Field Operations District Leader

About the Company

SA Water is a successful, modern water utility wholly owned by the Government of South Australia. We employ more than 1,700 people across a broad range of disciplines who operate more than $14 billion worth of infrastructure to deliver essential water and sewerage services to more than 1.8 million South Australians.

We operate in a geographically and climatically diverse service area, with sites and locations from Ceduna through to Port Augusta, the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY) Lands, across to the Riverland, down to Mount Gambier, and most places in between.

Our strength and expertise have been shaped by our history. For more than 165 years, South Australians have depended on us to innovate and deliver efficient and sustainable water services. With nationally and internationally recognised industry expertise, we’re focused on understanding and meeting our customers’ expectations.

As well as safely delivering smart and reliable services for our customers of today, we innovate to shape the water solutions of the future that will support thriving economies and healthy communities.

We are driven by our values; we value our people, we do work that matters, we keep it real, we know that our work has impact and we are future focussed. Staying true to our values ensures that we consistently deliver positive outcomes for all South Australians.

About the job

As a Field Operations District Leader based in Lower Murray Bridge, you will lead a dedicated and experienced team responsible for delivering safe, efficient, and effective water and wastewater services. With a strong focus on safety and community, you'll oversee responses to customer faults, ensuring service quality levels, system performance standards, and customer expectations are consistently met. This is a hands‑on leadership role where you’ll lead by example—getting involved in day‑to‑day operations and supporting the on‑call roster when required. You’ll also be part of a supportive statewide network of Field Operations District Leaders, who come together quarterly to collaborate, share ideas, and drive continuous improvement across the organisation.

About the person

We’re looking for a proactive and community‑focused leader—someone who brings strong communication, organisational, and interpersonal skills to drive practical, fit‑for‑purpose outcomes for our business, customers, and the wider community. You’re the kind of person who thrives in fast‑paced environments, stays calm under pressure, and has a natural ability to solve problems and resolve conflicts, especially during critical incidents.

You’re committed to delivering high‑quality service and take pride in representing your region. You understand the importance of customer satisfaction and are motivated to lead a team that responds quickly and effectively to faults and service issues.

As the ideal candidate for the Field Operations District Leader role in Lower Murray Bridge, you’re safety‑conscious, solutions‑driven, and experienced in leading field teams. You take ownership of service delivery, ensuring that water and wastewater operations run smoothly, meet performance standards, and continue to provide safe, reliable services to our customers in the Murraylands Region.

About Operations and Maintenance

The Operations & Maintenance team oversees the management of our water, wastewater and River Murray activities and conducts operational control activities for a secure water supply. The team is responsible for both planned and unplanned maintenance activities, integrating corrective, preventive, predictive, and precision maintenance strategies. They aim to meet availability, performance, cost, and risk targets by leveraging technical asset maintenance and reliability expertise. Operations & Maintenance strives to deliver smart and reliable services to customers while enhancing overall operational efficiency.

In addition, your responsibilities will include:

Fostering trust with our people, customers and community by providing expert advice and service that ensure we effectively communicate and engage audiences with our business strategy and its delivery across South Australia, every day.

You will:

- Lead an inclusive and innovative approach to safety, implement and share key learnings across the business to continuously improve safety culture in the team.

- Ensure compliance with ESCOSA/Operations Service Delivery Standards, EMS and DWQMS in the District.

- Minimise repeat reactive maintenance at the same location. Develop innovate and change strategies and processes achieving first time resolution.

- Manage the District’s financial performance, including labour, overtime costs, internal capitalisation, materials and contracts costs.

- Monitor and operate the water and wastewater systems within the district.

- Provide operational input/recommendations at all stages of capital project development.

- Hold quality conversations providing relevant and timely feedback and invest in the development of our people to build team capability.

Your success in this role will come from:

- Significant experience in an operational leadership role or relevant qualification in management or trades.

- Certificate III in Water Operations and/or Water Industry Certificate (Desirable).

- Effective communication and interpersonal skills including an ability to resolve conflict.

- Sound organisation and prioritising skills including an ability to problem solve and manage competing priorities.

- Knowledge of WHS, environmental and water quality principles and practices.

- Valid Drivers Licence.

- Demonstrated experience in training, coaching, mentoring and providing feedback to teams.

- Demonstrated experience in managing safety risks within a heavy plant/high risk environment.

To apply

To apply, click ‘Apply’. Please submit and complete the application form, upload a cover letter and current resume. For enquiries, please contact Tayla from the Talent Acquisition team tayla.pett@sawater.com.au

Applications close4pm, Thursday 6th November 2025

A great customer experience is best achieved by having a diverse and inclusive team that reflects the community we serve. Applications are encouraged from everyone, including people living with disability, job seekers of all ages, members of the LGBTIQA+ community, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and people from culturally diverse backgrounds.

Our Industry is like no other. Dive into the wonderful world of water and explore the boundless opportunities. Learn more about the water industry at careersinwater.com.au.

Please note: We request that recruitment agencies do not submit candidates for this position, as they will not be accepted. Our Industry is like no other. Dive into the wonderful world of water and explore the boundless opportunities. Learn more about the water industry at careersinwater.com.au.

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