Trainee Water Operations

Kempsey Shire Council; Kempsey; On-site; AUD 28,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

PPE provided

Flexible work arrangements

Health and wellbeing programs

Fitness Passport gym discount

Career development

Job summary

Kempsey Shire Council is offering four Trainee Water Operations positions across the Water and Sewer Team. The program combines on-the-job training with formal coursework toward a Certificate III in Water Industry Operations, learning from experienced operators to build a career in water and sewer services.

You will help operate, maintain and service water supply, sewerage and recycled water assets while developing skills in monitoring quality, safety, and customer interactions.

Qualifications

• Interest in water and sewer industry and public health.
• Commitment to complete a Certificate III in Water Industry Operations.
• Currently hold or willing to obtain a valid Driver Licence and White Card.

Responsibilities

• Participate in on-the-job training and coursework toward Certificate III.
• Assist with operation, servicing, maintenance and repair of water/sewer assets.
• Monitor water and wastewater quality and support safety practices.

Skills

Reliability

Safety-conscious

Attention to detail

Teamwork

Willingness to learn

Education

Certificate III in Water Industry Operations

Year 10 completed (Year 12 preferred)

Job description

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 enthusiastic Trainee Water Operations to join our Water and Sewer Team.

This is an exciting opportunity to gain practical, hands-on experience while completing a Certificate 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 to public health, environmental sustainability and the reliable delivery of essential services to our community.

What you’ll do

As a Trainee Water Operations, you will:

• Participate in structured on-the-job training and formal coursework.
• Work towards and complete a Certificate III in Water Industry Operations through 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 is reliable, practical, safety-conscious and genuinely interested in building a career in the water industry.

You will ideally have:

• Completed Year 10, with Year 12 preferred.
• A genuine interest in the water and sewer industry, environmental sustainability and public health.
• A willingness and commitment to complete a Certificate 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 current Driver Licence, or willingness to obtain and maintain one.
• A General Construction Induction Card (White Card), or willingness to obtain one.
• Current Hepatitis 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?

• 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 3***.

Please Note:

• 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 vaccinations is 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 3*** or email ****@kempsey.nsw.gov.au

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.