Schedule 2 - Position Description
Position: Utilities Manager
Incumbent: Vacant
Position Number: 3009
Directorate: Works
Team: Waste, Water and Sewerage
Position Status: Permanent Full Time
Classification: Contract – Above Award
Reports to: Director of Works
Accountable for: Water and Sewerage Supervisor and Contractors
Located: Longreach
Revised: January 2026
Our Vision
Connecting Council and Community
Our Mission
Delivering Excellent Services
Our Values
1. A Safe and Healthy Work Environment
1. Inclusiveness and Respect
2. Consistency and Fairness
3. Teamwork and Staff Development
4. Performance and Value for Money
5. Leadership and Collaboration
6. Sustainability
7. Forward-looking
Position Objective
The objective of the position is to provide professional technical support and assistance over a variety of
engineering tasks for the management of Council's water supply, sewerage systems and solid waste and will be
implementing asset management programs through planning, project management, budgeting, direct supervision
and coordination of services.
Position Responsibilities:
Functional Areas
Water operations, Water
infrastructure, Sewer and
Recycling/Reuse
* Lead the functions of Water Operations; Water Infrastructure; Sewer and
Recycling/Reuse Operations; Sewer Infrastructure; Waste and Recycling
Operations; and Waste Infrastructure.
* As a member of the Works management team, the position's primary
purpose is to deliver on the following services:
o Support public health and growth through "integrated water
cycle management" and the safe and equitable delivery of
drinking water supply to residents and business in the LGA.
o Support public and environmental health through "integrated
water cycle management" and the safe and equitable treatment
of sewage, the potential delivery of recycled water supply, and
improved water quality flows into the environment.
o Support public and environmental safety and health and
generation of business through changing community and
business behaviours, minimisation of waste to landfill and
greater utilisation of recycled waste.
o Maintain seamless service delivery to communities in accord
with adopted standards
o Embrace opportunities to improve services and infrastructure
for communities
o Bring together and build on the strengths of strategies,
structures, staff and systems.
Key Accountabilities
Within the Works Team, the
position is accountable for:
* The planning, performance and policy of the service area/s and
associated programs.
* Managing resources (people and financial) effectively and in accordance
with policy, budget and processes.
* Managing assets and risks in accordance with asset plans, risk
framework, policies and processes.
* Building an engaged and high performing team in achieving agreed
outcome by leading, mentoring and motivating them.
* Managing and reporting on operational performance in accordance with
performance frameworks and legislative requirements.
* Contributing constructively to the Council's transformation journey
towards becoming a modern future-focused LGA.
* Meeting statutory and compliance requirements and reporting.
* Review and report on water quality parameters at agreed intervals to
ensure compliance with Council's approved Drinking Water Quality
Management Plan, Chlorate Management Plan, Blue-Green Algae
Management Plan, ADWG, Council's Environmental Authorisation, etc.
* Assist in incident reporting, root cause analyses and corrective actions.
* Delivering on sustainability initiatives and practices in accordance with
strategies, policies and budget.
* Ensure efficient and timely delivery of engineering projects, including but
not limited to:
* Develop grant and funding submissions for projects.
* Assist with project estimates, budgets and submissions.
* Project documentation, plan preparations, site checking for
all works in line with given Project priorities and time lines.
* Contract administration for contracted works and contracts
awarded to Council.
* Managing Councils waste facilities including contractor management,
audits, inspections and compliance.
* Ensuring asset data in your responsible area is maintained with a high
level of accuracy and entered relevant systems at agreed intervals. All
appropriate asset data documents and information are maintained and
up to date.
* In consultation with the Works Director, Supervisor, operators and other
stakeholders, develop, implement and maintain pro-active maintenance
programs and procedures.
* Assisting in the development of standardised defect and condition
auditing procedures and the implementation of defined maintenance
standards for all asset groups.
* Liaising with and assisting other Council Departments.
Other
• Other such relevant duties as required from time to time which would
generally fall within the scope of this position as directed by your
accountable supervisor or the Chief Executive Officer.
Key Behavioural competencies
* Role-models safe and ethical behaviour, sets clear expectations, provides regular coaching, and
addresses performance issues constructively to build a cohesive, high-performing operations team.
* Anticipates operational and future service needs, uses data and risk insights to inform decisions, and
adjusts plans proactively to ensure sustainable, integrated water cycle and waste service outcomes.
* Monitors service performance closely, resolves issues promptly, drives continuous improvement, and
applies structured project and contract management behaviours to deliver quality results on time and
within budget.
* Interprets complex regulatory requirements accurately, responds quickly to emerging risks or water
quality issues, and participates actively in incident reviews, root cause analyses and corrective actions.
* Identifies hazards early, escalates concerns appropriately, follows through on corrective actions, and
consistently promotes behaviours that protect public health, the environment, and operational safety.
* Builds trust with colleagues, contractors, regulators and the community by sharing information openly,
seeking input to solve problems, and explaining technical issues in clear and accessible terms.
Position Requirements
Skills
• Able to demonstrate a commitment to Council's core values through personal action.
* Ability to gain respect and create good working relationships across all levels of Council.
* Demonstrated communication skills with the ability to deal with all levels of the organisation and external
agencies.
* Excellent time management, organisation and planning with an ability to prioritise and manage own time and
meet critical timeframes.
* Demonstrated ability to work with minimal supervision and also within a team environment.
