Water Treatment Operator

North East Water; Wangaratta; On-site; AUD 67,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working arrangements

Professional development

Leave and superannuation

Employee Assistance Program

Discounts on gym and pool memberships

Job summary

North East Water is seeking a hands-on Water Treatment Operator based in Wangaratta to help deliver safe drinking water across the region and support 24/7 operations.

You will undertake routine sampling and basic lab tests, monitor plant performance, adjust dosing, and respond to alarms. The role offers a full-time ongoing opportunity with a monthly rostered day off, flexible work options, and a seven-day on-call cycle every 4-5 weeks.

Qualifications

• Ability to problem solve and use critical thinking to solve practical challenges.
• Ability to accurately input data into systems.
• Demonstrated ability to act within an Occupational Health and Safety mindset.
• Experience in the water industry or experience in a position with a transferrable skill set i.e. treatment, sampling and testing.
• Willingness to obtain Certificate III in Water Treatment (advantage).

Responsibilities

• Undertake routine water quality sampling and basic lab testing.
• Maintain accurate water quality and chemical records.
• Operate and monitor water treatment plant processes and equipment.
• Respond to alarms and faults.
• Carry out routine maintenance, cleaning and housekeeping across water treatment plants.
• Support an on-call roster from Tuesday to Tuesday every 4-5 weeks.

Skills

Problem solving

Critical thinking

Data entry

Safety awareness

Education

Certificate III in Water Treatment

Equivalent qualification

Job description

Are you a problem solver & critical thinker with practical experience or skills in treatment or sampling & testing? Entry-level applicants are welcomed!

• Exciting opportunity for an experienced operator or someone with a keen interest to learn more about the water industry!
• Join a supportive and inclusive team
• Support the delivery of safe drinking water for our region

About the role

North East Water provides water and sewage services to over 110,000 people across 39 towns throughout north east Victoria. This position is primarily based in our Wangaratta Water Treatment Plant, and you will be a part of the ‘West’ team that covers the picturesque primary areas ofWangaratta, Benalla, and King Valley.

A snapshot of your day

• Undertake routine water quality sampling and basic lab testing.
• Maintain accurate water quality and chemical records.
• Undertake maintenance, inspections and checks on water treatment plants.
• Responding to alarms and water treatment plant faults.
• Monitor and operate water treatment plant processes and equipment.
• Adjust treatment processes and chemical dosing to maintain water quality standards.
• Support troubleshooting and problem solving on process, equipment and system issues.
• Carry out routine maintenance, cleaning and housekeeping across water treatment plants.
• Support an on-call roster from Tuesday to Tuesday every 4-5 weeks.

In this role you will have access to a diverse range of learning opportunities, allowing you to expand your knowledge and skills in the field of water treatment.

This role is a full-time ongoing opportunity, including a monthly RDO and flexible work options. The general hours of work are 7:30am to 4pm and once deemed competent, you will be required to participate in a seven-day on call roster every 4-5 weeks which operates from a Tuesday until the following Tuesday.

Key Selection Criteria

To be in consideration for this position please directly address in your application how you meet the following key selection criteria:

1. Ability to problem solve and use critical thinking to solve practical challenges.
2. Ability to accurately input data into systems.
3. Demonstrated ability to act within an Occupational Health and Safety mindset.
4. Experience in the water industry or experience in a position with a transferrable skill set i.e. treatment, sampling and testing, or similar.
5. Certificate III in Water Treatment or equivalent is not required but an advantage. Willingness to obtain is essential (sufficient support will be provided North East Water).

Working at North East Water

North East Water is a leader in a unique and rewarding industry. This is thanks to our team who makes sure we exceed the expectations of our customers and communities. We’re committed to providing a respectful, inclusive, and equitable environment, and offer a range of benefits to our people, including:

• Getting out and about in the beautiful north east region
• A range of flexible working arrangements
• Professional development through on-the-job and external training, leadership development programs, study assistance, mentoring and secondment opportunities
• Annual salary increases and superannuation
• Wide variety of leave types including 1 paid day off per month to use as you choose and paid parental leave
• 24/7 wellbeing support and psychology sessions available through our Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Discounted gym and pool memberships throughFitness Passport
• Musculoskeletal reimbursements for allied health treatments
• Discounted private health cover
• Onsite flu vaccination and skin check clinics annually
• Social club
• plus much, much more! https://www.newater.com.au/careers/why-work-with-us

Salary Information

• $66,672 to $71,123 (no qualification) plus 12% superannuation (with the opportunity to gain a Certificate III in Water Industry Operations and progress to the below).
• $73,189 to $84,593 (Certificate in Water Industry Operations or similar) plus 12% superannuation.
• This role receives our industry and wastewater allowances which add over $3,030 to your remuneration per year!
• On-call allowance of $640 per week plus attractive overtime hours and rates!

Position Information

• Based in Wangaratta.
• Full-time, ongoing role including a monthly RDO, paid annual, sick and carers leave + flexible work options (such as a 9-day fortnight).
• General hours of work are 7:30am to 4pm (Monday to Friday).
• Pre-employment checks: Successful applicants will be required to undertake pre-employment checks including a police check and pre-employment medical and functional testing (paid for and organised by NEW).
• Application requirement: Applicants must have the right to work in Australia.

Have questions? Please get in touch!

Please do not hesitate to contact Dylan Hetherington, Lead Coordinator Water Treatment on 0432 978 793.

Alternatively, you can contact Sienna from our People & Culture team via email [e-mail]

Applications close 11:59pm Sunday 20 September 2026.