Trainee Water Operations

Port Macquarie-Hastings Council; Port Macquarie; On-site; AUD 21,000 - 38,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

On-the-job training

Paid study time

Fortnightly RDO

PPE provided

Salary packaging options

Job summary

Port Macquarie Hastings Council is offering a full-time Water Operations Trainee position for two years. The role includes hands-on experience with water and wastewater infrastructure and paid study time to complete a Certificate III in Water Industry Operations at nearby TAFE.

The successful candidate will join a team delivering essential services to the community and will progress through practical training and on-site duties.

Qualifications

• Willing to learn on the job and ask questions
• Team players with strong communication skills (written and verbal)
• Safety-conscious and committed to working safely
• Able to commit to study requirements and complete training on time

Responsibilities

• Participate in a two-year full-time traineeship while working on water and wastewater infrastructure
• Complete Certificate III in Water Industry Operations with paid study time at local TAFE
• Contribute to maintenance and operation tasks across water infrastructure projects
• Adhere to uniform, PPE requirements and pre-employment checks

Skills

Willing to learn

Team players with strong communication

Safety-conscious

Commitment to study requirements

Education

Certificate III in Water Industry Operations

Job description

At PMHC every employee plays a part in ensuring we work together to achieve positive outcomes for our community. To help us achieve this we are seeking applications from enthusiastic and proactive individuals wishing to commence a rewarding career as a Water Operations Trainee. This full-time, two-year traineeship offers hands-onexperience working on critical water and wastewater infrastructure, while youcomplete your CertificateIII in Water Industry Operations withpaid study time at Wauchope or Taree TAFE (location confirmed closer tocommencement).

We have two Water Operations Trainee positions available, with one positionidentified for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples.

As part of ourteam, you'll gain practical skills working on:

• Water and wastewater treatment plants
• Pump station maintenance
• Wastewater manhole inspections
• Network Maintenance and Repair
• Dam and catchment surveillance

You'll workacross a diverse range of water infrastructure projects that directly supportthe health, safety and wellbeing of our community, developing specialisedindustry skills and laying the foundation for a career inutilities or local government.

We are looking for individuals who are:

• Willing to learn on thejob and ask questions
• Interested inmaintaining and improving community facilities
• Team players with strongcommunication skills (both written and verbal)
• Safety-conscious,committed to working safely for yourself and others
• Able to commit to studyrequirements and complete training in a timely and organised way
• Able to comply withuniform and PPE requirements, including while at TAFE
• Hold a current general construction induction card (white card) or ability to obtain prior to commencement

Whether you're aschool leaver, returning to the workforce, or looking to change careers, thistraineeship is a fantastic way to build a long-term career.

Remuneration and Benefits:

Employmenttype: Full-time, two-year traineeship with paid study time (38 hours per weekwith a 9-day fortnight)

Salary(exclusive of super): Starting from $454.40 to $838.00 per week depending on school level obtained and experience

• On-the-job technical trainingand development
• Fortnightly Rostered Day Off(RDO)
• PPE provided
• Discounted gym membershipthrough membership to Fitness Passport
• Genuine career progressionopportunities within Council
• Annual salary increase as perthe Local Government (State) Award 2026 plus annual salary review
• Salarypackaging options available through Salary Packaging Australia and Maxxia
• Recognition through ourannual awards ceremony celebrating and rewarding staff achievements

Whyjoin us?

Get paid whileyou earn your Certificate III in Water Industry Operations. Learning on the jobwith experienced tradespeople working on real, important projects that make adifference in your community. Enjoy a great work-life balance, competitive pay,study support, and genuine career opportunities. Start your future with PortMacquarie Hastings Council today!

Youmust be an Australian/NZ citizen or an Australian Permanent Resident; no visaor work permit support can be provided for this role.

Questions?

If you have any questions about this opportunity or therole, please contact Brent Parker, Group Manager Utilities Operations on 026581 8772.

Pre-employment checks for these roles willinclude; Reference Checks; National Criminal Police Check; Medical Assessment;White Card; Drivers Licence (red P's)

Port Macquarie Hastings Council adheres to the principles of a child safe organisation and is committed to the care and protection of all children and young people.

At Port Macquarie-Hastings Council, we believe that diversity makes us stronger. We are committed to creating a workplace that reflects the vibrant community we serve—where everyone feels welcome, respected, and empowered to thrive. We encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, veterans, people with disabilities, culturally and linguistically diverse individuals, and members of the LGBTQIA+ community. If you require any adjustments during the recruitment process or in the workplace, please contact us at ****@pmhc.nsw.gov.au .We're here to support you every step of the way.