Trainee – Water, Sewerage Operations and Plumbing

Paroo Shire Council; Paroo Shire; On-site; AUD 48,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

Paroo Shire Council is seeking a trainee to learn water and sewerage operations and plumbing. You’ll work with qualified staff to operate, inspect and maintain council infrastructure, gaining practical skills through on-the-job training and approved courses.

This role is field-based with supervision, building capability toward Certificate III in Water Industry Operations and related qualifications while supporting safety and environmental compliance across the utilities team.

Qualifications

• Legal right to live and work in Australia.
• Current ‘C’ Class Queensland Driver’s Licence or higher.
• Construction Induction Card (White Card)
• Willingness to undertake approved training and work towards qualifications
• Good communication and teamwork skills.

Responsibilities

• Assist with water treatment, sampling and monitoring under supervision.
• Support wastewater treatment and sewerage operations.
• Assist with plumbing tasks and repairs as authorised.
• Maintain accurate records and reports of activities.
• Participate in structured training and safety programs.

Skills

Legal right to work in Australia

Qld Driver's Licence

White Card

Willingness to undertake training

Teamwork

Job description

Position Description – Trainee – Water, Sewerage Operations and Plumbing

Authorised by: Martin Leech Chief Executive Officer

Dated: 29 October 2026

Page 1 of 5

Position Vacant

Trainee – Water, Sewerage Operations

and Plumbing

At the Paroo Shire Council, we believe that our success starts with our people.

We are committed to creating a positive, inclusive, and rewarding work environment where team members feel supported and valued.

As the Trainee – Water, Sewerage Operations and Plumbing, you will learn practical skills while assisting experienced staff to operate, inspect, maintain and repair Council’s essential water supply, wastewater and sewerage infrastructure.

The trainee will work with Council’s Utilities team and qualified plumbing personnel, supporting water and wastewater treatment, sampling, monitoring, maintenance, repairs and customer service. Structured workplace learning and approved training will develop practical skills and safe work practices. Responsibilities will increase as competencies are demonstrated and authorised, with appropriate supervision of operational, plumbing and high-risk activities.

If you would like further information, please contact:

Recruitment on 07 4655 8400. You can email your interest directly to Recruitment at [e-mail]

https://www.paroo.qld.gov.au/council/employment

POSITION DESCRIPTION

OPERATIONS AND PLUMBING

Award: Queensland Local Government Industry Award (Stream B) – State 2017

Certified Agreement: Paroo Shire Council – Operational Staff Certified Agreement 2025-2028

Classification Level: Level 2

Employment Type: Permanent Full Time

Department / Team: Infrastructure / Utilities

Reports to: Senior Plumber Supervises: Nil

OUR VALUES

In making and implementing our decisions, we will be guided by the principles of integrity, efficiency and continuous improvement and exhibit the following core values:

Pride, Accountability, Respect, Open & Transparent, Opportunities for Employment, Safety and Commitment

POSITION OBJECTIVES

The Trainee of Water, Sewerage Operations and Plumbing will develop practical skills and technical knowledge while assisting experienced staff to operate, inspect, maintain and repair Council’s water supply, wastewater treatment, sewerage networks and related plumbing infrastructure. Working under appropriate supervision, the trainee will assist with routine operations, sampling, testing, fault reporting, preventive maintenance, minor construction and plumbing support, while completing approved on-the-job training and relevant qualifications. The role supports reliable essential services, public health, environmental compliance and accurate operational records. The position is primarily field-based, with associated recording and training duties. Tasks must remain within demonstrated competency, training and authorisation. Regulated plumbing and drainage work must be performed only under the supervision and licensing arrangements required by Queensland law.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Water Supply Operations

• Assist experienced staff to inspect, operate, clean and maintain Council’s water treatment plants, water storages, reservoirs, pipelines, pumps, valves and associated distribution assets.
• Assist experienced staff to take water samples, including collection, labelling, handling and recording, and carry out basic routine field tests in accordance with approved procedures and training.
• Learn to monitor water flow meters, pressure gauges, water levels, power usage, chemical dosing and water quality, and promptly report unusual readings or operating conditions.
• Assist with routine servicing and site-specific checks of water supply pumps, valves, meters, dosing systems and associated equipment to support safe and reliable operation.
• Follow Council’s Drinking Water Quality Management Plan and relevant operating procedures and instructions relating to water quality.

Wastewater and Sewerage Operations

• Assist with wastewater treatment plants, sewage pump stations and sewerage networks, including routine inspections, housekeeping, preventive maintenance and minor repairs under supervision.
• Assist with collection, labelling, handling and recording of wastewater samples, and carry out basic routine field tests in accordance with approved procedures and training.
• Learn to monitor wastewater flows, levels, power usage, chemical dosing and wastewater quality, and promptly report unusual readings or operating conditions.
• Assist with routine servicing and site-specific checks of wastewater pumps, valves, gates, meters, dosing systems and associated equipment to support safe and reliable operation.
• Follow relevant recycled water management plans, operating procedures and instructions relating to.

Plumbing Support

• Support qualified plumbing personnel with tools, materials, excavation, installation, testing and repair of water and sewerage pipes, fittings and other related infrastructure, as authorised.
• Assist with responses to water leaks, sewer blockages and service interruptions under appropriate supervision and within demonstrated competency and authorisation.

