Division/Section: Infrastructure and Operations / Water
Position Type: Permanent Full Time (9 day fortnight, 38 hours/week)
Salary Range: Base Salary $103,970 - $113,328 per annum + super
Location: Mt Saint John Treatment Plant
Application Close: 11:45pm, Thursday 12 March 2026
We’re looking for a hardworking Wastewater Treatment Operator to join our team and help keep Townsville’s wastewater treatment plants running safely and efficiently.
In this hands-on role, you’ll rotate across multiple sites, operate plant equipment, and carry out basic maintenance and cleaning tasks. You’ll monitor and record daily operations, report any issues, and work closely with fellow operators, supervisors, contractors and consultants. If you take pride in quality work, follow safety and environmental standards, and enjoy being part of a team that keeps essential services running, we’d love to hear from you.
This role is required to participate in the on-call roster and overtime arrangements as required, to resolve out of hours operational issues or emergency works including disaster management.
Qualifications and Experience
Our ideal candidate will have:
* Experience in the operation of municipal wastewater treatment plants or other process industry of at least 12 months duration.
* Certificate III in Water Industry Operations (Wastewater Treatment) or proven equivalent knowledge and experience.
* Construction Industry White Card (30215 QLD).
* Excellent knowledge of the ability to interpret and undertake laboratory testing and analysis of results in relationship to treatment plant operation and the ability to take corrective measures as required.
* Excellent knowledge of mathematical formulas and calculations required for plant operations to monitor plant performance and ensure compliance with environmental and health requirements.
* Ability to read and understand mechanical and civil engineering drawings and manuals.
* Ability to work unsupervised or within a team environment and have the ability to instruct and mentor assistant operators, tradesman and contractors and coordinate maintenance projects.
* Excellent knowledge of the operation, maintenance and monitoring of treatment technology and processes.
* Training in biological nutrient removal and membrane treatment processes desirable
* First Aid Certificate or willingness to obtain within 12 months of appointment.
* Confined space accreditation or willingness to obtain within 12 months of appointment.
* Trade certificate within the electrical or mechanical field is desirable.
* Rotation through all Council’s wastewater treatment plants as required.
For further information review the Position Description.
Townsville City Council is the largest local government authority in Northern Australia. We’re committed to supporting our people through a strong focus on work–life balance, a positive and inclusive culture, and a shared passion for making a meaningful impact in our community.
We have a range of benefits that confirm this commitment:
* 5 weeks annual leave + 17.5% leave loading
* 3 weeks Personal/Carers Leave
* 14 weeks paid Parental Leave
* Domestic and Family Violence Leave
* Natural Disaster Leave
* Uniforms and PPE provided
* Annual wage progression
* Up to *13.5% Superannuation employer contribution for contributing members
* Salary Sacrifice opportunities
* Access to a range of learning and development opportunities, including on-the-job learning and formal training programs
* Fitness Passport program offering discounted membership to selected health and wellbeing facilities
* Employee Loyalty Program offering discounts at selected local businesses
* Employee Assistance Program
* The Council contribution to employees' superannuation for contributing employees shall be 13.5% of the employees' ordinary time earnings subject to the employee contributing a minimum of 6% of their ordinary time earnings.
or phone 9*** for a confidential discussion.