Specialist Water Industry Operations

• A varied and challenging role will have the successful applicant operate and maintain Council's water, sewage and recycled water schemes.
• Competitive annual salary commencing at $77,123 to $80,576 (depending on qualifications, skills & experience), plus up to 15% superannuation and 16% from July 2027
• This role participates in a rotating 1 in 4 on-call rosters, attracting additional income through: On-call allowance, overtime rates for callouts, additional annual leave day for public holidays spent on-call
• Great range of additional benefits, including health & wellness programs, salary sacrifice options, salary packaging arrangements and a fortnightly RDO 

About the Region

Gympie is at the heart of a rapidly expanding region which stretches from rural valleys in our western reaches to the Cooloola Coast.  Bordering Noosa and Fraser Coast Local Government areas, we are uniquely positioned to grow whilst still retaining our country charm.  Our borders with North and South Burnett, and the Somerset Local Government areas link with our rural lifestyle, where you can enjoy our picturesque smaller townships, or our abundant local history.  Our local festivals such as the Gympie Music Muster are renowned both nationally and internationally. 

For someone seeking a high quality of life, with pristine natural areas and spectacular beaches, all within reach of Noosa, the Sunshine Coast and Brisbane, we are offering this unique opportunity.

Specialist Water Industry Operations  

Remuneration: Competitive annual salary commencing at $77,123 to $80,576 (depending on qualifications, skills & experience), plus up to 15% superannuation and 16% from July 2027. This role participates in a rotating on-call rosters, attracting additional income through: On-call allowance, overtime rates for callouts, additional annual leave day for public holidays spent on-call. 

Closing Date: This position will remain open until filled

Only applications received via Council's online application system will be considered. Unsolicited applications from agencies will not be considered. 

Are you passionate about water quality, environmental sustainability and keeping essential community services running safely and efficiently? Join Gympie Regional Council as a Specialist Water Industry Operations team member and play a vital role in delivering reliable water, wastewater and recycled water services to our community.

This is an opportunity to apply your technical skills, operational knowledge and problem-solving abilities to maintain critical water infrastructure, protect public health and support the sustainable delivery of essential services across the Gympie region.

Working as part of a collaborative team, you will help ensure Council’s water and sewerage schemes operate safely, efficiently and in accordance with regulatory requirements, industry standards and customer service expectations.

About the role

Reporting to the relevant operational supervisor, you will be responsible for the safe and effective operation, monitoring and maintenance of Council’s water, sewage and recycled water schemes. You will undertake routine operational activities, sampling and testing, fault diagnosis, maintenance and repairs, while contributing to continuous improvement initiatives that enhance safety, efficiency and service delivery.

You will also support operational projects, maintain accurate records and work collaboratively with colleagues and stakeholders to ensure Council delivers high-quality services to the community.

Key responsibilities

• Operate and maintain water infrastructure: Monitor plant and asset performance, undertake process control, maintenance and repairs, and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and Council service standards.
• Monitor water quality and treatment performance: Collect samples, conduct testing and interpret results to assess plant performance and make operational adjustments as required.
• Troubleshoot operational systems: Monitor SCADA, telemetry and PLC systems, diagnose faults, take appropriate corrective action, and report issues to management.
• Promote workplace health and safety: Undertake work safely, identify hazards, participate in risk assessments and audits, and support a strong safety culture.
• Drive continuous improvement: Identify and contribute to initiatives that improve operational efficiency, service quality, safety and asset performance.
• Maintain compliance and documentation: Follow Council policies, procedures, relevant legislation and industry standards, and assist with reviewing and updating standard operating procedures, job analysis systems and operational records.
• Support projects and operational planning: Contribute to project scoping, design reviews, tender assessments, pre-construction activities and project close-out to ensure operational requirements are met.
• Build strong working relationships: Work collaboratively within the Water branch and across Council to achieve shared outcomes and provide excellent customer service.
• Respond to operational emergencies: Participate in a rotating on-call roster and respond to water supply and sewerage emergencies, ensuring customer requests are managed promptly and efficiently.

