Trainee Water Operations

Kempsey Shire Council; Kempsey; On-site; AUD 1,481,000 - 2,520,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

PPE provided

Flexible work arrangements

Rostered days off (RDO)

Health and wellbeing programs

Discounted gym memberships (Fitness)

Job summary

Kempsey Shire Council is hiring four Trainee Water Operators to join the Water and Sewer Team in Kempsey Shire. The role offers hands-on training while pursuing a Certificate III in Water Industry Operations, learning from experienced operators and contributing to essential water and sewer services for the community.

These positions are temporary full-time for two years, with a 38-hour week and a fortnightly RDO.

Qualifications

• Interest in water and sewer industry with a commitment to safety.
• Willingness to complete a Certificate III in Water Industry Operations.
• Ability to work across the Kempsey Shire and support community health.

Responsibilities

• Assist operation, servicing, maintenance and repair of water and sewer assets.
• Participate in on-the-job training and formal coursework toward the Certificate III.
• Support monitoring and testing of water quality to meet health and environmental standards.
• Represent Council professionally when engaging with residents and stakeholders.

Skills

Water industry interest

Safety awareness

Teamwork

Education

Certificate III in Water Industry Operations

Tools

White Card

Driver Licence

Job description

Your New Role:

Want a career that makes a real difference to your community? Earn while you learn and build your future in the water industry!Council is seeking four (4) motivated and enthusiasticTrainee Water Operationsto join our Water and Sewer Team.This is an exciting opportunity to gain practical, hands-on experience while completing aCertificate III in Water Industry Operations. You’ll learn from experienced water and sewer operators and develop the skills and knowledge required for a rewarding career in water and sewer operations.

Working across Kempsey Shire, you’ll play an important role in supporting the operation, maintenance and repair of Council’s water supply, sewerage and recycled water systems. The work you do will contribute directly topublic health, environmental sustainability and the reliable delivery of essential services to our community.

What you’ll do

• Participate in structured on-the-job training and formal coursework.
• Work towards and complete aCertificate III in Water Industry Operationsthrough a Registered Training Organisation (RTO).
• Apply your developing skills while assisting the Water and Sewer Team with the operation, servicing, maintenance and repair of Council’s water and sewerage assets.
• Assist with the operation and maintenance of water supply systems, including pipelines, valves, meters and hydrants.
• Participate in monitoring and testing water and wastewater quality to help ensure compliance with health and environmental standards.
• Assist with the operation and maintenance of sewerage systems, including pump stations, treatment plants and sewer networks.
• Identify potential hazards and contribute to safe work practices and risk management.
• Represent Council professionally when interacting with residents, businesses and other stakeholders.

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

About You:

We’re looking for someone who isreliable, practical, safety-conscious and genuinely interested in building a career in the water industry.

You will ideally have:

• CompletedYear 10, with Year 12 preferred.
• A genuine interest in thewater and sewer industry, environmental sustainability and public health.
• A willingness and commitment to complete aCertificate III in Water Industry Operations.
• An eagerness to learn and develop new skills and knowledge.
• Strong attention to detail and a commitment to completing work accurately and to a high standard.
• A positive attitude and the ability to contribute to a supportive team environment.
• A proactive approach, including a willingness to take initiative and look for opportunities to contribute.
• A strong commitment to workplace health and safety.
• The ability to follow instructions, procedures and safety requirements.
• An understanding of the importance of providing essential public services and making a positive contribution to the local community.

Essential requirements

You will also need:

• A currentDriver Licence, or willingness to obtain and maintain one.
• AGeneral Construction Induction Card (White Card), or willingness to obtain one.
• CurrentHepatitis A and Hepatitis B immunisations, or willingness to obtain them.
• A willingness to participate in all training and development required for the role.

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 temporary full-time position for 2 years, 38 hour work week
• Fortnightly Rostered Day Off (RDO).
• Weekly salary of $625.80 to $1063.90 (plus superannuation).
• PPE provided.
• A working environment focussed on wellbeing, including flexible work arrangements, rostered days off, EAP access, social club, and health and wellbeing programs.
• Discounted gym and pool membership through membership to Fitness Passport.
• Career development and learning opportunities.
• A supportive, collaborative working environment designed to help you grow!
• A fantastic lifestyle and work life balance, on the beautiful Mid-North Coast.

Applications Close: COB Friday, 2 October 2026.

Have questions? Please contact Keith Hyatt, Group Manager Water and Sewer, for a confidential discussion onPh: 02 6566 3200.

Please Note: Our recruitment notification process is primarily via system generated emails. Please ensure your email is correct before submitting your application to avoid missing crucial updates.

• Completion of a pre-employment medical assessment is a requirement of KSC’s recruitment process for this position.
• Current immunisations against tetanus, Hepatitis A & B and Q Fever or willingness to obtain these vaccinationsis a requirement of KSC’s recruitment process for this position.

If you experience any difficulties applying online, please contact the Recruitment team on 02 6566 3200 or email [e-mail]

Thank you and good luck with your application.

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.