Trainee Water Projects Officer

Department: Warrumbungle Water

Reports to: Manager Warrumbungle Water

Salary Range: $1,075 - $1,227 per 35 hour week + superannuation

Are you ready to kickstart a rewarding career in water infrastructure and project delivery?

Warrumbungle Shire Council is seeking a motivated and curious individual to join our team as a Trainee Water Project Officer. This is an exciting entry-level opportunity for someone interested in civil construction, project management, or water services to gain hands-on experience while working towards a nationally recognised qualification. You’ll be part of a supportive team that values learning, safety, and service to the community.

In this role, you’ll assist with the planning, delivery, and maintenance of water and sewer infrastructure projects across the region. Working closely with experienced professionals, you’ll get involved in asset inspections, data collection, contract administration, and community engagement. As your confidence and skills grow, you’ll take on more responsibility in supporting the delivery of essential services that directly benefit local residents and the environment.

The position offers a rare blend of indoor and outdoor work, combining technical tasks like interpreting maps and drawings with site visits and hands-on coordination of works. You'll gain exposure to real-world project lifecycles, from procurement and scheduling to safety assessments and environmental management. Alongside your practical duties, you’ll complete formal training—such as a Certificate IV in Project Management Practice—ensuring a well-rounded foundation for future career advancement.

We’re looking for someone who is enthusiastic, reliable, and eager to learn. Whether you’ve just finished school or are seeking a fresh career path, this role offers a supportive environment where you can grow your skills and make a real contribution to your community. If you're ready to take the first step in a stable and future-focused industry, we'd love to hear from you!

Please click here to view the position description.

Please click here to view the information package.

This position is located in the beautiful town of Coonabarabran, known as the Astronomy Capital of Australia, which is midway between Melbourne and Brisbane and is known for its beautiful landscape and stunning night skies. The town has medical services, excellent schools, a variety of sporting and social clubs and a thriving tourism Industry. With the nearby Warrumbungle National Park, which is also Australia’s first Dark Sky Park, there is plenty to do and explore whether you’re looking for adventure or relaxation.

Selection criteria include:

• Demonstrated interest in water and civil infrastructure projects and willingness to learn.
• Completion of Year 12 (or equivalent) or Year 10 plus at least two years in the workforce 
• Good communication and interpersonal skills, with a friendly and approachable manner.
• Good computer skills, including Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook).
• Willingness and ability to undertake formal project management study as part of a traineeship (Certificate IV in Project Management Practice).
• Sound organisational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work as part of a team and follow instructions.
• Class C driver’s licence (P plates minimum).

It is a plus you have your White Card (Construction Induction) or willingness to obtain. Although not essential, it would be great if you have previous work experience in construction, water operations or a technical environment (including school-based or volunteer work), and an understanding of the role of local government and public infrastructure services.

Benefits of working for Council

Council are committed to creating a positive working environment and offer a range of benefits for staff, including

• Above award wages
• Support for training and professional development, with study time available during work hours
• Great leave opportunities 
  o    1 RDO every 4 weeks
  o    Carer’s leave
  o    3 weeks sick leave per year including up to 2 days health and wellbeing leave each year subject to eligibility
• Weekly pay cycle
• Salary Packaging options to maximise your take-home pay
• Wellness – we want you to be at your best self so you and your immediate family members have access to our employee assistance program with TELUS Health One to help support you through all life's challenges
• Generous uniform allowance and PPE provided
• Free annual flu vaccinations and bi-annual skin cancer checks available

About Warrumbungle Shire Council

Warrumbungle Shire is strategically positioned on the Newell Highway, a short drive from Tamworth, Mudgee and Dubbo, and just over 3 hours from Newcastle, making Warrumbungle Shire a great place to live and work. Covering an area of more than 12,000km², and with a population of nearly 10,000, Warrumbungle Shire Council is one of the larger Local Government Areas in Central West NSW, home to the townships of Coonabarabran, Coolah, Dunedoo, Binnaway, Baradine and Mendooran. 

With a rich history and stunning landscapes including spectacular mountain ranges, waterfalls, ancient sandstone caves, gorges, and beautiful plains, our scenic location amongst friendly country communities provides an ideal setting for those looking to balance a country lifestyle and career.

At Warrumbungle Shire Council we offer a broad variety of jobs with a range of benefits and career development opportunities within Local Government. The guiding principles of honesty, integrity, fairness and compassion form the spirit of the team along with respect, transparency, passion, trust and opportunity is how Warrumbungle Shire Council strengthens its working environment to deliver on the aspirations of our community. Council is proud to be an equal opportunity and child safe employer with a commitment to our staff and our vision is Excellence in Local Government. 

How to apply

Please provide sufficient detail in your answers to the questions as this information is used to assess your suitability for interview.

1. Scroll down and complete the fields below. Note: Fields marked with a red asterisk* are mandatory.
2. Click ‘Next’
3. Attach your resume, covering letter and copies of your qualifications
4. Click ‘Next’
5. Review your application and click ‘Confirm’ to submit your completed application

You will receive an email acknowledgement to confirm receipt of your application. You will receive email notifications regarding the status of your application. It is important that you regularly check your email to ensure you do not miss any notifications from Council. It is also recommended that you check your spam or junk folder and consider adding careers@warrumbungle.nsw.gov.au to your email address book to ensure you do not miss any correspondence in regard to your application.

Applications close at 11.00 pm Sunday 27 July 2025.

For enquiries, please contact Human Resources on 6849 2000.

Applicants should note that Criminal History Checks, as well as alcohol and drug testing, are conditions of employment.