Manager - Water and Waste Services

Job No: LR3869
Location: Cooktown, QLD

Manager Water and Waste
Cook Shire Council | Cooktown, Queensland

Lead essential services across one of Queensland’s most unique and remote regions

  • Lead water, wastewater and waste services across Cook Shire
  • Manage a diverse operational portfolio supporting remote communities
  • Salary circa $120,000 – $150,000 + super + vehicle

Cook Shire Council is seeking a capable leader to manage water, wastewater and waste services across a large and geographically diverse local government area.

This is a role with real impact. Reliable water, wastewater and waste services are fundamental to community health, environmental protection and liveability—particularly in a remote region where communities can be isolated during the wet season.

Reporting to the Director Infrastructure, you will lead the delivery and improvement of essential services across treatment plants, reticulation networks and waste facilities, supported by a team of approximately 28 staff working across multiple communities.

You will balance day-to-day operational leadership with a focus on strengthening systems, improving service reliability and supporting longer-term infrastructure planning.

About You
You bring experience leading operational teams in water, wastewater, waste or similar infrastructure services, with a strong focus on service reliability and compliance.

  • You are a practical and visible leader who is comfortable working across dispersed teams and remote communities, balancing operations with continuous improvement.
  • You have sound financial and contract management capability, and the ability to build strong working relationships with staff, stakeholders and regulators.
  • Relevant qualifications in engineering, environmental services, utilities or a related discipline are desirable, or equivalent industry experience.

Why Join Cook Shire Council
Working in Cook Shire offers the opportunity to lead services that directly affect daily life across Cape York. You will contribute to meaningful improvements while leading a capable operational workforce and shaping the future of water, wastewater and waste services.

For further information, Please download the candidate information package and view the position description and selection criteria before submitting your application.

How to Apply
Council has engaged Leading Roles to manage recruitment of this role. 
For a confidential conversation, please contact Belinda Walker, Executive Talent Consultant of Leading Roles on 0411 449 447, or email belinda.walker@leadingroles.com.au


Applications close: 5:00 pm AEST Tuesday 14 April 2026.

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Cook Shire Council's recruitment applications are hosted by external service providers who also recognise the importance of privacy. By proceeding with your application, you acknowledge that your personal information will be hosted by these external service providers until such time as you elect not to have your information stored on these external hosted sites. The information you provide will only be used for the purposes of processing your application and will not be given to any other person or agency unless you have given permission, or if required by law.


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Join the Team

Cooktown provides a lifestyle that blends with the beauty of Far North Queensland’s natural surroundings. Its pristine beaches, lush rainforests and national parks offer endless opportunities for outdoor activities, from fishing and boating to hiking and exploring cultural sites. Cooktown features great schools, healthcare facilities and a close-knit community atmosphere, making it a fantastic place to raise a family. With abundant natural beauty and a relaxed pace of life, Cooktown is ideal for those looking for a balance between their professional and personal lives.