Wastewater Maintenance Worker (Labourer)

Role overview

Townsville City Council’s Infrastructure and Operations team is seeking a practical, hands-on Wastewater Maintenance Worker to support the upkeep of the wastewater network. Based at the Garbutt Operations Centre, this permanent full-time position follows a 9-day fortnight and involves 38 hours per week.

This role is suited to someone who enjoys outdoor work, physical tasks, and being part of a crew that keeps essential wastewater assets operating safely and reliably. The work includes planned maintenance, responsive repairs, and emergency support as needed.

Compensation

The advertised base pay is $65,313 per year plus superannuation. Depending on allowances, overtime, penalty rates, and the work performed, total annual earnings may be increased by $20,000 or more. These extra entitlements are not included in the base salary figure.

Key duties

• Help maintain and repair sewer mains, house connections, and manholes.
• Assist with clearing blockages and attending leaks and overflow incidents.
• Support the operation and upkeep of pump stations and related network infrastructure.
• Work alongside the crew on scheduled maintenance and urgent reactive jobs.
• Take part in on-call duties and overtime when emergency response is required.

What we’re looking for

We’re after someone with a strong work ethic who is eager to learn and comfortable with outdoor, physically demanding work. Experience in construction, civil work, labouring, plumbing, or a similar field would be an advantage. You’ll need to be dependable and able to work well in a team.

Qualifications and other requirements

• Construction Industry White Card (30215 QLD).
• Confined Space Entry certification, or a willingness to obtain it.
• Ability to receive hepatitis A and hepatitis B immunisation through Council.
• MR driver’s licence, or willingness to obtain one.

Why this role may appeal to you

• A 9-day fortnight offering a better work-life balance.
• Opportunities for overtime and additional allowances.
• Room to build practical skills and progress within the team.

Additional information

Townsville City Council is committed to creating a supportive, inclusive workplace where people from all backgrounds are welcomed and respected. Candidates from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, people with disability, veterans, and people with diverse gender identities and sexualities are encouraged to apply.

Successful applicants must complete drug and alcohol testing as part of recruitment. The Council maintains a zero-tolerance approach to drugs and alcohol in the workplace.

Adjustments to the recruitment process can be discussed confidentially if required.

Application details

Applications close at 11:45pm on Wednesday, 8 July 2026. To apply, submit a cover letter of no more than 2 pages explaining how your skills, qualifications, and experience fit the role, along with a resume confirming your licences and qualifications.

For role-specific enquiries, the contact person is Scott, Team Leader, via sbd@townsville.qld.gov.au. Accessibility or recruitment process support can be requested by contacting hr_recruitment@townsville.qld.gov.au or calling 07 4727 9004.

Benefits and conditions

• 5 weeks of annual leave plus 17.5% leave loading.
• 3 weeks of personal/carer’s leave.
• 14 weeks of paid parental leave.
• Domestic and family violence leave.
• Natural disaster leave.
• Uniforms and PPE supplied where applicable.
• Annual wage progression.
• Employer superannuation contribution of up to 13.5% for contributing members, subject to the employee contributing at least 6% of ordinary time earnings.
• Salary sacrifice opportunities.
• Access to learning and development, including on-the-job learning and formal training programs.
• Fitness Passport discounts for selected health and wellbeing facilities.
• Employee Loyalty Program discounts at selected local businesses.
• Employee Assistance Program.

Other notes

For further information, please refer to the position description file: WW Maintenance Worker_PD.pdf.