Water Services Operator

Role Overview

Join our essential water and wastewater treatment operations team at Pukeuri, Oamaru, where your practical expertise will ensure critical water systems function safely, reliably, and within environmental standards. As an Environmental Operator, you will be directly involved in monitoring, testing, fault response, and routine maintenance to safeguard water quality and support environmental sustainability.

Key Responsibilities

• Maintain safe and reliable operation of the Water Treatment Plant and Wastewater Treatment Plant in accordance with site protocols, quality benchmarks, and resource consent conditions.
• Conduct routine plant inspections, process adjustments, backwashing, sampling, testing, and ensure accurate operational documentation.
• Utilize SCADA systems and local instruments to track plant performance, promptly respond to alarms, and escalate any irregularities without delay.
• Handle treatment chemicals, dosing apparatus, pumps, valves, pipelines, and related machinery with diligence and accuracy.
• Oversee the wastewater treatment cycle, including pumping, screening, aeration, clarification, sludge management, lagoon maintenance, and irrigation systems.
• Detect faults, leaks, or maintenance requirements early; perform basic operator maintenance; and collaborate with maintenance personnel and contractors.
• Take swift action on potential non-compliant activities, spills, abnormal results, or environmental incidents.
• Be available to support after-hours or on-call responses as needed.

Qualifications and Experience

• Possession of or willingness to pursue the New Zealand Certificate in Water Treatment and/or Wastewater Treatment (Level 4).
• Beneficial experience in water, wastewater, industrial processing, or treatment plant operations.
• Proficiency in routine sampling, testing, process monitoring, and detailed record-keeping.
• Strong mechanical understanding and hands-on approach with pumps, valves, pipework, treatment equipment, and instrumentation.
• Basic computer literacy along with capability to learn SCADA and electronic records systems.
• A current full New Zealand driver license; additional relevant licenses or endorsements are advantageous.
• Effective communication skills, sound decision-making, and a cooperative attitude towards problem-solving.
• Unwavering dedication to health, safety, and environmental compliance.

Why This Role Matters

This position goes beyond plant operations. It is a critical role that contributes to protecting water quality, maintaining environmental standards, and ensuring vital infrastructure operates optimally. It offers practical, meaningful work with opportunities to develop specialized expertise and visibly impact the community every day.

Workplace Culture and Expectations

You will demonstrate accountability, curiosity, and a calm, pragmatic approach. The role demands clear communication, teamwork, and continuous improvement focused on safer, smarter, and more dependable operations.

Additional Information

Applicants must hold the legal right to work in New Zealand and will be subject to relevant pre-employment assessments related to this position. Please provide a CV and a brief cover letter detailing your applicable experience and availability for night-shift duties.