Position Description – Trainee – Water, Sewerage Operations and Plumbing Authorised by: Martin Leech Chief Executive Officer Dated: 29 October 2026 Page 1 of 5 Position Vacant Trainee – Water, Sewerage Operations and Plumbing At the Paroo Shire Council, we believe that our success starts with our people. We are committed to creating a positive, inclusive, and rewarding work environment where team members feel supported and valued. As the Trainee – Water, Sewerage Operations and Plumbing, you will learn practical skills while assisting experienced staff to operate, inspect, maintain and repair Council’s essential water supply, wastewater and sewerage infrastructure. The trainee will work with Council’s Utilities team and qualified plumbing personnel, supporting water and wastewater treatment, sampling, monitoring, maintenance, repairs and customer service. Structured workplace learning and approved training will develop practical skills and safe work practices. Responsibilities will increase as competencies are demonstrated and authorised, with appropriate supervision of operational, plumbing and high-risk activities. If you would like further information, please contact: Recruitment on 07 4655 8400. You can email your interest directly to Recruitment at
[email protected] https://www.paroo.qld.gov.au/council/employment POSITION DESCRIPTION OPERATIONS AND PLUMBING Award: Queensland Local Government Industry Award (Stream B) – State 2017 Certified Agreement: Paroo Shire Council – Operational Staff Certified Agreement 2025-2028 Classification Level: Level 2 Employment Type: Permanent Full Time Department / Team: Infrastructure / Utilities Reports to: Senior Plumber Supervises: Nil OUR VALUES In making and implementing our decisions, we will be guided by the principles of integrity,
efficiency and continuous improvement and exhibit the following core values: Pride, Accountability, Respect, Open & Transparent, Opportunities for Employment, Safety and Commitment POSITION OBJECTIVES The Trainee of Water, Sewerage Operations and Plumbing will develop practical skills and technical knowledge while assisting experienced staff to operate, inspect, maintain and repair Council’s water supply, wastewater treatment, sewerage networks and related plumbing infrastructure. Working under appropriate supervision, the trainee will assist with routine operations, sampling, testing, fault reporting, preventive maintenance, minor construction and plumbing support, while completing approved on-the-job training and relevant qualifications. The role supports reliable essential services, public health, environmental compliance and accurate operational records. The position is primarily field-based, with associated recording and training duties. Tasks must remain within demonstrated competency, training and authorisation. Regulated plumbing and drainage work must be performed only under the supervision and licensing arrangements required by Queensland law.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Water Supply Operations
- Assist experienced staff to inspect, operate, clean and maintain Council’s water treatment plants, water storages, reservoirs, pipelines, pumps, valves and associated distribution assets.
- Assist experienced staff to take water samples, including collection, labelling, handling and recording, and carry out basic routine field tests in accordance with approved procedures and training.
- Learn to monitor water flow meters, pressure gauges, water levels, power usage, chemical dosing and water quality, and promptly report unusual readings or operating conditions.
- Assist with routine servicing and site-specific checks of water supply pumps, valves, meters, dosing systems and associated equipment to support safe and reliable operation.
- Follow Council’s Drinking Water Quality Management Plan and relevant operating procedures and instructions relating to water quality. Wastewater and Sewerage Operations
- Assist with wastewater treatment plants, sewage pump stations and sewerage networks, including routine inspections, housekeeping, preventive maintenance and minor repairs under supervision.
- Assist with collection, labelling, handling and recording of wastewater samples, and carry out basic routine field tests in accordance with approved procedures and training.
- Learn to monitor wastewater flows, levels, power usage, chemical dosing and wastewater quality, and promptly report unusual readings or operating conditions.
- Assist with routine servicing and site-specific checks of wastewater pumps, valves, gates, meters, dosing systems and associated equipment to support secure and reliable operation.
- Follow relevant recycled water management plans, operating procedures and instructions relating to. Plumbing Support
- Support qualified plumbing personnel with tools, materials, excavation, installation, testing and repair of water and sewerage pipes, fittings and other related infrastructure, as auth
📌 Trainee – Water, Sewerage Operations and Plumbing (Cairns)
🏢 Paroo Shire Council
📍 Cairns