About you

You are a safety-conscious and practical water industry professional who takes pride in delivering reliable services and maintaining high operational standards. You bring sound technical knowledge, a proactive approach to problem-solving and the ability to work independently while contributing positively to a team.

You will demonstrate:

• A Certificate III in Water Industry Operations, or equivalent, together with relevant knowledge and experience operating and maintaining water and/or wastewater treatment plants.
• The ability to work autonomously and collaboratively, building effective relationships with a range of stakeholders.
• Knowledge of safe chemical handling and storage practices.
• Experience in water and wastewater sampling, testing and interpreting results.
• Strong computer skills, including electronic field data capture, operational reporting and the use of electronic equipment.
• Effective problem-solving skills and a commitment to cost control, quality workmanship and continuous improvement.
• Knowledge of SCADA and telemetry control systems.
• An understanding of quality assurance and maintenance management systems.
• An understanding of water reticulation and sewerage collection systems.

Gympie Regional Council may consider an application from a candidate who does not hold the Mandatory qualification of a Certificate III in Water Industry Operations, and would also consider offering this qualification as a traineeship for the right candidate who holds relevant experience.

Mandatory licences and competencies

To be successful in this role, you will hold and maintain:

• A current Queensland C Class driver's licence or higher.
• Working at Heights competency or ability to obtain.
• Confined Space competency or ability to obtain.
• WHS Construction Induction (White Card/Blue Card), an equivalent qualification, or the ability to readily acquire the required competency.

Desirable licences and qualifications

• High Risk Work Licence for forklift operation.
• Additional trade qualifications relevant to the water and sewerage industry.

Join a team committed to providing essential services that support the health, wellbeing and liveability of our local community. At Gympie Regional Council, your work contributes to the reliable operation of critical infrastructure and the sustainable management of valuable water resources.

You will have the opportunity to apply your expertise, broaden your operational experience and contribute to a team focused on safety, service excellence and continuous improvement.

Position Description

For a full position description containing essential and desirable criteria, please click here. 

Who to Contact

For information regarding the requirements of this role, please contact Council's Coordinator Water Industry Operations, Peter Degens via email peter.degens@gympie.qld.gov.au

For assistance lodging your application using Council's online system, please contact Council's Officer Recruitment, Sue Rossi on 07-5481 0971 or email sue.rossi@gympie.qld.gov.au

What we offer?

• Nine day fortnight
• Access to employee health and well-being programs
• Fitness Passport: work out at over 25 local gyms for you and your family at a subsidised rate
• Long service leave after seven years
• Generous superannuation scheme of up to 15% per cent
• Access to salary sacrificing and salary packaging arrangements
• Employee assistance program offering free confidential counselling services for employees and their families.

Our Values

• Accountability
• Communication
• Customer Service Focused
• Integrity
• Teamwork and Collaboration

For a full explanation of our values please click here.  You will be assessed on your understanding of these values and how you have applied values such as these in your previous employment.

Our Process

Successful applicants will be required to undertake various checks such as skills, qualifications, reference, medical and national police.

Keen to apply? -  Simply follow the instructions below:

1) Download and review the position description above
2) Complete the information below as requested using your personal email. 
3) Click 'APPLY'
4) Attach your resume, covering letter and a single document containing copies of your qualifications, licences or tickets as applicable.
5) Click 'NEXT' and 'CONFIRM'

Please note before continuing: It is advisable that you prepare your responses in a separate word or text document, saving your work as you go and that you then copy and paste this prepared information in the form before completing the application process. Please keep your responses to a maximum 300 words for each question.

This position will remain open until filled. Only applications received via Council's online application system will be considered.

Gympie Regional Council is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and our people represent the community which we service. We invite all suitably qualified applicants to apply, including First Nations People, and people from diverse social, cultural and gender backgrounds.