* Exceptional attention to detail and record keeping skills.
* High level customer service skills.
* An ability to read and interpret legislation.
* Developed analytical, problem-solving ability and negotiation skills.
Knowledge
• Sound working knowledge of asset management principles.
* Knowledge and understanding of Council engineering assets and functions.
* Knowledge and understanding of Quality Assurance processes and systems
* Knowledge of Council's policies and procedures and relevant Local Government legislation.
* A working knowledge in the area of WH&S, QA, Environmental and Cultural heritage.
* A thorough knowledge and understanding of WHS requirements, including of how to maintain a safe working
environment.
* High level of knowledge and understanding of computer programmes and telemetry/communication systems
Mandatory Experience/Qualifications
• Current "C" Class Drivers Licence.
* General Construction Induction card.
* Experience in contract management.
* Demonstrated experience as a solid practitioner in civil, environmental, hydraulic or related engineering field
* Tertiary qualifications in Engineering (Civil or Environmental) or demonstrated experience and competencies
in water, sewer and waste.
* Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines, Water Services
Association of Australia Standards and QLD Planning Policies
* Demonstrated experience and understanding of water and wastewater treatment processes.
* Demonstrated supervisory experience in operation and management of town water supply and sewerage
systems.
* High level of computer literacy, including demonstrated experience using, word processing, spreadsheets,
databases, email and internet, and SCADA
* Experience in establishing and managing a budget that supports Council's strategic and corporate directions,
including consultation with various work teams, accountability for expenditure and revenue, and participation
in forecasting and budget management processes.
Desirable Experience/Qualifications
• Effective in the organisation of resources and work schedules to meet asset management expectations.
* Ability to demonstrate a systems view approach of water cycle network, inter-relationships and inter-
dependencies.
* Conversant across contemporary engineering techniques and technologies to deliver water, sewer and waste
infrastructure and operate those systems.
* Keen eye for effective design solutions.
* Good networker with agencies and across the region.
* Easy style in explaining issues, options and outcomes.
* Local Government experience in similar work environment and knowledge of legislation.
Extent of Authority
• Manages a work area of Council at a higher level of ability.
* Authority to implement and initiate change in area of responsibility within organisational goals and
constraints.
* Exercises control of organisational elements, accountable for the quality, effectiveness, cost and timeliness
of programs/projects under their control.
* Solutions to problems require an analytical approach and elements of development and creativity within the
scope of divisional/corporate policies.
* Methods, procedures and processes are less well defined and employees are expected to contribute to their
development and adaptation.
Delegations and Authorisations
Financial Delegation
A financial delegation of $ is assigned to this position. Please refer to Council's Procurement Policy and
Procedures for details of Councils guidelines as per Local Government Act 2009 and Local Government
Regulation 2012. Legislative Sub-Delegations and Authorisations may also be applicable to this position and are
detailed in the external public registers.
Vehicle Authority
A Council vehicle suitable for the range of duties is provided for this position. This vehicle is provided for work use
only with the incumbent having commute use, i.e. between home (Longreach LGA) and work and official Council
business only with home garaging. Vehicle is to made available as a pool car when not in use.
Workplace Health and Safety Obligations
All employees have a legal obligation to comply with regulatory requirements and LRC– SMS (Longreach Regional
Council's - Safety Management System) incorporating WH&S policies, procedures and work instructions. These
are introduced to ensure the health and safety of employees, contractors, visitors, volunteers, the public and the
environment and remain compliant with Industry Benchmark Standards.
The following statements apply to all employees, including permanent, part-time and casual employees. Your
responsibilities include:
1. To comply with instructions given for WH&S at a workplace by the employer;
2. Comply with the Health and safety duties and Duty of Care requirements as specified within the Work Health
and Safety Act 2011 Part 2.
1. Timely reporting all accidents, incidents minor injuries, near misses and property damage (within 24 hours of
the event) and assisting, if required, with the investigation of all incidents in the workplace;
1. For a worker to use the PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) provided by the employer after proper instruction
in its use;
1. Not to willfully or recklessly interfere with or misuse anything provided for WH&S at the workplace;
2. Not to willfully place at risk the WH&S of any persons at the workplace including yourself;
3. Adhere to the LRC–SMS by remaining compliant to Council's WH&S Management Plan and completing
relevant Monthly Action Plan items;
1. Performing all work and associated functions in a safe, efficient and effective manner;
2. Complying with all documented WH&S policies, procedures, work instruction and verbal instructions issued
by the organisation or its officers;
1. Provide advice to ensuring risk assessments are conducted and recorded for all identified hazards, or prior to
the implementation of new work practices, hazardous substances, or plant. Also, as required, assisting or
participating in the carrying out of risk assessments on identified hazards;
1. Identifying hazards, conducting risk assessments, and implementing corrective action to eliminate hazards
where possible and / or control risks in the workplace;
1. To report hazards and risks in accordance with WH&S procedures;
2. Establishing and maintaining a high standard of housekeeping within your individual work area(s) and
generally within the Longreach Regional Council's area of responsibility;
1. Attending any toolbox, team talks or specific training (e.g. Take 5s etc.) as supplied and required by Longreach
Regional Council;
1. Being familiar with the location of first aid treatment centers, fire protection facilities and evacuation
procedures;
1. Report any concerns for WH&S to your Supervisor.