Water Truck Operator

Department: Roads

Reports to: Manager Roads

Salary Range: $61,472 - $74,441 per annum + superannuation

HR licence essential | Hands-on roadworks role | Join a great local team

We're looking for a Water Truck Operator to join our Council roads team, supporting road construction and maintenance across our local area. This is a hands-on role for someone who enjoys working outdoors, takes pride in their work and wants to be part of a team that knows what they’re doing. You’ll operate Council’s water truck to support road construction and maintenance, helping ensure gravel and clay roads have the right moisture levels for quality compaction and a durable finish.

Safety comes first. You’ll carry out daily pre-starts and safety checks, operate the truck and water system correctly, monitor fluid levels and vehicle performance, and report any issues before they become problems. You’ll work closely with supervisors, crew leaders and grader operators to make sure water is applied where and when it’s needed. You’ll also be expected to follow Council procedures, work instructions and WHS requirements and take responsibility for keeping the truck and equipment safe, clean and ready for work.

There's plenty of variety in this role too. While the water truck is your main responsibility, you'll be part of the wider roads crew and may pitch in with labouring, traffic control or operating other plant and machinery when required. If you've got experience on graders, rollers, loaders or tip trucks, or have a good mechanical head and can handle minor repairs, that's a real bonus. We're also looking for someone who is happy to share their knowledge and help newer operators learn how to safely and confidently operate the water truck.

Most importantly, we want someone who is reliable, positive, hardworking and team-oriented. Our team is competent, trustworthy and takes pride in getting the job done safely and properly. You’ll need a current NSW Class HR (Heavy Rigid) driver’s licence and demonstrated experience operating a water truck or similar heavy vehicle. If you like working outdoors, enjoy being part of a practical team and want to see the results of your work out on the road, we want to hear from you.

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:

• Current NSW Class HR (Heavy Rigid) driver’s licence - this is essential.
• Demonstrated experience in the safe and efficient operation of a water truck or similar heavy vehicle.
• Knowledge of safe work practices, including WHS responsibilities in a construction/road maintenance environment.
• Ability to carry out daily pre-start inspections, routine servicing and minor maintenance of plant and equipment.
• Ability to work cooperatively in a team environment and follow directions from supervisors.
• Physical fitness and ability to perform labouring and other duties as required.

It's a plus if you also have:

• Previous experience in road construction and maintenance operations.
• Traffic Control tickets (or willingness to obtain).
• Demonstrated ability to operate other items of plant and equipment such as graders, rollers, or tip trucks.
• Mechanical aptitude and experience in carrying out minor repairs.

Why join Warrumbungle Shire Council

Warrumbungle Shire Council offers more than just a job — we provide the opportunity to build a stable, long-term career while enjoying genuine work-life balance, strong team support, and a rewarding regional lifestyle.

As part of Council, you’ll join a workplace that values professionalism, safety, collaboration, and continuous development, while supporting the essential services and infrastructure that keep our communities thriving.

Council offers a wide range of employee benefits designed to support your wellbeing, career growth, and lifestyle, including: 

• Long service leave available after 5 years
• Fortnightly RDO (9 day fortnight) 
• Paid parental and concurrent parental leave
• Generous leave provisions
• Opportunities to purchase additional leave or access deferred leave arrangements
• Ongoing training, mentoring, and professional development opportunities
• Access to thousands of free online learning courses
• Weekly pay cycle
• Salary packaging options to help maximise your take-home pay
• Flexible work arrangements and hybrid work options where operationally suitable
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) available to employees and immediate family members
• Health and wellbeing initiatives including flu vaccinations, hearing tests and skin cancer checks 
• PPE and/or a generous uniform allowance provided, depending on the role (REMOVE FOR FUNDED. Check wording for trainees)

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.

Council's normal practice is to appoint at the entry salary for the grade. A higher commencing salary may be approved where an applicant can demonstrate significant directly relevant qualifications, skills and experience.

Applications close at 11.00 pm Sunday 27 September 2026.

Interviews are expected to be held 12 October 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.