Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator / Assistant Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator

We are seeking either a qualified and experienced Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator or an Assistant Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator with a passion for public health and protecting our environment. We welcome dedicated people that want to learn and work in a supportive team environment.

About the role:

The successful candidate will be appointed to the position based on experience and existing skills, or their potential to acquire the necessary knowledge and skills as an Assistant in our supported career pathway program. In addressing the selection criteria, applicants are to clearly indicate for which position (Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator or Assistant Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator) they are applying.

The Assistant Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator will undertake a planned and supported pathway to obtain qualifications and competence in this stimulating and rewarding role and involves the completion of on-the-job training and tertiary studies (a Certificate III in Water Operations). Course fees will be funded by Council.

The position is suitable to those who enjoy a diversity of work in both outdoor and office environments combining computer-based and active work activities.

• Work as part of a dedicated team responsible for the operation and maintenance of one or more of Council’s Wastewater Treatment Plants.
• Maintain, operate and carry out repairs on treatment plant infrastructure to ensure compliance with current licence requirements and adopted operating procedures.
• Support or lead coordination of staff and resources as needed to optimise plant performance and meet operational objectives.
• Utilise your experience, process monitoring skills and ability to work independently to maintain efficient plant performance and produce high-quality effluent.
• Participate in an on-call roster to provide weekend and after-hours operational support.

What's on offer:

• a maximum-term contract of 12 months, up to 18 months, with the possibility of extension or permanency subject to performance, funding and operational need.
• Job Grade 3A (Assistant Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator): a base salary ranging from $59,040 per annum with competency-based increments up to $67,436 per annum, plus 12% super
• Job Grade 4 (Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator): a base salary ranging from $62,124 per annum with competency-based increments up to $71,178 per annum, plus 12% super
• 76 hour, 9 day fortnight
• Training and development opportunities.
• Flexible work options for a healthy work/life balance.
• Generous employment conditions (we have too many to list - click here for more).

We are seeking:

Assistant Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator:

• Undertake supported on-the-job training and external studies for a Certificate III in Wastewater Treatment or an equivalent qualification.
• A current Driver’s Licence (Car).
• Basic understanding of the function of a Water Treatment Plant.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a small team environment.
• Demonstrated ability to work responsibly and independently on tasks.
• Availability to participate in a 24-hour on-call roster, with a requirement to live within 30 minutes of the Banora Point, Murwillumbah, or Kingscliff treatment plants for timely emergency response.

Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator:

• A qualified individual with a Certificate III in Wastewater Treatment or an equivalent qualification
• A current Driver’s Licence (Car).
• Proven experience operating modern activated sludge Wastewater Treatment Plants, including chemical dosing, process control, and mechanical maintenance.
• Strong problem-solving abilities with demonstrated capability to manage plant changes and respond effectively to operational challenges.
• Proficiency in SCADA systems and Microsoft Excel, with sound oral and written communication skills to support daily operations and reporting.
• Solid understanding of Occupational Health and Safety and Environmental legislative requirements, including compliance with Environmental Protection Licences relevant to wastewater treatment operations.
• Availability to participate in a 24-hour on-call roster, with a requirement to live within 30 minutes of the Banora Point, Murwillumbah, or Kingscliff treatment plants for timely emergency response.

About Us:

• Located on the picturesque far North Coast of NSW, bordering the Gold Coast.
• Tweed Heads is a vibrant, diverse location offering a lifestyle near the water, in a rainforest or on a farm.  
• Tweed Shire Council is committed to employment equity and diversity and encourages applications from people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds in both traditional and non-traditional roles.
• Join an employer of choice. Professionals Australia (Local Government Engineers’ Association) has named Council the 2021 Employer of Choice for our great employment practices within NSW local government. 

Where it's located:

This position is based in Kingscliff and can be directed to work from any Council work site.

Position closes: 

Friday 19 September 2025 at 12 noon sharp (NSW time).  Late applications will not be permitted.

Click here to view the Position Description for Assistant Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator JG3A

Click here to view the Position Description for Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator JG4

Click here for Important Information when Replacing an Employee on Parental Leave

Click here for more information on the Recruitment Process

Click here to view our Values

Pre-Employment Screening:

Tweed Shire Council conducts pre-employment assessments as part of its recruitment process. 

Job offers are not made until screening has been completed. Tweed Shire Council uses third-party providers to undertake:

• Pre-employment medical – some roles require a functional (physical) assessment, and all positions are subject to drug and alcohol screening (a positive test result means the recruitment process ends and your application will not be considered).
• Background screening - verifies that the information you have provided throughout the recruitment process is true and correct.  Click here for more information.

Reference Checks are undertaken by the panel. Your 2 referees should ideally be your current and most recent supervisors.  Your referees are not contacted unless you’ve been interviewed and are a preferred candidate.

Immunisations:

This position is identified as at risk of contracting vaccine-preventable/manageable diseases and as a consequence impacted employees are strongly recommended to participate in Council’s workplace vaccination program.

How To Apply:

You must use your own email address, and not one used previously by another person that has applied for a position with council.

Once you start your online application, you cannot save and return to it later. 

1. Have your Resume document ready to go.
2. Fill out all questions below. Click 'Next'. 
3. You'll then be prompted to attach your resume and other documents (if applicable). Click 'Next'.
4. Review your application to confirm everything is correct. Click 'Confirm' to submit your application.

If you'd like to COPY and PASTE question fields into a separate Word document to work on over time, please find them listed below:

1. Why are you interested in working at Tweed Shire Council and what excites you most about this particular opportunity?
2. Do you hold a Certificate III in Wastewater Treatment or an equivalent qualification (or willingness to obtain one)? Please provide details.
3. Please describe your experience in the operation of Water Treatment Plants, including any involvement with chemical dosing, process control and mechanical maintenance.
4. Describe your ability to work independently, as part of a small team.
5. Provide an example of a time you effectively communicated technical information to supervisors and/or members of the public.
6. What is your understanding of Occupational Health and Safety and Environmental legislative requirements in wastewater treatment? If applicable, how have you ensured compliance with Environmental Protection Licences in your previous roles?
7. Are you available to participate in a 24-hour on-call roster, and is your residence located within 30 minutes of the Banora Point, Murwillumbah, or Kingscliff Wastewater Treatment Plants? Please provide details.
8. Desirable WTPO only: Describe your experience using SCADA systems and Microsoft Excel in a wastewater treatment setting. How do you use these tools to support your daily tasks and reporting? 

SK97188A

OFFICE USE ONLY