated infrastructure.
• Monitoring treatment processes through site inspections and SCADA telemetry systems, identifying issues and implementing corrective actions to maintain treatment performance and effluent quality.
• Managing chemical dosing systems and monitoring chemical stock levels to ensure effective treatment operations.
• Coordinating contractors and assisting with the procurement of chemicals, materials and operational supplies.
• Undertaking inspections, fault finding and maintenance activities across treatment plants and sewer pump stations.
• Maintaining accurate operational records, monitoring data, incident reports and environmental compliance documentation.
• Responding to operational issues and emergencies through participation in rotating on-call and overtime rosters.
• Promoting a safe, supportive and improvement-focused workplace in line with Council's WHS requirements and procedures.

For a full list of the Key Accountabilities of the role, please refer to the Position Description.

About You:

You are a capable and experienced water industry professional who takes pride in delivering reliable treatment outcomes and maintaining essential community infrastructure.

You bring a strong understanding of sewer treatment processes, a practical approach to problem-solving and the confidence to support and guide a team. You are comfortable working independently, making operational decisions and responding to changing priorities in a hands‑on operational environment.

To be successful in this role you will ideally hold:

• Certificate III in Water Industry Operations (Treatment) or a Treatment Plant Operator Certificate, supported by demonstrated industry experience.
• Current NSW White Card (Construction Induction).
• Current driver's licence, with an HR licence highly desirable.
• Chlorination and Chemical Dosing certifications, or willingness to obtain these.
• Current Hepatitis A and B immunisation, or willingness to participate in an immunisation program.
• A Certificate IV in Water Industry Operations, relevant trade qualification, and current confined space or working at heights certifications will be highly regarded.

All required licences and certifications must remain current throughout employment. Employees are responsible for notifying Council of any changes to their status.

About Us:

Kempsey Shire Council (KSC) is located on the Mid North Coast of NSW, known for its genuine hospitality, pristine beaches, sub‑tropical rainforests, mountain ranges, rock river gorges, sprawling farmland and peaceful villages.

We are a progressive, proactive and dynamic organisation, and we pride ourselves on the respectful and supportive workplace we have cultivated. With 360+ dedicated staff managing $1.8 billion worth of assets across many sites throughout the Shire, KSC work closely with our community to build an inspired, connected Macleay Valley.

Why Join Us?

As the successful candidate, you’ll enjoy:

• A permanent full‑time position, 38‑hour work week
• Fortnightly RDO’s
• Weekly salaryof $1,543.90 to $1,737.68 (plus superannuation).
• Generous leave entitlements, including access to Long Service Leave after five years
• A working environment focussed on wellbeing, including flexible work arrangements, rostered days off, EAP access, social club, and health and wellbeing programs.
• Fitness Passports for discounted access to a range of gym and pool facilities.
• Career development and learning opportunities.
• Novated Leasing and salary packaging options.
• A supportive, collaborative working environment designed to help you grow!
• A fantastic lifestyle and work life balance, on the beautiful Mid‑North Coast.

Kempsey Shire Council is an equal opportunity employer and we celebrate our diverse, inclusive and values‑led workforce. We welcome and encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with diverse culture and linguistic backgrounds and people with a disability. In addition, Kempsey Shire Council will provide reasonable adjustments for suitably qualified individuals with disabilities. If you require additional assistance to participate in the recruitment process, please discuss with the advertised contact person. You can ask for reasonable adjustments to be made at any time during the recruitment process.