Careers in the water industry
The water industry plays a vital role in providing clean, safe, and reliable water and wastewater services for communities. Careers in the water industry are not only essential for public health and environmental sustainability but also offer diverse opportunities for individuals passionate about making a difference.
Water professionals in NSW work in various roles, from water treatment plant operators and wastewater treatment specialists to hydrologists and civil engineers. They ensure the quality and availability of water for drinking, industry and farming processes, while also managing wastewater treatment and recycling.
A career in the water industry offers a strong sense of purpose and the opportunity to contribute to innovative technical water solutions. This is driven by the growing global awareness of water supply issues and the significance of sustainable water management.
Skills and training focus group
In mid-2023, the department formed a focus group consisting of volunteers across the water industry including members of local water utilities, Local Government NSW, Training Services NSW and the NSW Water Directorate. The purpose of the group is to provide a platform to exchange information, promote collaborations and identify opportunities where the program can support and catalyse the training sector. The group does this by guiding implementation of the Water operations skills and training action plan (PDF, 505.92 KB).
Traineeship and apprenticeship intake
Find opportunities in the Local Government Areas shown in the map and listed below.
| Council | Program type | Intake period | Additional information |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gwydir Shire Council​ | School Based Traineeship, Traineeship​ | Annual intake October to November​ | Positions Vacant - Gwydir Shire Council |
| Tweed Shire Council​ | Traineeship, Apprenticeship​ | Annual intake aligned to school year​ | Career options - Tweed Shire Council​ |
| Richmond Valley Council​ | Traineeship | Annual intake August​ | Apprenticeships, Traineeships and Cadetships - Richmond Valley Council |
| Clarence Valley Council​ | Traineeship | Annual intake September to November​ | Find a job - Clarence Valley Council |
| Kempsey Shire Council​ | Traineeship, Apprenticeship​ | Annual intake September to October​ | Careers - Kempsey Shire Council |
| Tamworth Regional Council​ | Traineeship | Annual intake September to November​ | Current vacancies - Tamworth Regional Council |
| Port Macquarie Hastings Council​ | Traineeship, Apprenticeship​ | Annual intake June to August​ | Apprenticeships and Traineeships - Port Macquarie Hastings Council |
| MidCoast Council​ | Traineeship | Annual intake August to September​ | Trainee, apprentice and graduate program - MidCoast Council |
| Central Coast Council​ | Traineeship | Annual intake June​ | Apprenticeships, Traineeships and Work Experience - Central Coast Council |
| Cowra Council​ | School Based Traineeship, Traineeship​ | Annual intake as needed​ | Current Vacancies Portal - Cowra Council |
| Shoalhaven City Council​ | School Based Traineeship, Traineeship, Apprenticeship, Cadetship | Annual intake August to September​ | Recruitment Portal - Shoalhaven Council |
| Bega Valley Shire Council​ | Traineeship | Annual intake August to September​ | Careers at Council - Bega Valley Shire Council |
| Riverina Water | Traineeship, Apprenticeship, Cadetship | Annual intake September to October​ | Employment opportunities - Riverina Water |
Information and resources
We encourage local water utilities, councils and job seekers to view the below materials to help inform and promote skills and training opportunities in the water sector.
Career information
- NSW university courses that provide a pathway into the water industry (PDF. 153KB)
- Water Treatment Plant Operator Job Guide (PDF. 2,300KB)
- Water Treatment Plant Operator (Aboriginal) Job Guide (PDF. 1,700KB)
- Local Government of NSW careers flyer (PDF. 431KB)
- Water industry careers and educational resources (PDF. 105KB)
Council resources
Resources for councils to plan and run a water industry showcase day and content to use across their social media, newsletters and job advertisements.
In 2023, the department held a Water Industry Showcase Day at the Calala Water Treatment Plant in Tamworth in partnership with the NSW Department of Education. We invited jobseekers and students from local high schools to learn about the range of careers available in the water industry.
This resource is to assist local water utilities to plan and hold a water industry careers event.
Download the toolkit (PDF. 2,850KB)
Videos
Water Careers in Local Government
Hear from those working in the water industry at local government, what they enjoy and why the joined.
Start your Career in the Local Government Water Industry
Water is essential for the long-term sustainability of the natural environment, productive land and the health of our communities.
Local Government Water Careers
Learn about a water career in local government from Duane Donnelly, Team Leader Networks, Yuwaalaraay Nation, Narromine Shire Council.
Local Government Water Careers
Learn about a water career in local government from Mel Slimming, Manager Water and Sewer, Forbes Shire Council.
Local Government Water Careers - John Kincaid, Mature Age Trainee
Learn about a water career in local government from John Kincaid a Mature Age Trainee Water and Sewer Operator at Eurobodalla Shire Council.
Careers Advisers Annual Conference 2024
10 April 2024 – A water careers presentation was given for the Careers Advisers Association.
Trainee program
Learn about the School Based Trainee Program at the Gwydir Shire Council, Training Services NSW.
Contact us
For more information email regional.town.water@dpie.nsw.gov.au