Division/Section: Infrastructure and Operations / Water
Position Type: Permanent Full Time (9 day fortnight, 38 hours/week)
Salary Range: Base Salary $96,095 - $102,435 per annum + super
Location: Garbutt Operations Centre
Application Close: 11:45pm, Wednesday 25 March 2026
Join our Water Operations team as a supportive, on-the-ground leader (without the tools in hand).
You’ll be coordinating the day-to-day running of our water network, making sure crews have clear work plans, resources are lined up, and jobs are delivered safely and on time. You’ll mentor staff, help shape rosters and recruitment, and be the go-to person during planned works and emergencies, keeping everyone informed and things running smoothly. You’ll also work closely with contractors, planners, and developers to make sure our work meets the right standards.
The Team Leader provides hands‑on leadership in the safe and efficient operation and maintenance of Council’s bulk water network, including trunk mains, large‑diameter pipelines, valves, and critical water infrastructure. This role leads a skilled team to deliver high‑quality maintenance, emergency response, and operational outcomes while modelling strong WHS behaviours, so everyone goes home safe.
Working with Maintenance Planners, the Team Leader coordinates proactive and reactive works, prioritises resources, and ensures compliance with legislation, policies, and environmental requirements. The position also provides technical guidance, supports staff capability development, manages rostering and performance, and collaborates with contractors, developers, and internal stakeholders to ensure infrastructure reliability and service continuity. With responsibility for on‑scene leadership during water main breaks and other incidents, the role plays a key part in delivering safe, reliable, and sustainable water services to the community.
If you’re someone who enjoys problem-solving, teamwork, and keeping essential services flowing for the community, this role is a great fit.
This role is required to participate in the on-call and after-hours Team Leader roster.
Qualifications And Experience
Ideally you will have:
Mandatory
Extensive experience working in a bulk water and water reticulation environment. Construction Industry White Card (30215 QLD). Confined Space Entry certification. Current ‘C’ class driver’s licence. Experience in the supervision of tradespeople, contractors and maintenance workers including good interpersonal, mentoring and coaching skills. Experience in the operation and maintenance of bulk and reticulation water mains and pipelines, including the operation of special services such as pipeline location and leak detection. Traffic Management Implementation certification (formerly Level 2 Traffic Management) or ability and willingness to obtain within 12 months of commencement.
Desirable
Certificate IV in Leadership and Management. Certificate IV in Water Industry Operations or ability and willingness to obtain within two years of commencement in this position. Trade qualification in Plumbing. Senior First Aid certificate. Extensive experience working in local government in a bulk water and/or water reticulation environment. Demonstrated computer skills including the use of iCal or other planning/scheduling and work order systems, GIS and mapping software and tools, and the Microsoft suite. Problem solving skills to deal with operational and maintenance issues in accordance with organisational and industry standards in plumbing and pipelaying, including the CTM code.
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.
Contact Person: Milad (Coordinator)
Contact Email: (for position enquiries only)
How To Apply
Your application can be submitted through the 'Apply' button. Please include a cover letter (maximum 2 pages), outlining how your skills, qualifications and experience would allow you to achieve success in this role. We also will require your resume which should confirm any licences and qualifications your hold.
For Further Information Review The Position Description.
We are committed to creating a safe and inclusive workplace where diverse styles, backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives are valued, encouraged, and respected. People from diverse backgrounds (including but not limited to, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, people with diverse gender identities and sexualities, people from different cultural and linguistic backgrounds, people with disability, and veterans) are encouraged to apply!
All successful candidates are required to undergo drug and alcohol testing as part of the recruitment process. Please be aware Townsville City Council has a ‘zero tolerance’ policy to drugs and alcohol in the workplace.
If you need any adjustments to be made to the recruitment process or if you would like to discuss any accessibility requirements, please contact or phone 07 4727 9004 for a confidential discussion.
Welcome to our playground: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FoFb5RenZD8
Attachments:
TL Water