Water Wasetwater Operator

  • Cairns
  • Permanent
  • Thu Aug 20 07:47:50 2026
  • BBBH5511

Water & Wastewater Operator – Cape York

The Opportunity

A Regional Queensland Council is seeking an experienced Water & Wastewater Operator to support the safe and reliable delivery of essential water and wastewater services within a remote Cape York community.

This is a hands-on operational role combining treatment plant operations, water quality monitoring, maintenance and team supervision. You will work across water and wastewater infrastructure, responding to operational issues and helping ensure essential services remain safe, compliant and reliable. The position also provides day-to-day supervision and support to three Essential Services Officers.

For someone comfortable with remote living, the package is particularly attractive, with rent-free furnished accommodation, relocation support and minimal day-to-day commuting and housing costs.

What's On Offer

  • $90,000 - $100,000 base salary + superannuation
  • Rent-free furnished accommodation provided
  • Relocation assistance, including eligible fuel and meal expenses when driving to community, or flights can be arranged
  • Council vehicle provided for work purposes
  • All tools required for the position supplied
  • Government-subsidised airfares available after 12 months of residency, currently approximately $120 one way to/from Cairns
  • Fortnightly pay cycle
  • Opportunity to work with and supervise a small essential services team
  • Make a genuine contribution to the health and wellbeing of a remote community

About the Role

You will be responsible for the day-to-day operation, monitoring and first-line maintenance of Council's water and wastewater systems.

Key responsibilities include:

  • Operating and monitoring water treatment and wastewater systems
  • Monitoring treatment processes, plant performance and alarms, including SCADA where available
  • Undertaking water sampling, quality checks and basic laboratory testing
  • Troubleshooting faults and responding to abnormal operating conditions
  • Completing preventative, routine and first-line breakdown maintenance on pumps, motors, pipelines, valves and associated equipment
  • Safely handling treatment chemicals and undertaking chemical dosing
  • Maintaining accurate operational, sampling and maintenance records
  • Supervising three Essential Services Officers, including allocating work, coordinating rosters, providing training and monitoring work standards
  • Participating in an on-call roster and responding to after-hours operational issues when required
  • Maintaining a strong focus on public health, environmental protection and workplace safety

About You

You are a practical and reliable water industry professional who can work independently, solve operational problems and provide guidance to a small team.

You will bring:

  • Certificate III in Water Industry Operations, Water Treatment Operations, Wastewater Treatment Operations or an equivalent qualification, or the willingness and ability to obtain the required qualification within Council's timeframe
  • Practical experience operating water treatment, wastewater or similar process systems
  • Knowledge of pumps, motors, pipelines, valves and associated treatment equipment
  • Experience with water sampling, basic testing and operational recordkeeping
  • Ability to troubleshoot faults and undertake first-line maintenance
  • Experience supervising or coordinating employees and daily work activities
  • Current C Class Driver Licence and Construction White Card
  • Strong commitment to WHS and safe chemical handling
  • Ability to work respectfully and effectively within an Aboriginal community

Experience with PLC/SCADA systems, instrumentation, electrical or control systems will be highly regarded, as will a mechanical or electrical trade background.

To Apply

Applications in Word format should be submitted by clicking the 'Apply' button below. For a confidential discussion, contact Cameron on (07) 4034 5000.

About Us

With Head Office in Cairns and offices in Townsville and Brisbane. We specialise in professional, administration, engineering and industrial recruitment, permanent and temporary placements for both commercial and government enterprise. We are proud to connect great people with meaningful careers.

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