Commissioning Operator

Veolia; Wellington; On-site; NZD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Professional development opportunities

Stable employment with a leading 3-wat

Employee assistance program (EAP)

Job summary

Veolia is seeking an experienced Operator to join New Zealand’s first THP operations. You will work with state-of-the-art technology, receive training from Veolia's global experts, and help establish efficient plant operations while building local capability.

You will collaborate with Moa Point WWTP operators and participate in safety, optimization, and procedures development to ensure reliable, compliant performance.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated expertise in wastewater treatment processes.
• Proven problem-solving skills with documented methodologies.
• Proven ability to maintain accurate work records.
• Experience with CMMS (Computerised Maintenance Management Systems).
• Proficiency with SCADA systems and process control.
• Emergency response and troubleshooting capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Operate THP and related units on a 12-hour rotating shift.
• Monitor SCADA and process control to meet targets.
• Record data and maintain logs for plant management systems.
• Carry out planned preventive maintenance and CMMS updates.
• Collaborate with Moa Point WWTP operators for integration.
• Ensure safety, compliance and LOTO procedures.
• Assist with SOP development and continuous improvement.

Skills

Wastewater processes

Problem solving

Documentation

CMMS

SCADA

Emergency response

Education

Technical qualification in wastewater treatment

Tools

SCADA software

CMMS

Job description

About Veolia

Veolia Australia & New Zealand is the only global company to provide a full range of environmental services in the fields of water, waste management and energy solutions. With the global expertise gained from serving the environment for more than 170 years, Veolia operates in more than 57 countries around the world, with well over a hundred sites and approximately 6500 employees in Australia & New Zealand.

Veolia is a global leader in environmental services, committed to ecological transformation through sustainable water and waste management solutions. We're dedicated to delivering operational excellence while upholding the principles of Te Mana o Te Wai—respecting water as a taonga (treasure) for our communities and environment.

The Opportunity

Veolia is a global leader in sustainable resource management. We're proud to operate New Zealand's first Thermal Hydrolysis Process (THP) facility at Moa Point—cutting-edge technology that's transforming wastewater treatment. This is a unique, career-defining opportunity to be part of something pioneering.

What you'll be responsible for

We're seeking an experienced Operator to join our team and become one of New Zealand's first specialised THP operators. You'll work with state-of-the-art technology, receive exclusive training from Veolia's global experts, and play a crucial role in establishing efficient plant operations while building local operational capability.

Key Responsibilities:

Daily Operations:

• Work 12-hour rotating shifts (day and night) to ensure continuous plant operations
• Monitor and operate dewatering, THP, anaerobic digestion, and thermal dryer units to achieve performance targets
• Execute daily operational routines including process monitoring, sampling, and testing
• Monitor and optimise process control parameters through SCADA systems
• Conduct regular plant inspections and maintain detailed operational logs
• Respond to process alarms and implement corrective actions
• Input and maintain accurate operational data in plant management systems
• Work 12-hour rotating shifts to ensure continuous plant operations

Maintenance Support:

• Carry out planned preventative maintenance activities according to schedule
• Complete maintenance documentation and update CMMS
• Identify and report potential equipment issues before failure
• Support contractors during specialised maintenance activities
• Liaise with maintenance teams and support reactive maintenance tasks

Collaboration & Integration:

• Work closely with Moa Point WWTP operators to ensure seamless integration
• Participate in joint operational planning meetings
• Coordinate process changes that may impact other operations
• Contribute to overall site performance optimisation

Skill Development & Innovation:

• Participate in specialised training programs at Veolia's international facilities
• Learn from SMF Technicians and experts during commissioning and early operations
• Help develop and refine operational procedures for NZ conditions
• Become a subject matter expert in THP operations

Procedures & Documentation:

• Assist with development, review, and improvement of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
• Lead optimisation of operational procedures based on plant performance
• Ensure strict adherence to SOPs and safety protocols
• Maintain accurate records of all operational and maintenance activities
• Contribute to continuous improvement of plant documentation

Safety & Compliance:

• Drive compliance with contractual obligations, resource consent requirements, and H&S/environmental regulations
• Apply safe isolation practices including Lock Out Tag Out (LOTO)
• Promote positive safety behaviours and develop a proactive safety culture
• Participate in safety audits and risk assessments
• Manage chemical deliveries and inventory levels
• Report and investigate safety/environmental hazards, near misses, and incidents
• Comply with Veolia's Occupational Health & Safety and Environmental Policy Statements

What you'll need to be successful

Essential Qualifications & Experience:

• Demonstrated expertise in wastewater treatment processes
• Proven problem-solving skills with documented methodologies
• Proven ability to maintain accurate work records
• Experience with CMMS (Computerised Maintenance Management Systems)
• Proficiency with SCADA systems and process control
• Emergency response and troubleshooting capabilities

Desirable Qualifications:

• Recognised technical qualification in wastewater treatment or related field
• Experience with anaerobic digestion and thermal drying processes
• Basic understanding of ISO45001, ISO9001, ISO14001, ISO55000, or ISO50001

Personal Attributes:

• Strong technical and problem-solving abilities
• Excellent communication and mentoring skills
• Meticulous attention to detail in documentation
• Safety-focused mindset with proactive approach
• Strong team player with collaborative mindset
• Self-starter with ability to work autonomously
• Positive can-do attitude
• Ability to work in a multicultural environment
• Strong literacy, numeracy, and computing skills
• Motivation, enthusiasm, and keen eye for detail

What's on offer

• Competitive salary
• A great team focused working environment
• Opportunities for professional growth and development
• Stable employment with a reputable, world leading, 3 waters Network focused organisation
• Meaningful work that contributes to the well-being of our community and keeps the cogs of society turning.
• Employee assistance programs (EAP) through assure which covers mental health, nutrition, financial, legal, coaching and career transition support

Why Veolia?

At Veolia Australia and New Zealand, you'll join a team of over 6500 passionate innovators... and good humans. Our environmental solutions help customers preserve and renew our natural resources, creating a better future for our planet. Here, you'll have the opportunity to build your career, and resource the world.

THIS STEP IS IMPORTANT
To apply for this vacancy you MUST be a New Zealand citizen, resident, or have already secured the right to work in New Zealand and therefore hold a valid visa.

Fairness, Diversity & Inclusion

At Veolia we value diversity, equality and inclusion, we are committed to providing working environments where everyone is included and treated fairly and with respect. We welcome applications from Maori and Pasifika, Veterans, people with disability, mature age and early careers, members of the LGBTI+ community and people from all cultural backgrounds.