Water and Wastewater Operator

Best suited for: Australian citizens, Permanent Residents, New Zealand citizens, Subclass 485/491/191 visa holders seeking local government career exposure in New South Wales region near Tamworth, NSW.

About This Opportunity

Entering a technical utilities operations pathway within local government offers an exceptional environment for skilled personnel to secure high-impact water management tenure in Australia. Based in the New England region of New South Wales, this critical infrastructure vacancy provides a powerful platform to operate advanced treatment plants, manage complex reticulation networks, and safeguard municipal water quality. It represents an ideal placement for a mechanical or process operations specialist looking to build long-term public sector prestige while achieving key professional milestones in a regional territory.

Job Summary

Tamworth Regional Council is seeking a structured, professional, and proactive Specialist Operator - Water and Wastewater to join their Water and Waste division. This full-time position is responsible for executing the daily monitoring, routine maintenance, and emergency troubleshooting of public water supply and wastewater treatment facilities across the region. The successful candidate will perform chemical dosing adjustments, monitor telemetry systems, track environmental compliance metrics, and execute physical plant repairs to guarantee the continuous, safe delivery of essential water services to the community.

• Employer Name: Tamworth Regional Council
• Employment Type: Permanent / Full-Time
• Desirable Education Level: Certificate III in Water Industry Operations or an equivalent trade qualification in a relevant industry.
• Work Arrangement: On-site
• Employment Location: Manilla or Barraba (Tamworth,NSW)
• Estimated Salary: AUD $1,243.30 – $1,345.40 per week (Plus an exceptional 12% superannuation allocation, industry allowances, and overtime potential)
• Application Deadline: 24 June 2026

Who This Role May Suit

• Experienced plant operators, maintenance fitters, or industrial pump technicians eager to transition their technical skills into a stable, well-resourced municipal utilities framework.
• Onshore temporary visa holders (Subclasses 485, 491, or 191) focused on establishing a verified, long-term technical operations career within regional New South Wales.
• Practical, hands-on problem solvers who enjoy combining digital control room monitoring with outdoor mechanical maintenance and field diagnostics.
• Onshore applicants possessing immediate, unrestricted, and fully valid legal authorization to operate within the domestic Australian labor sector.

Key Responsibilities

• Operate, monitor, and adjust process controls at municipal water and wastewater treatment assets to meet strict regulatory health guidelines.
• Conduct routine mechanical maintenance, clearing procedures, and emergency field repairs on pumps, valves, chemical dosing rigs, and filtering units.
• Perform critical on-site water quality testing, log accurate chemical usage data, and collect routine laboratory samples.
• Utilize SCADA and telemetry systems to track plant performance, evaluate system pressures, and respond rapidly to system alarms.
• Participate in an active on-call emergency roster framework to resolve out-of-hours infrastructure disruptions and breakdown events.
• Enforce uncompromising Work Health and Safety (WHS) site protocols, confined space safety measures, and chemical handling regulations.

Skills & Requirements

• Proven track record operating as a plant technician, utilities operator, or mechanical maintenance specialist within an industrial environment.
• Sound practical understanding of water treatment processes, fluid mechanics, pumping systems, and chemical safety management.
• Refined verbal and written communication style, with a verified capability to log operational metrics, update shift diaries, and liaise with team supervisors.
• Strong mechanical aptitude, with an ability to diagnose system faults, interpret pipe schematics, and use specialized tools safely.
• Must hold and maintain a valid MR Drivers License.
• Current NSW WHS Construction Induction Card.
• Required NSW Public Health Certificate for Fluoride Systems.

Benefits

• Highly competitive base salary packaging augmented by transparent performance progression tracks under the council's structural matrix.
• Excellent lifestyle-balanced working hours with an active 9-day fortnight roster layout promoting a healthy personal balance.
• Extensive access to employer-sponsored professional development, advanced water industry training tracks, and technical certifications.
• Strong institutional focus on employee wellbeing, featuring dedicated Employee Assistance Program (EAP) pathways and workplace health perks.
• A welcoming, values-driven regional office culture dedicated to municipal innovation, public asset excellence, and long-term community prosperity.

Important Applicant Information

• Applicants must hold unrestricted, legal working rights within Australia at the absolute time of applying.
• Selected candidates must undergo a full pre-employment assessment, including a comprehensive National Police History Check, mandatory medical fitness screenings, and thorough verification of identity and qualifications.
• Workplace Policy Note: Tamworth Regional Council maintains a strict smoke-free workplace environment and treats all child preservation and equal employment protocols with complete accountability.
• Please note: The employer indicated that onshore or offshore sponsorship not available for this vacancy.

Required Application Documents:

• A detailed, current professional resume highlighting your industrial plant operations history, technical certifications, and mechanical background.
• A comprehensive cover letter that clearly outlines your specific field skills and explicitly answers the targeted questionnaire items.

Eligible applicants include:

• Australian citizens
• Permanent Residents (PR)
• New Zealand citizens
• Subclass 485 / 491 / 191 visa holders
• Any onshore temporary residents with legal, active Australian work rights.

About The Employer

Tamworth Regional Council is one of the most progressive regional local government authorities in inland New South Wales, serving a diverse and growing population across a vast municipal footprint. The organization prides itself on utilizing modern engineering technologies to deliver robust public services, drive local economic development, and protect the unique regional landscape while fostering a collaborative, highly supportive professional work environment for all its personnel.

Applicant Safety Reminder

• You must possess valid work rights to be employed in Australia.
• Never send funds to secure an interview or a job offer.
• Do not share banking or credit card details to anyone.
• Always cross-check employer credentials before accepting any job proposal.

Original Source: Tamworth Regional Council - Specialist Operator - Water and Wastewater Vacancy