Senior Process Engineer Wastewater

Cairns Regional Council; Cairns Regional; On-site; AUD 112,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fitness Passport

5 weeks annual leave

3 weeks personal leave

Parental leave 14 weeks

Learning and development opportunities

Salary sacrifice opportunities

Relocation assistance may be available

Job summary

Cairns Regional Council seeks a Senior Process Engineer Wastewater to lead technical excellence across our wastewater treatment plants. You will drive performance improvements, energy efficiency, chemical optimisation, asset reliability and operational excellence through planning, design, delivery and optimisation of treatment and sewerage projects.

Based at the Tunnel Hill Treatment Plant in Cairns, this hands-on leadership role requires collaboration with operations, maintenance, project teams

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Engineering in Environmental, Civil, Process, Chemical, Mechanical Engineering or related discipline.
• Current Australian C Class Driver Licence.
• Minimum 5 years’ experience within the water or wastewater industry.
• Minimum 3 years’ experience working with water, wastewater or similar processing plants.
• Demonstrated experience in wastewater process optimisation and treatment performance analysis.
• Strong analytical and technical reporting skills.
• Proven project management and stakeholder engagement capabilities.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively across multidisciplinary teams.

Responsibilities

• Be the technical lead for wastewater process engineering across Council’s facilities.
• Drive improvements in treatment performance, energy efficiency, and asset reliability.
• Provide specialist engineering advice during planning, design, delivery and optimisation of wastewater projects.
• Lead cross-functional teams and coordinate with operations, maintenance, and contractors.

Skills

Process optimization

Analytical reporting

Project management

Stakeholder engagement

Team collaboration

Independent work

Education

Bachelor of Engineering in Environmental, Civil, Process, Chemical, Mechanical Engineering or related

Job description

Senior Process Engineer Wastewater
Requisition Number: 1307
Salary Range: $112,043.37 – $139,958.54 per annum
Position Type: Full Time Permanent
Location: Tunnel Hill Treatment Plant, Cairns
Application Close Date: Monday, 5 October 2026 at 11.30pm AEST

Lead Innovation, Optimise Performance & Shape the Future of Wastewater Treatment in Far North Queensland!

We’re looking for a Senior Process Engineer Wastewater to play a pivotal role in driving the performance, reliability, and sustainability of our wastewater treatment plants.

About the Role:

You will be the technical lead for wastewater process engineering within Utility Services. You’ll drive improvements in treatment performance, energy efficiency, chemical optimisation, asset reliability, and operational excellence across Council’s wastewater treatment facilities. You’ll also provide specialist engineering advice throughout the planning, design, delivery, and optimisation of treatment and sewerage infrastructure projects.

This is a hands-on leadership role where you’ll work closely with operations, maintenance, project teams, contractors, and key stakeholders to ensure Cairns’ wastewater infrastructure continues to meet the needs of our community now and into the future.

What We’re Looking For:

• Bachelor of Engineering in Environmental, Civil, Process, Chemical, Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline
• Current Australian C Class Driver Licence
• Minimum 5 years’ experience within the water or wastewater industry
• Minimum 3 years’ experience working with water, wastewater or similar processing plants
• Demonstrated experience in wastewater process optimisation and treatment performance analysis
• Strong analytical and technical reporting skills
• Proven project management and stakeholder engagement capabilities
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively across multidisciplinary teams

This is an exciting opportunity to combine technical expertise, leadership, and project delivery while contributing to essential services that support our growing region!

Some benefits we offer:

• Achieve work / life balance with flexible working arrangements
• Fitness Passport – subsidised health and well-being memberships (gym/swimming pool)
• Recharge with up to 5 weeks annual leave
• Up to 3 weeks personal leave
• Cherish family time with up to 14 weeks paid parental leave
• Grow personally and professionally with learning and development opportunities
• Salary sacrifice opportunities
• Relocation assistance may be available for preferred candidates.

We are committed to:

• Fostering a collaborative and inclusive work environment
• Embracing innovation and continuous improvement
• Cultivating a culture of professional growth and support

Now we want to hear about YOU!

For further information about this role please download the Position Description which includes the Key Duties, Responsibilities and Selection Criteria.

Council’s Recruitment Team can be contacted via:
Phone:[phone]
Email:[e-mail]
Website:Employment at Council | Cairns Regional Council