General Operations, Safety and Training

• Learn to use SCADA/telemetry and related monitoring systems to observe operating parameters, recognise alarms and communicate faults or exceedances to the responsible operator.
• Immediately report water quality concerns, spills, sewer overflows, blockages, leaks, equipment defects, environmental incidents and public safety risks to the responsible supervisor.
• Learn safe storage, handling and use of chemicals such as chlorine and acids; undertake chemical-related tasks only after relevant training, instruction and authorisation.
• Maintain accurate and traceable log sheets, inspection records, sampling results, work orders, asset information, photographs and other operational information in Council systems.
• Assist with entry of operational tasks and test results into Council’s water information management system, including SWIMs, as directed and within allocated system access.
• Carry out general labouring, cleaning, excavation support, reinstatement and minor maintenance duties that are appropriate to the trainee’s skills and safe work arrangements.
• Use hand tools, vehicles, plant and equipment safely and only when appropriately trained, licensed, supervised and authorised to do so.
• Assist with customer requests and communicate courteously with residents, colleagues and contractors.
• Participate in a structured training and development plan, including toolbox talks, formal study, practical demonstrations, competency assessments and workplace coaching.
• Work towards Certificate III in Water Industry Operations, or another Council-approved qualification, consistent with the agreed training plan and role requirements.
• Support disaster management, emergency response and recovery activities as directed, within the trainee’s competence and with suitable supervision and safety controls.
• Assist with weekend inspections or after-hours call-outs when required and when appropriately trained, supervised and authorised in accordance with Council arrangements.
• Work cooperatively with Utilities, plumbing, civil works and other Council personnel; identify practical improvements and contribute to a positive, accountable and safety-focused team.
• Undertake other reasonable water, sewerage, plumbing support and related labouring duties as directed, consistent with training, demonstrated competency and lawful authority.

QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS, AND EXPERIENCE

• Legal right to live and work in Australia.
• Current ‘C’ Class Queensland Driver’s Licence or higher.
• Construction Induction Card (White Card), or willingness to obtain before commencing relevant construction work.
• Ability to meet relevant pre-employment health assessments and National Police Check requirements.
• Willingness to undertake approved training and work towards Certificate III in Water Industry Operations or other qualifications specified in an agreed training plan.
• Genuine interest in learning about water supply, wastewater treatment, sewerage maintenance and plumbing related infrastructure work; previous industry experience is not essential.
• Demonstrated reliability, accountability, a strong work ethic and willingness to learn, accept feedback, follow instructions and work effectively as part of a team.
• Basic literacy, numeracy and computer skills to understand work instructions, record measurements, complete training activities and maintain accurate operational records.
• Commitment to work safely, follow instructions and risk controls, wear required personal protective equipment and promptly report hazards, incidents and faults.
• Good communication, teamwork, organisation and practical problem-solving skills, with a courteous approach to residents and other stakeholders.
• Ability to perform the inherent physical requirements of outdoor operational work, including manual tasks and travel to facilities across the Shire in varying conditions.
• Willingness to obtain or maintain occupational immunisations identified by Council’s risk assessment and medical advice, including Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B and Tetanus as applicable.
• Willingness to undertake operational training and, when appropriately competent and supervised, participate in weekend checks or after-hours response arrangements as required.
• Previous exposure to water or wastewater operations, plumbing, civil construction, mechanical maintenance, pumps, pipes or the use of hand tools.
• First Aid / CPR Certificate, confined space awareness training or other relevant safety or operational training.
• Basic familiarity with SCADA/telemetry, electronic maintenance records or Microsoft Office applications.

CORPORATE ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Demonstrated commitment to complying with Council’s policies and procedures and the Local Government Act 2009, including Council’s Code of Conduct, Work Health and Safety Policy and Anti-Discrimination Policy, and relevant water and environmental requirements.
• Ability to carry out the physical and inherent requirements of the position and remain flexible and adaptable to meet operational needs while working within training and competency limits.
• Maintain a positive team culture based on honesty, trust, and integrity.
• Perform jobs, tasks, and processes in accordance with relevant guidelines and standards.
• Maintain confidentiality of Council information obtained during the course of employment.
• Operate and maintain Council assets, including equipment, plant and fleet, in accordance with Council guidelines and manufacturers’ specifications.
• Foster and maintain strong stakeholder relationships directly or indirectly associated with Council.
• Provide consistent and timely customer service to colleagues and communities.

WORK HEALTH AND SAFETY

Apply Council policies, procedures and safe work instructions to maintain a safe workplace and comply with the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Qld) and other applicable safety legislation. Follow required controls for chemicals, sewage exposure, confined spaces, excavation, electrical hazards and use of plant and equipment.

Maintain an understanding of Council WHS policies, use required personal protective equipment, participate in inductions and risk assessments, and promptly report hazards and incidents. Do not undertake high-risk or licensed work without the required training, supervision and authorisation.

TEAM CONTRIBUTION

As part of a collaborative Utilities team in a customer-facing role, the trainee is expected to provide helpful service and engage positively with people from diverse cultures, nationalities and backgrounds. You will also:

• Work collaboratively with co-workers, actively contributing to the Shire’s vision and values.
• Raise issues with a solution-focused approach and contribute to a positive working environment.
• Build professional relationships with stakeholders at every level of the Shire.
• Actively display the values of the Shire in every interaction.
• Attend and participate in staff/team meetings and workshops as required.
• Actively participate in structured learning, skills development and Council-approved training, seek feedback from experienced operators and qualified tradespeople, and contribute to team capability, cohesion and continuous improvement.

AGILITY STATEMENT

The information contained in this position description describes the nature and level of work to be performed and is not an exhaustive list of duties or skills. Responsibilities may change following discussion with the incumbent. All assignments must remain consistent with trainee-level competency, appropriate supervision and any applicable licensing or training arrangements.

AUTHORISATION AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Signing this position description indicates agreement and acceptance of the contents and conditions.

I agree and accept all terms, conditions and duties outlined in this document.

Employee Name:

Employee Signature: Date:

I, Martin Leech, authorise and approve this Position Description: Trainee – Water, Sewerage Operations and Plumbing Martin Leech Chief Executive Officer 29 October 2026