Trainee Water Industry Operations

Division/Section: Infrastructure and Operations / Water

Position Type: 12 Months Maximum Term Full Time (9 day fortnight, 38 hours/week)

Salary Range: $40,913 per annum + super, based on schooling level completion, years out of school and age upon commencement.

Location: Garbutt Operations Centre (GOC)

Application Close: 11:45pm, Sunday 30 August 2026

Trainee Water Industry Operator - Certificate II Water Industry Operations

Are you looking to kick start your career? Obtain a Nationally Recognised Qualification that will give you the skills to take you anywhere! Townsville City Council is currently seeking applications for the 2027 Trainee intake!

Kick‑start your career in an essential and rewarding industry with a Water Industry Operations Traineeship. This hands‑on opportunity is perfect for someone who enjoys practical work, learning new skills, and making a real difference in the community. You will combine formal training with on‑the‑job experience, gaining exposure to how safe, reliable water and wastewater services are delivered every day.

As a Trainee Water Industry Operator, you will work alongside experienced water industry professionals and learn a wide range of operational skills. From assisting with the operation and maintenance of water and wastewater infrastructure to monitoring systems, responding to issues, and following safety and environmental procedures, no two days will be the same. You will build strong technical knowledge while developing teamwork, problem‑solving and workplace skills in a supportive learning environment.

This traineeship offers a fantastic pathway into a long‑term career, while you work towards a nationally recognised qualification. If you are motivated, safety‑focused, and keen to learn, this is your chance to gain valuable experience, earn while you learn, and play a vital role in supporting the health, environment and future of the community.

This position will complete a one‑year Certificate II Water Industry Operations online through Trility. For more information on the qualification through Trility, please follow the link below:

TTS-Cert-II-brochure_FINAL_web.pdf

This position will commence in February 2027.

Qualifications and Experience

In an ideal applicant, we are looking for:

• Willingness to be part of, and promote, a positive safety culture whilst adhering to all Health and Safety policies and procedures.
• Minimum completed of Year 10 with passes in English and Mathematics.
• Minimum of Queensland C class provisional drivers’ licence (or ability to obtain).
• Sound written and verbal communication skills.
• Sound computer skills.
• Ability to work effectively and be positively involved within a team environment.
• Complete all training and assessment requirements of a Certificate II Water Industry Operations as per the provided training plan. This includes attending and participating in structured formal learning at the nominated Registered Training Organisation (RTO) as well as keeping an accurate and up to date training record book.

For further information review the Position Description. 

Townsville City Council is the largest local government authority in Northern Australia. We’re committed to supporting our people through a strong focus on work–life balance, a positive and inclusive culture, and a shared passion for making a meaningful impact in our community.

We have a range of benefits that confirm this commitment:

• 5 weeks annual leave + 17.5% leave loading
• 3 weeks Personal/Carers Leave
• 14 weeks paid Parental Leave
• Domestic and Family Violence Leave
• Natural Disaster Leave
• Uniforms, tools and PPE provided
• Annual wage progression
• Up to *13.5% Superannuation employer contribution for contributing members
• Salary Sacrifice opportunities
• Access to a range of learning and development opportunities, including on-the-job learning and formal training programs
• Fitness Passport program offering discounted membership to selected health and wellbeing facilities
• Employee Loyalty Program offering discounts at selected local businesses
• Employee Assistance Program

** The Council contribution to employees' superannuation for contributing employees shall be 13.5% of the employees' ordinary time earnings subject to the employee contributing a minimum of 6% of their ordinary time earnings.

Contact Person:     Joe (Senior Engineer)

Contact Email:       ***@townsville.qld.gov.au (for position enquiries only)

How to Apply

Your application can be submitted through the 'Apply' button. Please include a cover letter (maximum 2 pages), outlining how your skills, qualifications and experience would allow you to achieve success in this role. In your resume, please discuss your previous work experience and any certificates/qualifications you have completed.

The recruitment process for this role may any of the following: an aptitude test, group assessment centre and interview.

We are committed to creating a safe and inclusive workplace where diverse styles, backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives are valued, encouraged, and respected. People from diverse backgrounds (including but not limited to, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, people with diverse gender identities and sexualities, people from different cultural and linguistic backgrounds, people with disability, and veterans) are encouraged to apply!

All successful candidates are required to undergo drug and alcohol testing as part of the recruitment process. Please be aware Townsville City Council has a ‘zero tolerance’ policy to drugs and alcohol in the workplace.

If you need any adjustments to be made to the recruitment process or if you would like to discuss any accessibility requirements, please contact **************@townsville.qld.gov.au or phone 07 4727 9*** for a confidential discussion.

Townsville City Council sincerely appreciates the funding received through the Queensland Government’s First Start Program initiative, which supports the Council in offering this apprenticeship opportunity.