POSITION DESCRIPTION

ROLE TITLE: WATER/TOWN MAINTENANCE OPERATOR

DEPARTMENT: Engineering

REPORTS TO: Plumbing & Water Treatment supervisor

LOCATION: Mary Street Depot

DATE PREPARED: 2021

PREPARED BY: Town & Water Manager

This Statement represents an accurate description of the role of the
Water/Town Maintenance Operator.

Signed Position Incumbent:

Dated:

PRIMARY ROLE PURPOSE:

The purpose of this role is to undertake general operation and maintenance
duties of Council’s facilities comprising water infrastructure, swimming pool,
parks and gardens, towns streets, minor building repairs and maintenance,
operation and maintenance of Council’s water treatment plants and waste
facilities.

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ENVIRONMENT

Etheridge Shire Council, ‘The Golden Heart of the Gulf’ is a medium sized rural Council
which borders Tablelands Regional Council, Charters Towers Regional Council, Flinders Shire
Council, Richmond Shire Council, Croydon Shire Council and Carpentaria Shire Council.

The Shire covers an area of 39,039km2 the Etheridge Shire is bursting with development
opportunities with a current population of approximately 1,200. It is expected to rapidly
expand to over 2,500 if the development that is earmarked for the region is approved.

Our new vision for the Shire is one for a “balanced community with robust economic and
environmental assets which supports our youth and the wellbeing of our citizens”.

Mining, Tourism, Beef Cattle and Agriculture are the predominant industries which is the
driving factor behind our economy, but as industry grows and our population steadily growing
so will the need for additional services to keep pace with this growth.

The shire has residential, rural/residential and industrial land available. The shire has good
community infrastructure in place and we are committed to providing additional infrastructure
for future generations to enjoy. The shire is a great place to live, work and play and to bring
The CEO will be joined by two (2) Directors creating the leadership team that will drive change
across the organisation, community and region in coming years. Opportunities for strategic
thinkers and ‘change agents’ exist across the functional areas of Corporate & Finance,
Community Services, Environmental Services, and Technical & Civil Services.

The key challenges for the Water/Town Maintenance Operator over the next three to five
years include: 

Team Work: The ability to effectively communicate the directives of Council. 

Communication & Interpersonal Skills: The ability to effectively transfer ideas,
concepts and information. The ability to create, maintain and enhance relationships
with clients and staff in order to achieve work goals. 

Leadership: The ability to create a shared understanding of requirements in the work
environment and through influence, enable team members to fully contribute to team
and corporate goals.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES & ACCOUNTABILITIES

The incumbent will be responsible for, but not limited to: 

Daily monitoring, recording, servicing, problem solving and maintenance of water.
treatment plants and reticulation systems. 

Maintenance of septic tanks and pump out systems. 

Replacing water meters, valves and hydrants. 

Maintenance and repair of small pumps. 

Servicing and repairs to domestic wastewater treatment plants. 

Definition and solving of plumbing and water supply problems. 

Maintenance of Council’s swimming pools. 

Landfill maintenance. 

Minor maintenance of Council buildings. 

Minor welding and repair works in relation to Council facilities.

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Maintenance of grounds and gardens at Council properties. 

Controlling of noxious and other weeds. 

Tree and plant pruning. 

Development of new Parks and Gardens. 

Maintenance and servicing of plant items in accordance with maintenance schedules. 

Implementing and enforcing measures to provide a safe and healthy work place 

Reporting any hazards or risks, either on the job site or with plant to relevant
Supervisor. 

Wearing PPE in accordance with OH&S requirements. 

Contributing to the development of safe working procedures and practices. 

All other duties as directed by Council/Management/Supervisors.

KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS


Completion of all duties (as noted above) in a timely and efficient manner 
Appropriate notification to supervisor in respect to work absences and leave

requirements 
Compliance with all policies and procedures 
Compliance with all workplace health and safety standards 
Punctuality and courtesy at all times 
Compliance of the adopted Code of Conduct 
Ability and willingness to learn and apply new techniques on the job. 
Willingness to undertake routine work on a regular basis. 
Demonstrated problem solving skills. 
Proven ability to work as part of a team. 
Ability to maintain high standards of work with minimum supervision.

KEY BEHAVIOURS

Integrity: 
Follows through with agreed actions.

Excellent work ethic: 
Follows instructions carefully. 

Anticipates potential problems and addresses them with Supervisor.

Team player 
Attends and participates in team meetings. 

Actively contributes to meeting discussions.

Results orientated 
Sees tasks through to completion. 

Completes tasks within specified time frames.

Commitment to Best Practice 
Follows procedures. 

Maintains accurate records.

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Maintains an understanding of Council policies and procedures.

GENERAL INFORMATION AND CONDITIONS

Applicants are required to provide a written overview of their experience in relation to
demonstrating their ability to meet the above Key Responsibilities & Accountabilities
and provide a Resume with at least two referees.

(the above Key Responsibilities & Accountabilities is not required to be addressed
individually within the application to Council) 

Appointment to the position of Water/Town Maintenance Operator will be engaged
under the relevant Award with an attractive remuneration package to the successful
applicant.

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must have or be able to demonstrate a
background in Water operations. The position requires a good general knowledge of the
regulations pertaining to the Drinking Water Guidelines. 

Considerable experience in water operations and preferably a Certificate 3 in water
operations 

Excavator and forklift operators tickets 

HR truck licence 

Basic Knowledge of administration (record keeping). 

Basic skills in oral and written communication 

Competent level of skill in small engine handling techniques

MEDICAL CONDITION

It is a requirement of the Etheridge Shire Council that a medical examination with an approved
General Practitioner be carried out prior to commencing employment. Successful employment
will be dependent upon receiving confirmation from the General Practitioner that you are
physically able to carry out the work required for this position.

CODE OF CONDUCT

You will be required to inform yourself of the contents of the Shire’s “Code of Conduct” and will
be required to adhere to the Code.

WORKPLACE HEALTH & SAFETY

You will be required to familiarize yourself with the Shire’s Safety Policy and “Safe Plan”
procedures. This includes compliance with all of the requirements of Project Safety Plans.
This also includes the legal obligations of an employee as defined by the Work Health and
Safety Act 2011.

DRUG & ALCOHOL POLICY

As an employee you will be required to participate in Council’s Random Drug and Alcohol
testing programme and comply with Councils Drug and Alcohol policy.

PROBATION PERIOD

A probation period of six (6) months applies to this position. This may be extended for a
further period of no more than three (3) months should performance not be satisfactory at the

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expiry of the initial term.

ACCOMMODATION

There is no accommodation provided with this position.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

It is a condition of employment that a Current ‘C’ class driver’s license be maintained at all
times. Failure to hold such license may result in termination of employment. 

Council is committed to Equal Employment Opportunity, Diversity and Merit principles. 

Existing Council policy will be applied to assist appointees to relocate. 

Current Drivers Licence. (HR License preferable) 

Construction Industry White Card. 

Certificate of Competency to operate a excavator and forklift 

Relevant experience (preferably 5 years)

Applications for this position should be forwarded to:

The Chief Executive Officer

Etheridge Shire Council

PO Box 12

Georgetown, Qld 4871

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