WRP Operator

South East Water; City of Frankston; On-site; AUD 87,000 - 122,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

My Fitness Passport

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Annual flu shots and health checks

Hybrid work options

Leave purchasing

Cultural and ceremonial leave

Study leave

Onsite cafe

Car parking options

Job summary

South East Water is seeking a Water Recycling Plant Operator to join our team across the Mornington Peninsula and Westernport regions. You will work hands-on to operate water recycling facilities, monitor processes, and ensure safe, compliant operation in line with environmental requirements.

Ideal candidates will have VCE or equivalent, basic IT skills, and a proactive, team-oriented approach. You may participate in rotations and after-hours rosters while contributing to continuous improvement

Qualifications

• Completion of VCE or an equivalent qualification.
• Desirable: tertiary qualification in Chemical Engineering or related field.
• Experience in wastewater, water, manufacturing, utilities or a similar operational environment.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Current Victorian Driver Licence.

Responsibilities

• Support safe and efficient operation of Water Recycling Plants.
• Monitor treatment processes and assist with plant performance optimisation.
• Ensure compliance with EPA licence requirements and quality standards.
• Assist with process investigations and optimisation initiatives.
• Coordinate maintenance activities with plant personnel and contractors.
• Raise and manage work requests in SE Water systems.
• Participate in emergency and incident response activities.
• Maintain plant housekeeping and presentation standards.
• Contribute to continuous improvement and efficiency initiatives.
• Participate in after-hours roster as required.

Skills

Problem-solving

Analytical skills

Mechanical aptitude

Electrical aptitude

Computer skills

Data entry

Microsoft Office

Strong communication

Teamwork

Safety mindset

Learning mentality

Education

VCE or equivalent

Tertiary qualification in Chemical Engineering or related field (advantageous)

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

We're here to help people live well and create a better and more sustainable future. We support healthy and liveable communities by delivering water, sewerage and recycled water services to 1.77 million people who rely on us every day and every night. At South East Water, we innovate with purpose and act with care to deliver healthy water for life. Fresh thinking and collaboration are at the heart of our organisation. We are constantly learning, embracing the challenges of today and excited by the opportunities that tomorrow will bring.

Who are we?

We're here to help people live well and create a better and more sustainable future. We support healthy and liveable communities by delivering water, sewerage and recycled water services to 1.77 million people who rely on us every day and every night. At South East Water, we innovate with purpose and act with care to deliver healthy water for life. Fresh thinking and collaboration are at the heart of our organisation. We are constantly learning, embracing the challenges of today and excited by the opportunities that tomorrow will bring.

The role

We're looking for motivated and safety-focused Water Recycling Plant (WRP) Operators to join South East Water, supporting the operation of our Water Recycling Plants (WRPs) across our region.

As a WRP Operator, you'll play a hands-on role in the day-to-day operation of Water Recycling Plants, helping ensure treatment processes run safely, efficiently and in line with environmental and regulatory requirements. You'll have opportunities to develop new skills and participate in rotation and development programs.

Positions are available across the Mornington Peninsula and Westernport regions.

In this role, you will:

• Support the safe and efficient operation of Water Recycling Plants
• Monitor treatment processes and assist with plant performance optimisation
• Carry out operational activities to ensure compliance with EPA licence requirements and quality standards
• Assist with process investigations and optimisation initiatives
• Coordinate and monitor maintenance activities undertaken by plant personnel and contractors
• Raise and manage work requests through South East Water systems
• Participate in emergency and incident response activities
• Maintain a high standard of plant housekeeping and presentation
• Contribute to continuous improvement and operational efficiency initiatives
• Participate in an after-hours roster as required

Who are you?

We're looking for someone who enjoys working in a practical, team-oriented environment and has a strong commitment to safety, learning and operational excellence.

Ideally, you'll bring:

• Completion of VCE or an equivalent qualification
• Experience in wastewater, water, manufacturing, utilities, chemical processing or a similar operational environment (desirable)
• A tertiary qualification in Chemical Engineering or a related field is advantageous
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills
• Mechanical or electrical aptitude
• Good computer skills, including data entry and basic Microsoft Office applications
• Strong communication skills
• A proactive, can-do attitude and willingness to learn
• The ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Flexibility to participate in rotations, skill development programs and after-hours rosters
• A strong commitment to safety and environmental responsibility
• A current Victorian Driver Licence

What's in it for you?

Working at South East Water means you can enjoy a wealth of benefits, starting with the chance to be part of an organisation deeply committed to environmental initiatives and sustainability; one who has been recognised as one of the top 101 Workplaces for Women in Australia by Work180 for the past two consecutive years and a 2026 Finalist in the Work180 Equitable Workplace Awards 'Flexible Working' category.

South East Water cultivates a dynamic culture that emphasises collaboration and strong work ethics, supported by career-focused learning and development opportunities. As a SEW employee, you can enjoy the following offerings from our benefits package:

• Access to My Fitness Passport, an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), annual flu shots, and health checks.
• Work-life balance with flexible working arrangements, including hybrid work options and leave purchasing.
• Additional leave offerings, such as cultural and ceremonial leave and study leave.
• Head office with modern facilities and panoramic beachfront views, a separate parents' room, a prayer and meditation room and an onsite cafe.
• Limited free onsite and offsite car parking available, as well as pay-as-you-go parking options nearby.
• Opportunity to be part of great initiatives involving the local community.

This role is remunerated between at a Level 2 and 4, which is between $87,032 and $121,916 + super and offers are commensurate with the successful candidates' experience.

We're for everyone

Our people are as diverse as the communities we serve. It makes us better learners, thinkers and collaborators, helping create better outcomes for our customers.

We are deeply committed to Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging, and we encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, LGBTIQ+ individuals, people with disability and jobseekers of all ages and cultures. We aim to provide an inclusive, accessible workplace where everyone is welcome, safe, and celebrated. If you need any help with the application process or would like to discuss your reasonable adjustments during interviews, please reach out to our Talent team at ******@southeastwater.com.au.

To be considered for this opportunity, you must hold unrestricted working rights for the period of employment at the time of application. Successful candidates will also be required to undergo a number of pre-employment checks, including a police records check.

As part of a team of engineers and technicians, central to this role are responsibilities for 24/7 safe operation to provide support and minimise disruption of services to customers and as well as ensuring that public health and the environment are not put at risk. This includes participation in a rostered after-hours duty team, emergency response, and incident support as required.

Visitsoutheastwater.com.auto learn more about us and how we serve our customers.