Water and Wastewater Network Operator
Job No:
CSCO179
Location:
Cooktown, QLD
Water and Wastewater Network Operator - 12 Month Contract
Make a real impact where it matters most!
At Cook Shire Council, our Water and Wastewater Network Operators are frontline guardians of essential services across some of Queensland’s most unique and remote communities.
If you enjoy hands-on work, problem-solving in the field, and being part of a tight-knit operational team — this is a role with purpose, challenge and pride.
What Makes this Role Great:
- Work that matters – you’ll help deliver safe drinking water and reliable wastewater services that protect public health and the environment across multiple remote communities
- Variety every day – hands-on field work, fault response, infrastructure maintenance and remote monitoring via SCADA mean no two days are the same
- Real responsibility – your judgement and problem-solving skills genuinely count in keeping essential services running in complex, remote environments
- Strong team culture – be part of a skilled, supportive operational team that looks out for each other and takes pride in the work they do
- Lifestyle + career – secure local government employment combined with the unique lifestyle and adventure of living and working in Far North Queensland
What You’ll Be Doing:
- Operating and maintaining water and wastewater networks to ensure safe, reliable and compliant services
- Managing water quality through chlorine dosing, sampling and monitoring
- Responding to faults, blockages and incidents to minimise service disruptions and environmental risk
- Supporting treatment plant operations, including SCADA monitoring and on-call duties
- Undertaking pipe laying, repairs and infrastructure works using plant, vehicles and specialised equipment
About You:
- Experience in water and wastewater operations or the ability to learn quickly in a hands-on environment
- Practical experience in civil works, pipe laying or infrastructure maintenance (desirable)
- Confidence operating plant and equipment safely and efficiently
- A proactive, problem-solving mindset with strong safety awareness
- The ability to work well independently and as part of a team
Why Join Cook Shire Council?
- Secure local government employment under a Certified Agreement
- Training and professional development to support your growth
- A supportive, inclusive team culture that values safety and collaboration
- Work with purpose, where your skills directly benefit local communities
- The lifestyle and adventure of Far North Queensland living
How to apply
To apply, please review the Candidate Information Kit for this position. To be considered for selection you will need to submit:- a Cover Letter outlining why you are interested in this role; and
- a detailed and up to date Resume/CV.
Applications Close 9.00am Thursday 21 May 2026.
Cook Shire Council will be assessing applications as they are submitted, so get in early. We reserve the right to close the advertisement early should a suitable candidate be identified.
SUMMARY & CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT
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Job reference |
CSC179 |
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Position: |
Water and Wastewater Network Operator |
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Location: |
Based in Cooktown, Qld |
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Tenure: |
Full Time - 12 Month Term Contract |
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Remuneration: |
Queensland Local Government Industry (Stream B: Division 2, Section 5) Award – State 2017 $70,657 per annum + relevant allowances |
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Superannuation |
12% Superannuation contributions |
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Leave Entitlements: |
5 weeks annual leave |
Cook Shire Council is an equal opportunity employer and encourages a diverse workplace. Indigenous community members and women are strongly encouraged to apply.
All applications are assessed on merit.
