Water Distribution Operator

Careers at Council; Nowra; On-site; AUD 85,000 - 110,000; 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

Job summary

Shoalhaven City Council is seeking an experienced leader to maintain and improve the Shoalhaven water network. You will lead a small team, coordinate maintenance and construction of water mains, pump stations and reservoirs, and ensure safety and compliance.

The role includes on-call duties and responding to customer requests. Applicants should have a Certificate III in Water Industry Operations or equivalent, hold a MR Truck Licence, and demonstrate competence with backhoes or excavators.

Qualifications

• Certificate III in Water Industry Operations or relevant trade qualifications, or substantial experience in maintenance or construction of water systems.

Responsibilities

• Undertake scheduled maintenance of water reticulation systems, including hydrant maintenance.
• Direct and coach Attendants - Water/Wastewater and temporary staff.
• Construct and connect water reticulation systems and services.
• Repair main breaks and perform rectification of reticulation systems.

Job description

• 38 hours per week (Monday to Friday) with a 9-day fortnight
• Positions located at Shoalhaven Water Depot, Flinders Road, South Nowra and Ulladulla Depot Water Depot, Deering Street, Ulladulla

About the Role

Play a key role in maintaining and improving the Shoalhaven water network. Leading a small team, you will coordinate the maintenance and construction of water mains, pump stations and reservoirs, while ensuring work is completed safely, efficiently and in compliance with relevant legislation and Council policies. This hands-on role also includes responding to customer requests, reactive maintenance and participating in a 24/7 on-call roster for emergency response. This includes:

• Undertake scheduled maintenance of water reticulation system (including hydrant maintenance)
• 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 water reticulation systems and connecting of new services
• 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 must obtain within 6 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.
• Current Class C Driver's Licence
• Proof of Australian residency or citizenship, or authority to work in Australia (visa)

We are looking for a proactive and safety-focused leader who enjoys working as part of a team and delivering essential services to the community. Strong communication skills, experience in water infrastructure maintenance, and the ability to lead and support others will help you succeed in this role.

Applicants who progress to pre-employment checks may be required to undergo a Qualification Check, Work Rights Verification, Reference Checks and Medical (High Risk). Employment is subject to satisfactory outcomes for all required checks.

Applications Close: Monday, 2 November 2026 (at midnight)

If you have any questions about this role, please contact Daniel Price - Water Operations Manager - 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.