• Deliver clean, safe water and wastewater services for your community — and grow your career in a council that values excellence.
• Services Operator: $62K–$70K + Allowances + Super | Senior Services Operator: $74K–$85K + Allowances + Super
• Build your career in beautiful Tenterfield, NSW – whether you're returning home, seeking a tree change, or ready to grow in a close-knit regional community.

About Tenterfield Shire Council

Tenterfield Shire Council is located in the picturesque New England region of New South Wales and proudly holds the title “Birthplace of the Australian Nation.” As a rural medium-sized council, it offers the perfect mix of lifestyle and career with easy access to Northern NSW’s beaches, Queensland’s Granite Belt, and the wider Brisbane region.

Here at Tenterfield Shire Council, our mission is to showcase "quality nature, quality heritage and quality lifestyle". We are a close-knit and dedicated team that cultivates community spirit and promotes equal opportunities and access to services. We live and breathe our values every day – Integrity, Community, Accountability, Respect, and Excellence – and foster a workplace culture that empowers staff to lead, innovate, and thrive.

Whether you grew up in Tenterfield, have family nearby, or are looking to return to regional living, this is a genuine opportunity to reconnect with community while advancing your career. With affordable living, short commutes, and a strong sense of belonging, Tenterfield offers a lifestyle that many professionals are actively seeking.

Our people are at the heart of everything we do and are central to our success. In this role, you will be working with a team that feels empowered and challenged while fostering an emphasis on work/life balance.

For more information, visit: www.tenterfield.nsw.gov.au

About the Opportunity

Tenterfield Shire Council is looking for a full-time Services Operator and Senior Services Operator to join the Water & Wastewater team based in Tenterfield, NSW.

These roles ensure the effective treatment, delivery, and maintenance of the region’s water and wastewater systems. The Senior Services Operator leads a small team and coordinates daily activities, making this an excellent opportunity for an experienced Operator ready to take the next step into leadership.

More specifically, your responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Operating and maintaining water and wastewater treatment plants and pump stations
• Monitoring process performance and chemical dosing
• Responding to SCADA/Telemetry system alarms
• Conducting inspections and organising maintenance
• Ensuring compliance with safety and environmental standards
• Managing chemical supply records and statutory testing
• Engaging with stakeholders including EPA, NSW Health, and the community
  (Senior role only): Supervising staff, contractors, and team operations
  (Senior role only): Supporting team development, asset oversight, and incident response

Is This You?

The successful candidate will hold a Certificate III in Water and Wastewater Operations or an equivalent qualification, along with a current NSW Construction Induction (White) Card, Class C Driver’s Licence, and Traffic Control Certification (or willingness to obtain).

Depending on the level, you will also bring:

• Experience in water and wastewater operations, including reticulation, plant maintenance, construction, and statutory testing
• Proficiency in operating and maintaining relevant plant and equipment
• Basic digital literacy, including the use of Microsoft Office and industry systems such as SCADA and Telemetry
• The physical capability to carry out manual labour and outdoor tasks in all weather conditions
• Up-to-date vaccinations for Hepatitis A and B, and Tetanus (or willingness to obtain)
• Work rights to be employed in Australia
• Willingness to participate in an on-call roster is essential
• Experience in the management and supervision of a small team
• Ability to swim

We encourage applications from experienced Services Operators who are ready to step into a more senior role and further develop their leadership capabilities.

Bonus points for:

• Confined spaces entry accreditation
• First Aid Certificate
• Boat or MR/HR licence
• High WHS awareness and risk management practices

As our ideal candidate, you’re a reliable, solutions-focused professional with a strong safety mindset. You thrive in team environments, are self-motivated, and are passionate about providing essential services that directly impact your community.

Ready to learn more?

Services Operator
Senior Services Operator

These are hands-on, impactful roles for individuals who take pride in quality work, enjoy physical tasks, and want to build a meaningful career in regional infrastructure.

About the Benefits

Tenterfield Shire Council offers a competitive salary commensurate with your skills and experience:

Services Operator - $62k - $70k + Award Allowances + 12% Super
Senior Services Operator - $74k - $85k + Award Allowances + 12% Super

Both roles receive:

• 15 days accumulative annual Sick Leave
• 4 weeks accumulative Annual Leave
• 9 Day Fortnight
• Relocation assistance and short-term rental subsidy available for successful and approved relocating candidate
• Further learning and development opportunities
• Access to onsite monthly counselling through our Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Access to Health and Wellbeing programs

Ready to Apply?

If you’re ready to contribute to a vital public service, grow your leadership capability, or return to regional NSW for a rewarding lifestyle change, we’d love to hear from you.

Apply today and become part of a council that values integrity, excellence, and community.