Wastewater Distribution Operator

Shoalhaven City Council; Nowra; On-site; AUD 71,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous leave entitlements

Long Service Leave after 5 years

9-day fortnight for outdoor staff

Flexible and remote working options

Novated lease arrangements available

Professional development and training

Wellbeing programs and EAP

Job summary

Shoalhaven City Council in South Nowra is seeking a hands-on Wastewater Operations lead to manage daily wastewater maintenance and delegate tasks to Attendants and casual staff. You will drive safe practices and oversee critical infrastructure projects, including reticulation systems and pump stations.

The role requires on-call availability and occasional overtime, with a focus on staff development, safety, and reliable service to the community.

Qualifications

• Certificate III in Water Industry Operations or relevant trade qualifications or considerable experience in maintenance or construction of wastewater/water systems.
• Current MR Truck Licence or ability to obtain within six months.
• Demonstrated competency to operate a Backhoe or Excavator.
• Current NSW First Aid Certificate.
• Current National WHS Construction Card (SafeWork).
• Current NSW SafeWork Confined Spaces Entry Certificate.
• Current NSW SafeWork Traffic Controller Certificate.
• Statement of Attainment for Removal of Non-Friable Asbestos.
• Crane Operation and Dogging Certificate of Competency.

Responsibilities

• Undertake scheduled maintenance of wastewater reticulation system.
• Direct and control Attendants - Water/Wastewater and temporary staff, including coaching and on the job training.
• Construct wastewater and water reticulation systems and pump stations.
• Repair main breaks and maintenance rectification of reticulation systems.

Skills

Leadership

Teamwork

Communication

Safety awareness

Education

Certificate III in Water Industry Operations

Tools

Backhoe

Excavator

MR Truck Licence

Job description

• Salary: $71,228 - $80,059 gross p.a. plus 12% Super plus Level 1 Adverse Working Conditions and Wastewater Allowances
• 38 hours per week (Monday to Friday)
• Located at South Nowra Water Depot - Flinders Road, South Nowra

About the Role

Take the lead in maintaining essential wastewater infrastructure for the Shoalhaven community. Working with a dedicated team, you'll oversee daily operations, support staff development, ensure safe and compliant work practices, and provide emergency response support when needed. This includes:

• Undertake scheduled maintenance of wastewater reticulation system.
• Responsible for the day-to-day direction and control of Attendants - Water/Wastewater and temporary staff, including coaching and on the job training.
• Construction of wastewater and water reticulation systems and pump stations.
• Repair main breaks and maintenance rectification of reticulation systems.

Please refer to the Job Description under the Job Attachments for a comprehensive list of duties, responsibilities and skills required.

Being available to be on-call and complete reasonable overtime is a requirement of this position.

About You

To be successful in the position, you will have:

• Certificate III in Water Industry Operations, relevant trade qualifications or considerable experience in the maintenance or construction of wastewater/water systems.
• Current MR Truck Licence or the ability to obtain within six months.
• Demonstrated competency to operate a Backhoe or Excavator.
• Current NSW First Aid Certificate.
• Current National WHS Construction Card (SafeWork).
• Current NSW SafeWork Confined Spaces Entry Certificate.
• Current NSW SafeWork Traffic Controller Certificate.
• Statement of Attainment for Removal of Non-Friable Asbestos.
• Crane Operation and Dogging Certificate of Competency.

We are looking for a hands-on leader with strong teamwork and communication skills, experience in maintenance or construction, and a commitment to safety. You will be proactive, reliable, and able to support and develop staff while delivering essential wastewater services to the community.

Applications Close: Tuesday, 29 September 2026 (at midnight)

If you have any questions about this role, please contact Brad Tunks - Coordinator - Wastewater Distribution - 02 4421 1***

Why Work with Us

The Shoalhaven area is a unique place of great natural beauty, offering an enviable lifestyle and positive work-life balance. Our workforce is our greatest asset, and we pride ourselves on our people. Our teams are talented and inclusive and work together to provide better outcomes for our community, who are at the heart of everything we do. With a diverse range of professions and roles, we offer many career options and pathways, actively promoting opportunities and encouraging staff professional development.

Benefits include:

• Generous leave entitlements
• Long Service Leave after 5 years
• Option of flexitime for indoor staff
• 9-day fortnight for outdoor staff
• Flexible and remote working arrangements
• Novated lease arrangements available
• Opportunities for professional development and training
• Corporate wellbeing programs, including Fitness Passport and Employee Assistance Program (EAP), discounted health insurance
• NSW Welcome Experience

**Conditions apply as per the Local Government State award, and Council policies

Shoalhaven City Council is committed to creating a workplace that reflects our diverse community. We welcome applicants of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, veterans, people with a disability, culturally diverse individuals, and LGBTQIA+ community members. We ensure equitable recruitment practices, and encourage applicants living with a disability to request reasonable adjustments. As a Child Safe Organisation, we uphold the rights and safety of all children and young people.