Treatment Plant Operator

Department: Warrumbungle Water

Reports to: Supervisor Warrumbungle Water Treatment Plants

Salary Range: $1,148 - $1,310 per 38 hour week + superannuation

Are you passionate about water safety and sewage treatment? Join our team as a Treatment Plant Operator and play a key role in ensuring the community's water supply and wastewater systems are running safely, efficiently, and in compliance with environmental standards. In this hands-on role, you'll be responsible for the operation and maintenance of water treatment plants, reservoirs, sewerage systems, and distribution networks. You'll conduct regular inspections, monitor water and wastewater quality, perform testing and sampling, and ensure compliance with health and safety regulations.

Your role will involve everything from routine plant maintenance and minor repairs to responding to alarms and emergencies, sometimes after hours. You'll also be responsible for handling and applying chemicals such as chlorine and lime safely, conducting basic lab tests to check water quality, and interpreting SCADA system data. You'll work with a collaborative team to implement new plant installations and upgrades, all while keeping accurate records and contributing to continuous improvement initiatives that enhance both operational efficiency and safety.

To succeed in this role, you'll need a Certificate III in Water Industry Operations (or be willing to obtain one) and experience with water or wastewater treatment facilities. A solid understanding of environmental regulations, WHS procedures, and safe chemical handling is essential. You should also have strong problem-solving skills, basic mechanical aptitude, and a good understanding of treatment data. A current NSW Class C Driver's Licence and the ability to participate in an on-call roster, including weekends and public holidays, are also required. Experience with SCADA systems or confined space entry is a plus.

This role is perfect for someone who enjoys practical, hands-on work, is safety-conscious, and can think on their feet. If you're adaptable, reliable, and committed to providing high-quality services to the community, we'd love to hear from you. This is a great opportunity to grow your skills in a supportive team environment while making a direct impact on the health and well-being of the community.

Please click here to view the position description.

This position is located in the beautiful town of Coonabarabran, known as the Astronomy Capital of Australia, which is midway between Melbourne and Brisbane and is known for its beautiful landscape and stunning night skies. The town has medical services, excellent schools, a variety of sporting and social clubs and a thriving tourism Industry. With the nearby Warrumbungle National Park, which is also Australia's first Dark Sky Park, there is plenty to do and explore whether you're looking for adventure or relaxation.

Selection criteria include:

• Certificate III in Water Industry Operations or equivalent, or willingness to obtain.
• Demonstrated experience in operating and maintaining water and/or wastewater treatment facilities.
• Sound knowledge of WHS procedures, safe chemical handling and risk management.
• Understanding of relevant environmental and public health regulations (e.g. Australian Drinking Water Guidelines, EPA licensing).
• Competence in sampling, laboratory testing, and interpreting treatment data.
• Basic mechanical aptitude and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work autonomously and as part of a team.
• Good communication and record-keeping skills.
• Current NSW Class C Driver's Licence.
• Willingness to participate in an on-call roster including weekends and public holidays.
• Construction Induction (White Card) (or able to obtain prior to commencement).

It is a plus if you have Confined Space Entry and Working at Heights tickets and experience with SCADA systems and telemetry.

*Benefits of working for Council*

Council is committed to creating a positive working environment and offer a range of benefits for staff, including

• Great leave opportunities
• Long service leave after 5 years
• 1 RDO every 2 weeks
• Paid parental and concurrent parental leave
• Carer's leave
• 3 weeks sick leave per year including up to 2 days health and wellbeing leave each year
• Purchase additional leave or cash out leave
• Deferred leave scheme – eg work three years at 75% of your pay and have the following year off at 75% of your pay
• Support for training and professional development
• Formal training opportunities
• Access to thousands of free online training courses
• Weekly pay cycle
• Mobile phone allowance available if you bring your own device
• Salary Packaging options to maximise your take-home pay
• Wellness – we want you to be at your best self so you and your immediate family members have access to our employee assistance program with TELUS Health One
• Free annual flu vaccinations and bi-annual skin cancer checks available
• PPE provided

*About Warrumbungle Shire Council*

Warrumbungle Shire is strategically positioned on the Newell Highway, a short drive from Tamworth, Mudgee and Dubbo, and just over 3 hours from Newcastle, making Warrumbungle Shire a great place to live and work. Covering an area of more than 12,000km², and with a population of nearly 10,000, Warrumbungle Shire Council is one of the larger Local Government Areas in Central West NSW, home to the townships of Coonabarabran, Coolah, Dunedoo, Binnaway, Baradine and Mendooran.

With a rich history and stunning landscapes including spectacular mountain ranges, waterfalls, ancient sandstone caves, gorges, and beautiful plains, our scenic location amongst friendly country communities provides an ideal setting for those looking to balance a country lifestyle and career.

At Warrumbungle Shire Council we offer a broad variety of jobs with a range of benefits and career development opportunities within Local Government. The guiding principles of honesty, integrity, fairness and compassion form the spirit of the team along with respect, transparency, passion, trust and opportunity is how Warrumbungle Shire Council strengthens its working environment to deliver on the aspirations of our community. Council is proud to be an equal opportunity and child safe employer with a commitment to our staff and our vision is Excellence in Local Government.

*How to apply*

Please provide sufficient detail in your answers to the questions as this information is used to assess your suitability for interview.

1. Scroll down and complete the fields below. Note: Fields marked with a red asterisk* are mandatory.
2. Click 'Next'
3. Attach your resume, covering letter and copies of your qualifications
4. Click 'Next'
5. Review your application and click 'Confirm' to submit your completed application

You will receive an email acknowledgement to confirm receipt of your application. You will receive email notifications regarding the status of your application. It is important that you regularly check your email to ensure you do not miss any notifications from Council.It is also recommended that you check your spam or junk folder and consider adding to your email address book to ensure you do not miss any correspondence in regard to your application.

*Applications close at 11.00 pm Sunday 16 November 2025.*

For enquiries, please contact Human Resources on

Applicants should note that Criminal History Checks, as well as alcohol and drug testing, are conditions of employment.