Water and Wastewater Trainee

Your career with Council could start here! Enjoy hands-on, outdoor work? Curious about how clean water gets to your tap? Ready to learn new skills, gain a qualification and get paid while you do it? Start your career with Charters Towers Regional Council as our Water and Wastewater Trainee in 2027!

Whether you’re finishing school, returning to the workforce, or ready to take your career in a new direction, this is an opportunity to gain real workplace experience, practical skills and a nationally recognised qualification in an essential industry. You don’t need years of experience to get started. We’re looking for people who are ready to learn, have a go, work as part of a team and build their future.

WHAT WILL YOU ACTUALLY DO?

You’ll become part of our Water and Wastewater team and learn on the job with support and guidance from our experienced Senior Treatment Plant Operators. You’ll help keep Council’s Water Treatment Plant, Weir Pumping Station and Sewage Treatment Plant running safely for our community. No two days look the same! As you develop your skills, you’ll gain hands‑on experience in:

• helping with the daily operation and monitoring of Council’s water and wastewater treatment plants
• carrying out planned and responsive maintenance activities
• learning how drinking water is treated to meet the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines
• recording readings and completing regular operational reports
• following safe work practices and taking part in team and safety meetings
• working as part of a team that delivers an essential service to the community.

YOUR QUALIFICATION

At the same time, you’ll work towards completing your Certificate III in Water Industry Operations (Treatment), with your workplace learning contributing to the skills you develop throughout the traineeship.

COULD THIS BE YOU?

We’re not looking for someone who already knows how to do everything – the purpose of the traineeship is to learn. You could be a great fit if you:

• are interested in a career in the water industry
• enjoy practical, hands‑on work indoors and outdoors
• are willing to learn and try new things
• are reliable and can follow instructions
• take safety seriously and look out for your workmates
• pay attention to the details
• have basic computer skills and are keen to learn new systems
• communicate respectfully with different people
• enjoy being part of a team and can respond positively to guidance and feedback
• are committed to completing your traineeship and qualification.

Any previous exposure to, or interest in, the operation and maintenance of water or wastewater treatment plants will be well regarded, but it isn’t essential. Most importantly, bring your enthusiasm, willingness to learn and a great attitude. We’ll help you build the skills.

WHAT DO YOU NEED?

To be eligible for this traineeship, you will need:

• completion of Year 10 or equivalent and/or relevant work experience.
• eligibility, ability and willingness to enrol in and successfully complete the Certificate III in Water Industry Operations.
• General Construction Induction Training (White Card), or the ability to obtain one
• a minimum Queensland Provisional (‘P’) C Class Driver Licence, or the ability to obtain one.
• the ability to undertake regular field‑based and physical work, including manual handling, in varying weather conditions.

If you meet the essential requirements but haven’t had much work experience yet, don’t let that stop you from applying.

WHY START YOUR CAREER WITH COUNCIL?

A Council traineeship gives you the chance to learn, earn and gain a nationally recognised qualification, while building real experience for your future career and contributing to the community you live in. You’ll also have access to a great range of Council employment benefits including:

• Fortnightly RDO
• 5 weeks annual leave + 17.5% leave loading
• 3 weeks Personal/Carers Leave
• Domestic and Family Violence Leave
• Uniforms and PPE provided where applicable
• 12% Superannuation
• Salary Sacrifice opportunities such as remote area benefit
• Employee Assistance Program
• Support, guidance and workplace learning throughout your traineeship.

As part of the selection process, applicants may also be required to undertake relevant pre-employment checks, including:

• pre-employment medical, including drug and alcohol testing;
• Right to Work in Australia check;
• immunisation against Hepatitis A and B and Tetanus, which are mandatory for this position due to the work environment.

APPLICATIONS CLOSE

Ready to learn, earn and start building your future? Late applications will only be accepted at the discretion of the Chief Executive Officer. Charters Towers Regional Council is an equal opportunity employer. We value workplace diversity, inclusion and safety and encourage applications from people with diverse backgrounds and experiences.