Water Treatment Project Officer / Operator

Hart Recruitment; Lithgow City Council; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Hart Recruitment is seeking a Project Officer to oversee water treatment plant operations at a large former power station site in the Lithgow region. This is a hands-on role with broad environmental responsibilities on site.

The ideal candidate has 2–5 years' experience and aligns with backgrounds in Environmental Engineering, Environmental Science or related disciplines, with practical water treatment plant exposure.

Qualifications

• 2–5 years' experience in environmental or water engineering roles.
• Degree in Environmental Engineering, Environmental Science or a related discipline preferred.
• Hands-on water treatment plant operational experience desirable.

Responsibilities

• Water Treatment Plant operation and monitoring
• Water quality and environmental monitoring
• Coordinating maintenance and operational activities
• Environmental compliance and record keeping
• Working with contractors and consultants
• Assisting with environmental and engineering projects across the site
• Troubleshooting operational issues
• Supporting reporting and regulatory requirements
• Site coordination and general activities

Skills

Water treatment plant operations

On-site environmental management

Regulatory compliance

Education

Environmental Engineering

Environmental Science

Related discipline

Tools

Water treatment equipment

Job description

Water Treatment Project Officer / Operator

Lithgow Region | $90,000–$120,000 + Super | Site-based

I'm recruiting a Project Officer to join the team responsible for managing and rehabilitating a large former power station site in the Lithgow region.

This is a hands‑on role with a particular focus on the site's Water Treatment Plant operations, while also getting involved across broader environmental and engineering activities.

The site includes former ash repositories and a declared ash dam and is undergoing significant long-term environmental management, remediation and rehabilitation works. There is extensive environmental monitoring and interaction with environmental regulators.

The role

You'll work closely with the site's engineering and environmental team across areas including:

• Day-to-day Water Treatment Plant operation and monitoring
• Water quality and environmental monitoring
• Coordinating maintenance and operational activities
• Environmental compliance and record keeping
• Working with contractors and technical consultants
• Assisting with environmental and engineering projects across the site
• Troubleshooting operational issues
• Supporting reporting and regulatory requirements
• General project coordination and site activities

It's a role that will suit someone who likes being out on site and involved in the practical side of environmental management, rather than sitting behind a desk all week.

Who I'm looking for

Ideally you'll have around 2–5 years' experience and come from one of the following backgrounds:

Environmental Engineer
Environmental Scientist
Water / Process Engineer
Water Treatment Plant Operator

A degree in Environmental Engineering, Environmental Science or a related discipline would be preferred, particularly given the broader environmental responsibilities of the position.

However, I'd also be interested in someone with strong hands‑on Water Treatment Plant operational experience. That could potentially include someone from a trade background such as electrical or plumbing if they have the right plant experience.

You don't need to be a senior specialist. I'm looking for someone practical, technically capable and comfortable taking responsibility for day‑to‑day activities on an operational site.

Location

This is predominantly a site‑based position in the Lithgow region.

Someone already living around Lithgow / Blue Mountains / Central West would be ideal, or someone willing to relocate to the area.

DIDO from Sydney may be considered for the right person, although a locally based candidate is strongly preferred.

Salary

$90,000–$120,000 base + Super, depending on experience.

This is a particularly good opportunity for an Environmental Engineer/Scientist with a couple of years' experience who wants to move into a role combining water treatment, environmental management and practical site/project work.