Trainee Water Operations

NRW.Global Business; Port Macquarie; On-site; AUD 21,000 - 38,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

RDO every fortnight

PPE provided

Gym membership via Fitness Passport

Salary packaging options

Career progression opportunities

Annual salary review

Job summary

Port Macquarie-Hastings Council is offering two Water Operations Trainee positions. This full-time, two-year traineeship includes paid study time while completing a Certificate III in Water Industry Operations with study locations at Wauchope or Taree TAFE (location confirmed closer to commencement).

roles involve hands-on work across water and wastewater facilities, pump stations, and network maintenance. Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples are encouraged to apply.

Qualifications

• Willingness 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.
• Must hold a current general construction induction card (white card).
• Willing to obtain White Card before commencement if not already held.

Responsibilities

• Operate water and wastewater treatment plants and networks.
• Perform pump station maintenance and inspections.
• Contribute to dam and catchment surveillance activities.
• Support network maintenance and repair work.
• Participate in providing a safe and reliable water service to the community.

Skills

Willingness to learn

Team player

Communication skills

Safety-conscious

Study commitment

PPE compliance

White card

Education

Certificate III in Water Industry Operations

Job description

Department: Community Utilities

Compensation: Weekly Rate AUD $454.40 - $838.00

Employment type: Full time

Work Arrangement: On-site

Aboutthe Opportunity

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.

Recruitment Timeline

Following the application period, the recruitment processwill include:

• AssessmentCentre: 10 November 2026
• Interviews:12 November 2026
• EmploymentCommences: 12 January 2027

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

PMHC's recruitment notification process is primarily via system generated emails. Please ensure your email is correct before submitting an application to avoid missing crucial updates and outcomes. Email communication notifications are used for but not limited to: application received, interview booking tools, confirmation of interview, request for references/more information, delay notifications, testing/assessments (aptitude/psychometric/industry specific) and application outcomes (unsuccessful before or after interview).

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 the care and protection of all children and young people. We are committed to a safe environment where everyone feels welcome and respected. 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 [e-mail] .We’re here to support you every step of the way.