Water Operations Plant Operator

Role overview

Port Macquarie Hastings Council is looking for a Water Operations Plant Operator to join its Water Operations team in the Utilities Operations Division. This position helps keep the region’s water and recycled water systems running safely and reliably for the community.

The role is highly practical and field-based, with most of the work involving excavator operation for maintenance and construction activities on water and recycled water mains and services. You will also spend time working outside plant when needed, supporting in-trench and on-the-ground tasks where access is limited or site conditions call for manual assistance. The job includes emergency response support, use of other plant and equipment, and general network maintenance and labouring duties.

You will work both on your own and with a team that values safety, quality work, and service to the community.

Key duties

• Use an excavator and other plant to complete maintenance and construction work on water and recycled water mains.
• Install, repair, and maintain water and recycled water services and associated infrastructure.
• Carry out excavation and site preparation work safely and efficiently.
• Respond to water main breaks and support emergency repair work.
• Keep plant, tools, and equipment in good operating condition.
• Assist with construction tasks and general labouring as directed by the Team Leader.
• Represent Council professionally while working in the community.

Selection criteria

• Proven experience operating an excavator or similar plant equipment.
• Current plant operator accreditation, or the ability to obtain it.
• Current MR licence.
• Working knowledge of plant operation and maintenance.
• Construction Industry Safety Induction (White Card).
• Understanding of WHS duties and safe work methods.
• Good literacy, numeracy, and communication skills.
• Ability to work well in a team and take part in an on-call roster for after-hours work.

Remuneration and benefits

This is a permanent full-time position, working 38 hours per week on a 9-day fortnight.

Starting pay is $1,263.28 per week, with competency-based progression available up to $1,414.01 per week, exclusive of superannuation.

Applicable allowances include Adverse Working Level 2 and On Call.

Benefits include a fortnightly RDO, PPE provided, discounted gym access through Fitness Passport, career development opportunities, annual salary increases under the Local Government (State) Award 2023 plus an annual salary review, long service leave after 5 years, an employee assistance program, salary packaging options through Salary Packaging Australia and Maxxia, and recognition through the annual awards ceremony.

Application information

To apply, complete the application form, respond to the essential and desirable criteria questions, and upload your resume and cover letter. The position description is available during the application process. It may help to draft your responses in a word document first and then paste them into the form when ready.

Applications close on Sunday 12 July at 11:30pm.

Additional notes

Suitable candidates may be placed in a talent pool or eligibility list for similar or identical roles for up to 12 months. All documents should be uploaded in PDF format.

Preferred applicants may be asked to complete pre-employment checks, which can include reference checks, a National Criminal Police Check, medical assessment, qualification verification, and Working with Children Check verification.

Recruitment notifications are mainly sent by system-generated email, so applicants should ensure their email address is correct and monitor junk mail. Relevant notification addresses should be trusted to avoid missing updates such as application receipt, interview bookings, reference requests, assessments, and outcome notifications.

The council follows child safe principles and is committed to the care and protection of children and young people.

The organisation values diversity and encourages applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, veterans, people with disabilities, culturally and linguistically diverse people, and members of the LGBTQIA+ community. Adjustments during recruitment or at work can be requested through the council’s jobs email address.

Contact

For more information about the role, contact Shannon Chapman, Water Operations Coordinator, on 02 6581 8458.