Water and Sewer Operations Trainee

Bega Valley Shire Council; Bega; On-site; AUD 29,000 - 50,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Rostered days off

Flexible work arrangements

Salary packaging

Paid study leave

Approved study-related expenses

Nine day fortnight

Job summary

Bega Valley Shire Council invites applications for two Water and Sewer Trainee positions under its Emerging Talent Program. Trainees will pursue a Certificate III in Water Industry Operations while gaining practical experience in Water and Sewer Services across operations, maintenance, and construction.

The program includes mentorship, paid study leave, and onsite exposure to critical infrastructure. Participants will develop hands-on skills in water treatment, sewerage operations, and network

Qualifications

• Demonstrated analytical and investigative ability to assist in resolving operational problems in the field.
• Ability to develop fault-finding and troubleshooting skills relevant to water supply and sewerage systems.
• Well-developed oral and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated commitment to learning, teamwork and working safely in an operational environment.

Responsibilities

• Undertake vocational studies and apply theoretical learning to workplace activities to develop practical skills and knowledge.
• Assist with the operation, monitoring and maintenance of water and sewerage infrastructure and associated systems.
• Assist in the construction, installation and repair of water supply and sewerage infrastructure.
• Assist with the maintenance, servicing and cleaning of water and sewer treatment plant and equipment.
• Develop skills in inspection, fault finding, testing and problem solving across water and sewer networks.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Fault finding

Communication skills

Teamwork

Willingness to learn

Education

School Certificate (Year 10)

NSW Class C driver’s licence

Job description

A career with Bega Valley Shire Council offers the opportunity to engage in meaningful and diverse work that supports the vibrant communities of the south-east corner of NSW. Nestled between rolling hills and some of the state’s most stunning beaches, this region is home to a variety of people who enjoy both rural and coastal living.

As an AR Bluett Award winning Council, we are proud of our dedicated and talented team, whose efforts make our success possible.

With a workforce of over 350, we provide essential services to our communities, including libraries, customer service, finance, children’s services, engineering, project management, road maintenance, water management, environment, parks, gardens, and town centres.

We offer a range of employment benefits to support our staff, which may include:

• Rostered days off
• Salary packaging
• Paid study leave of 3 hours per week (or equivalent over a four-week period)
• Approved study-related expenses

A career with Bega Valley Shire Council offers the opportunity to engage in meaningful and diverse work that supports the vibrant communities of the south-east corner of NSW. Nestled between rolling hills and some of the state’s most stunning beaches, this region is home to a variety of people who enjoy both rural and coastal living.

As an AR Bluett Award winning Council, we are proud of our dedicated and talented team, whose efforts make our success possible.

With a workforce of over 350, we provide essential services to our communities, including libraries, customer service, finance, children’s services, engineering, project management, road maintenance, water management, environment, parks, gardens, and town centres.

We offer a range of employment benefits to support our staff, which may include:

• Rostered days off
• Flexible work arrangements
• Salary packaging
• Paid study leave of 3 hours per week (or equivalent over a four-week period)
• Approved study-related expenses

The Opportunity

We have an exciting opportunity for a motivated individual to join Councils Emerging Talent Program and undertake a Certificate III in Water Industry Operations while gaining practical experience and mentorship across Council's Water and Sewer Services.

As a Water and Sewer Trainee, you will combine vocational studies with hands‑on workplace experience across a range of water and sewer network operations functions, including Water Treatment Operations, Sewerage Treatment Operations, Network Maintenance, and Infrastructure Construction. You will gain practical experience in the operation, monitoring and maintenance of essential water and sewer services while developing the skills, knowledge and qualifications required for a rewarding career in the water industry.

The role may also involve travel and participation in residential training blocks associated with your qualification program.

As a participant in Council's Emerging Talent Program, you will have the opportunity to develop your skills through structured learning, on‑the‑job experience, mentoring and exposure to a broad range of professional disciplines, building a strong foundation for a successful career in local government and beyond.

Council will support your studies by providing paid study leave of 3 hours per week (or equivalent over a four‑week period) together with approved study-related expenses.

Key responsibilities include:

• Undertake vocational studies and apply theoretical learning to workplace activities to develop practical skills and knowledge.
• Assist with the operation, monitoring and maintenance of water and sewerage infrastructure and associated systems.
• Assist in the construction, installation and repair of water supply and sewerage infrastructure.
• Assist with the maintenance, servicing and cleaning of water and sewer treatment plant and equipment.
• Develop skills in inspection, fault finding, testing and problem solving across water and sewer networks.

This role offers valuable exposure to a broad range of water and sewer operations while developing practical skills and experience to support a future career in Water and Sewer Services.

About You

We are seeking two (2) individuals who have obtained a School Certificate (Year 10) or equivalent and hold a NSW Class C drivers' licence (or ability to obtain).

You will have the following skills and experience;

• Demonstrated analytical and investigative ability to assist in resolving operational problems in the field.
• Ability to participate in the laying, repair and maintenance of water and sewer mains and associated construction activities.
• Ability to develop fault-finding and troubleshooting skills relevant to water supply and sewerage systems.
• Well-developed oral and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated commitment to learning, teamwork and working safely in an operational environment.

Benefits

This is a fixed term full-time position working 38 hours per week for a period of two (2) years.

The total remuneration package for this position commences at $29,195.71 to $50,115.52 gross per annum, comprising of:

• $501.30 to $860.50 per week base salary
• $60.16 to $860.50 per week superannuation (calculated at 12%)

Remuneration for this position is dependent upon the age and level of schooling achieved by the successful candidate.

Additional benefits for this position include:

• Rostered day off scheme (nine day fortnight)
• Paid study leave of up to 3 hours per week (or equivalent over a four-week period)
• Approved study-related expenses
• Annual Award salary increases and performance reviews
• Salary packaging program (SmartSalary)
• Wellbeing Initiatives – Fitness Passport, Employee Assistance Program, Telus Health App, social club, health monitoring and annual flu vaccinations

For further information on this position, please contact Luke Cathor - Water and Sewer Networks Operations Coordinator on 0467 787 ***.

Applications close 11.59pm AEDT on 22 November 2026.

Applicants must have the right to work in Australia and address the advertised selection criteria demonstrating their suitability for the role.

This position requires applicants to be suitably immunised in line with recommendations from the Australian Immunisation Handbook, mandated Public Health Orders and/or Councils Immunisation Procedure.