About the position
The Operations Manager – Water & Wastewater has responsibility for the operations of Council's Water and Wastewater Treatment facilities including water treatments plants in Muswellbrook, Denman, and Sandy Hollow, recycled water treatment plants at Muswellbrook and Denman and associated water and wastewater pumpstations. The role ensures a high level of accountability, budget management, and the maintenance of a strong values-based culture.
Key Responsibilities
* Management responsibility for operations of Water and Wastewater services supplied consistent with the objectives of Council, its management plans and adopted levels of service.
* Ensure Water & Wastewater operations comply with all relevant statutory requirements, including the Local Government Act, the Water Management Act, EP&A Act, Protection of the Environment Operations Act, Public Health Act, and other relevant industry legislation.
* Provide strong leadership in relation to work health and safety and foster positive workplace culture, and ensure the ongoing development, implementation, monitoring and review of best practice work health and safety systems.
* Manage and mentor Water and Wastewater Operational and technical staff to ensure continuous development of essential skills and internal capabilities, including overseeing training programs for Operational team and contingency.
* Ensure Water and Wastewater operations risks, contingencies, and resources are managed, and procedures followed by staff and contractors, whilst ensuring continual improvement.
Read the Position Description and learn more about this exciting opportunity.
About you
* A degree in Process or Chemical Engineering and/or other related equivalent experience at a management level with extensive relevant work experience preferably in Water and Wastewater Treatment industry.
* Highly developed oral and written communication skills and interpersonal skills and a proven ability to provide clear, well-constructed written and verbal advice and reports
* Leadership and Management qualifications and experience. (desirable)
* Demonstrated experience and/or capability to deliver the Job Specific Key Accountabilities (outlined in the Position Description).
* Demonstrated Advanced key capabilities as defined in the Key Capabilities Table (outlined in the Position Description).
What we offer
* Permanent full time, 35 hours per week
* Salary from $110,138 to $118,849 per year (depending on qualifications, skills and experience) plus 12% superannuation
* Training Courses + Professional Development
* Leaseback vehicle for operational and private use
* Flexible work arrangements with access to Indoor Accrued Time (Flexi)
* 40% discount on yearly Aquatic and Fitness Centre membership for staff and families at local facility (conditions apply)
* Access to EAP program for employees and their immediate family
About Muswellbrook
Muswellbrook Shire Council is a progressive local government area, located under two hours from Newcastle and Tamworth and three hours from Sydney, in the beautiful Upper Hunter Valley.
The Shire has a long history in energy generation and is one of the largest coal mining areas in Australia. As we move towards a Net Zero economy, we are at the centre of renewable energy transition and innovation.
Working at Muswellbrook Shire Council, you will be part of driving change to create a bright and prosperous future for our community, in a location which has plentiful opportunities and an enviable lifestyle.
It is a great place to grow your career and be part of something bigger – we have space for you.
Further information and to apply
* For more information on this position please contact the hiring manager Sergei Iagunkov, Manager Water and Wastewater on
* If you need assistance or an adjustment when submitting your application please contact Human Resources on or via email
* To complete your online application, you will be asked to upload a copy of your resume and provide responses to questions which are based on the criteria listed in the Position Description. Please keep your responses concise. Any incomplete applications will not be considered past the closure date.
* Please note that as part of Muswellbrook shire Council's recruitment process, prior to an offer of employment being made, recommended candidates may be subject to a medical assessment which may include alcohol and other drugs testing.
* Applications close 5 February 2026 on at 11:59pm.
The Welcome Experience
The Welcome Experience in Muswellbrook connects you and your family with local people and local resources to help you settle in and feel at home in your new community faster. Learn more at The Welcome Experience : Muswellbrook Shire Council )
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