Network Operations Officer

Role overview

The City of Gold Coast is seeking a Network Operations Officer to support the safe and reliable operation of its water, recycled water, and sewer networks. This full-time position follows a 9-day fortnight arrangement, with 36 hours worked per week and participation in an on-call roster.

Team context

This role sits within the Utilities Network Operations team under Infrastructure Operations. The team is hands-on and field-oriented, working with internal stakeholders, contractors, and service providers to plan, coordinate, and deliver network works across both scheduled programs and reactive operational needs. Work is guided by a structured risk framework that considers impacts on people, the environment, assets, and reputation (PEAR).

What the role involves

The officer will provide operational expertise to support the effective running of the City’s water distribution, recycled water distribution, and sewer connection networks. The position may require after-hours support through a 24/7 roster and may involve working across different parts of Network Operations when needed.

Key duties

• Oversee and operate water, recycled water, or sewer networks to help maintain dependable service and reduce customer disruption.
• Plan, scope, and coordinate service interruptions for maintenance, renewals, refurbishments, and connection or disconnection work.
• Examine network performance and operational concerns using SCADA, SAP, and GIS information to guide decisions.
• Use workload planning tools to schedule, allocate, monitor, and record planned and reactive tasks.
• Assess network designs, construction documents, and pre-construction drawings to confirm operational needs are addressed.
• Work with mobile field systems to complete, capture, and maintain accurate records of site-based activities.
• Detect, investigate, and escalate GIS discrepancies to improve data quality and support ongoing improvement.
• Develop strong working relationships with internal teams, contractors, and external stakeholders to deliver customer-focused outcomes.
• Promote and uphold safe work practices and contribute to a strong safety-first culture.
• Provide operational support during after-hours incidents and emergencies as part of the on-call arrangement.

Skills and experience sought

The ideal candidate will bring practical experience in water and sewer operations, along with familiarity with SCADA control systems in an operational setting. Strong communication skills, sound judgement, and the ability to work under pressure are important. A solid grasp of ICT tools and data analysis is also valued, together with the ability to work both indoors and outdoors and contribute positively to a high-performing team.

Requirements and qualifications

• Experience or knowledge in the water and sewerage industry; SCADA experience is beneficial.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including experience dealing with the public and external stakeholders.
• Ability to identify priorities, think laterally, analyse information, and anticipate future issues.
• Capacity to stay calm under pressure and choose appropriate actions when assets fail or customers raise concerns.
• Commitment to high-quality service for internal and external customers.
• Understanding of hydraulic principles is desirable.
• Advanced ICT capability, with data analytics experience considered an advantage.
• Willingness to work both indoors and outdoors.
• Australian C Class unrestricted driver licence.
• General Induction Construction Card (White Card).
• Certificate IV in Water Industry Operations, or equivalent relevant experience in utility network operations.

Benefits

• 9-day fortnight, giving you a long weekend every second week.
• Access to more than 350 fitness facilities through Fitness Passport for you and your family.
• Four free confidential counselling sessions each year for you or an immediate family member.
• Stable employment with job security.
• Modern equipment and an inclusive, professional work environment.
• Free parking.
• Uniforms, tools, and personal protective equipment provided.
• Safety is treated as the organisation’s top priority.
• Opportunities for overtime to boost take-home pay.
• Clear pathways for progression, leadership, and specialist upskilling.

Pay and conditions

This is a full-time role with a salary range of $86,611.03 plus superannuation, or from $105,984.06 including the on-call allowance. The position includes participation in a 24/7 on-call roster and may require work across different Network Operations sections when needed.

Application and selection process

Applicants must submit a resume and a cover letter of no more than two pages explaining how their skills, experience, and personal qualities suit the role. Relevant qualifications may also be requested. The selection process may include a one-way video interview, a face-to-face or virtual interview, reference checks, and additional assessments such as police checks, employment history checks, qualification checks, pre-employment medical reviews, and drug and alcohol testing.

Additional information

The closing date is Wednesday 1 July 2026 at 11:59 pm AEDT. The contact person for this vacancy is Sheree Whillans, and the contact email is swhillans@goldcoast.qld.gov.au. The organisation is committed to diversity, inclusion, and supporting applicants who may need adjustments during the recruitment process. It also highlights that it is the second largest council in Australia and aims to provide value-for-money services to the community.