Location: Gunnedah, NSW 

Contract Type: Full Time, 35 hours per week 

Salary Range: Grade 2 - 5 ($1103.16 - $1296.89 per week + 12% Superannuation + Up to $8,000 Year* Retention Bonus)

Application Deadline: 5:00pm, Monday 23 November 2026

 

Open New Horizons – Your Career, Your Community

 

At Gunnedah Shire Council, we create opportunities for you to Open New Horizons – in your career, within your community and for your future.

 

Whether you are starting your career journey, developing new skills, or taking the next step professionally, we provide a supportive environment where you can grow, contribute, and make a meaningful impact.

 

We are committed to fostering a workplace where employees feel valued, connected and empowered to succeed – but also understand the importance of your personal wellbeing and your life outside of work.

 

Gunnedah Shire Council is committed to recognising, rewarding, and supporting our people through a range of benefits and opportunities designed to help employees open new horizons in their career, community, and lifestyle.

 

Our Next Operator in Water Services

 

The position will report to the Coordinator Water Services and duties include general water network operational works required to construct, repair, maintain Council’s water infrastructure.

 

Previous experience will be highly regarded, but what is most important in this role is a drive to learn and develop your skills. This role is diverse in its scope and will give you the unique opportunity to develop a range of different skills that will help you progress your career.

 

Key Responsibilities:

• Operate and maintain assigned plant effectively, safely and in accordance with standing operating procedures. 
• Ensure compliance with Council’s WHS policies and with legislative requirements or regulations.
• Accurately perform general water network operational works required to construct, repair, maintain Council’s water infrastructure. This would typically include but not be limited to; the operation of small plant and hand tools, performing traffic control duties and applying basic engineering principles, systems and processes.
• Work constructively and cooperatively with other members of the department to complete work programs in accordance with agreed timeframes and standards.
• Apply WHS and risk management systems in accordance with Council’s policies and procedures.
• Complete assigned administrative tasks accurately in accordance with Council’s policies and procedures. 
• Maintain required qualifications essential for the position and undertake agreed training to meet the position’s desired skill level.
• Participate in on-call duties as required.

 

To read the full position description, please click here.

 

What You’ll Bring to the Team

 

To qualify, you will need a relevant Cert 3 qualification or 3 years’ experience in relevant industry/willingness to learn quickly.

 

Other key requirements for this position include:

• Holder of current HR Drivers Licence or willingness to obtain
• WHS Construction Induction Certificate
• Demonstrated skills and knowledge in use of Microsoft Office applications.
• Ability and continued commitment to work according to Councils' policies and Code of Conduct, with or without supervision.

 

While not required, desirable characteristics of a successful candidate could include:

• Experience in Local Government.
• Current Work Cover ticket to operate relevant small plant.
• RTA Road Traffic Controllers Ticket.
• Confined Space accreditation.

 

No candidate will meet every single desired qualification or skill. If your experience looks a little different from what we have identified and you think you can bring value to the role, we would love to learn more about you!

 

Why Join Gunnedah Shire Council?

 

Working at Gunnedah Shire Council offers a range of benefits, some of which include:

 

• Accrue a Rostered Day Off (RDO) every 2 weeks, working only a 9-day fortnight!

• Access to MyLeave - An additional 5 days of leave each year to support a healthy and flexible work-life balance. 

• Receive Long Service Leave after only 5 years!

• Eligible staff can receive up to $8,000/ year through our new Attraction and Retention Bonus ($2,000 quarterly payments to support your ongoing commitment to GSC)

• Receive annual award salary increases with potential for further increases during performance appraisal cycles.

• Salary packaging and salary sacrificing options available - Salary Packaging Australia

• Eligible staff can access 14 weeks of paid parental leave (or 28 weeks at half pay)!

• Professional development and career growth opportunities.

• Access to 4 weeks annual leave

• Opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the community.

• Access to employee wellbeing programs

• Active social club

 

To read more about the position please click and see the Position Description or call Coordinator Water Services - Brendon Lemon, on 02 6740 2202.

 

How to Apply

 

Please read the Position Description by clicking on the link above. It is important to read this carefully to understand what the job involves.

 

No candidate will meet every single desired qualification or skill. If your experience looks a little different from what we have identified and you think you can bring value to the role, we would love to learn more about you!

 

If this sounds like you, click the Apply button below, complete the application form. Please ensure you answer all questions and upload a current resume and cover letter outlining your suitability for this role, as well as any copies of relevant qualifications that support your application. The use of AI to assist with creating and formatting documents is welcomed; however, written responses should remain thoughtful and personalised, as generic or impersonal submissions may be viewed less favourably.

 

Only candidates with current Australian work rights (Australian citizens, permanent residents, NZ citizens with a current passport, valid work visa) will be considered.

 

Further information

 

As part of the recruitment process, suitable applicants will be required to complete pre-employment screening which may include relevant background checks, functional capacity assessment and drug and alcohol screening. Our recruitment process is primarily via system generated emails.  Please ensure your email is correct before submitting your application to avoid missing crucial updates and outcomes.

 

Email notifications may include application confirmation, interview invitations, request for references, and application outcomes. Please check your email regularly, including your junk email.

 

Council is an equal opportunity employer is committed to a merit-based workforce that encompasses inclusiveness and diversity in an environment of mutual respect. We invite, encourage, welcome and value candidate of all ages and from all backgrounds.

 

For all enquiries regarding the application and recruitment process, please contact the People and Culture team on 02 6740 2100 or peopleandculture@gunnedah.nsw.gov.au

 

For essential workers and their families moving to Gunnedah, The Welcome Experience is a free program aimed at providing free personalised support for a range of services such as housing, education, partner job opportunities, and community connection. To learn more and register for the program please click here: The Welcome Experience | NSW Government.