We have a rare & exciting opportunity for an experienced operator or someone with a keen interest in science & learning about wastewater treatment!
The Lagoon Wastewater Treatment Operator plays an important role in ensuring the smooth and efficient operation of our lagoon-based wastewater treatment plants.
In this role you will support the operation of our 18 lagoon-based wastewater treatment plants that are spread throughout the region. This is an exciting opportunity to get out and about in the beautiful north east region while being part of a welcoming, supportive, and inclusive team serving our local communities.
Key Responsibilities
- Undertake routine wastewater quality sampling and basic field testing.
- Maintain accurate records of operational data and adhere to all OH&S standards.
- Undertake maintenance, inspections and checks on wastewater treatment plants.
- Responding to alarms and wastewater treatment plant faults.
- Monitor and operate wastewater treatment plant processes and equipment, including support to contractors/internal teams for fault resolution.
- Adjust treatment processes and chemical dosing to maintain discharge quality standards.
- Support irrigation of recycled water activities aligned with the lagoon-based wastewater treatment sites.
- Support troubleshooting and problem solving on process, equipment and system issues.
- Carry out routine maintenance, cleaning and housekeeping across wastewater treatment plants.
- Support an on-call roster from Tuesday to Tuesday every 5 weeks (once deemed competent).
In this role, you will have access to a diverse range of learning opportunities, allowing you to expand your knowledge and skills in the field of wastewater treatment + more!
This role is a full-time, ongoing opportunity, including a monthly RDO and flexible work options.
The general hours of work are between 7am and 4:30pm and once deemed competent, you will be required to participate in a seven-day on call roster every 5 weeks which operates from a Tuesday until the following Tuesday.
Key Selection Criteria
- Ability to problem solve, prioritise and complete tasks within set timeframes under minimal supervision.
- Basic computer skills with the ability to conduct system checks and input information into systems.
- Knowledge and experience in wastewater treatment, the water industry or experience in a position with a transferrable skill set i.e. treatment, sampling and testing, or similar.
- Certificate III in Wastewater Treatment or equivalent is not required but an advantage. Willingness to obtain is essential (sufficient support will be provided North East Water).
- Current driver’s licence (required).
Why work for us?
We’re committed to providing a respectful, inclusive, and equitable environment, and offer a range of benefits to our people, including:
- Getting out and about in the beautiful north east region,
- A range of flexible working arrangements,
- Professional development through on-the-job and external training, leadership development programs, study assistance, mentoring and secondment opportunities,
- Annual salary increases and superannuation,
- Wide variety of leave types including 1 paid day off per month to use as you choose and paid parental leave,
- 24/7 wellbeing support and psychology sessions available through our Employee Assistance Program (EAP),
- Discounted gym and pool memberships through Fitness Passport,
- Musculoskeletal reimbursements for allied health treatments,
- Discounted private health cover,
- Onsite flu vaccination and skin check clinics annually,
- Social club,
- plus much, much more! https://www.newater.com.au/careers/why-work-with-us
Salary Information
- $66,672 to $71,123 (no qualification) plus 12% superannuation (with the opportunity to gain a Certificate III in Water Industry Operations and progress to the below).
- $73,189 to $84,593 (Certificate in Water Industry Operations or similar) plus 12% superannuation.
- This role receives our industry and wastewater allowances which add over $3,100 to your remuneration per year!
- On-call allowance of over $650 per week plus attractive overtime hours and rates!
- Mobile phone, laptop and uniform (including PPE) provided by North East Water.
Position Information
- Primarily based in Wangaratta.
- Full-time, ongoing role including a monthly RDO, paid annual, sick and carers leave + flexible work options (such as a 9-day fortnight).
- General hours of work are 7:30am to 4pm (Monday to Friday).
- Pre-employment checks: Successful applicants will be required to undertake pre-employment checks including a police check and pre-employment medical and functional testing (paid for and organised by NEW).
- Application requirement: Applicants must have the right to work in Australia.
Have questions? Get in touch!
Please do not hesitate to contact Ben Minchinton, Team Leader Lagoon Wastewater Treatment on 0418 962 599.
Alternatively, you can contact Sienna from our People & Culture team via email hr@newater.com.au
Ready to apply?
For tips on writing your application and how our application process works, please visit: https://www.newater.com.au/careers/recruitment-process
- For your application to be considered, please apply via our website newater.com.au/careers
Applications close 11:59pm Sunday 1 November 2026.
