Reticulation Operator North

Department: Warrumbungle Water

Reports to: Team Leader Reticulation North

Salary Range: $59,109 - $68,694 per annum + superannuation

Are you handy with tools, trucks, and pipes? Do you take pride in keeping your community’s water and sewer systems running smoothly?

Warrumbungle Shire Council is looking for a Reticulation Operator to join our Water Reticulation team. You’ll be out in the field every day, working on everything from laying pipes and fixing leaks to operating trucks and plant safely.

This role is perfect for someone who likes variety—one day you could be helping with a new capital project, the next responding to an urgent call-out. You’ll also be keeping detailed logs of your work, performing maintenance, and pitching in wherever the team needs you. Physical labour is part of the job, but so is using your skills and experience to solve problems quickly and safely.

You'll be part of a hard-working, high output team that backs each other, gets stuck in, can be trusted to see jobs through properly and takes real pride in a job done right. You’ll work closely with your colleagues and contractors, keeping communication clear and friendly, and helping the public by ensuring their water and sewer services run without a hitch. Being reliable, adaptable, and safety-conscious will help you thrive here.

To succeed, you’ll need experience with water or sewer reticulation systems, be comfortable operating trucks and plant, and be willing to roll up your sleeves for hands-on work. A current NSW MR Driver’s Licence is required. If you’ve got local government experience, relevant trade qualifications, or a White Card, that’s a bonus—but enthusiasm, reliability, and a can-do attitude matter most.

Please click here to view the position description.

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 knowledge and experience in water and sewer reticulation operations, maintenance, and repair.
• Ability to operate trucks, plant and equipment safely and efficiently.
• Sound literacy and numeracy skills, with the ability to maintain accurate logs and records.
• Willingness and ability to undertake physical labouring tasks.
• Effective communication and teamwork skills, with the ability to work positively with colleagues and the community.
• Understanding of and commitment to workplace health and safety.
• Current NSW MR Driver’s Licence (or willingness to obtain).
• Participate in rotating on-call roster for emergency call-outs, including ability to be on-site in Coonabarabran within 30 minutes for any emergency call-out and within 30 minutes plus travel time to calls at other centres in the group - this is essential.

It is a plus if you have previous local government or utility sector experience, relevant trade or industry qualifications (e.g., Certificate III in Water Operations). experience in the operation of sewerage treatment plants and a current WHS General Construction Induction (White Card) or ability to obtain before commencement.

Benefits of working for Council

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

• Great leave opportunities 
  • Long service leave after 5 years
  • 1 RDO every 2 weeks
  • Paid parental and concurrent parental leave
  • Carer’s leave
  • 3 weeks sick leave per year including up to 2 days health and wellbeing leave each year
  • Purchase additional leave or cash out leave
  • Deferred leave scheme – eg work three years at 75% of your pay and have the following year off at 75% of your pay! 
• Support for training and professional development
  • Formal training opportunities
  • Access to thousands of free online training courses
• Weekly pay cycle
• Mobile phone allowance available if you bring your own device
• 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
• Free annual flu vaccinations and bi-annual skin cancer checks available
• PPE provided

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 29 March 2026.

Interviews are expected to be held 8 April 2026. The final date will be confirmed with preferred candidates after applications have closed and shortlisting has been completed.

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.