Your New Role:
Kempsey Shire Council is seeking an experienced and motivated Water & Sewer Network Manager to lead the operation, maintenance, renewal and construction of Council's water supply and sewerage networks. This is a key leadership role responsible for ensuring the delivery of safe, reliable and compliant water and wastewater services to our community.
Reporting to the Group Manager Water and Sewer, you will provide operational leadership across Council's water and sewer network teams, driving a strong safety culture while ensuring works are delivered efficiently, effectively and in accordance with regulatory requirements. You will oversee planned and reactive maintenance programs, minor capital works, network operations and emergency response activities, while supporting the long-term sustainability and performance of Council's water and sewer assets.
A critical component of the role is maintaining Council's Drinking Water Management System (DWMS), monitoring operational controls and implementing continuous improvement initiatives to protect public health, water quality and environmental outcomes.
Key Responsibilities include:
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Leading and developing operational teams to achieve high levels of safety, performance and customer service.
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Managing water and sewer network operations, maintenance, repairs and minor capital works programs.
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Ensuring compliance with all relevant legislation, licences, standards, policies and management systems, including DWMS and PIRMP requirements.
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Coordinating network shutdowns, service connections, testing, disinfection and emergency response activities.
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Supporting asset management, renewal planning and capital project delivery through technical advice and operational input.
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Managing customer enquiries, service issues and stakeholder relationships in a professional and timely manner.
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Driving innovation, continuous improvement and the adoption of new technologies and work practices.
For a full list of the role’s Key Accountabilities, please refer to the Position Description.
About You:
You are an experienced water industry professional with a strong technical background in water and sewer network operations, maintenance and construction. You are a capable people leader who can motivate teams, build capability and foster a culture of accountability, safety and continuous improvement.
You bring a practical and strategic approach to managing operational programs and understand the importance of balancing service delivery, compliance, risk management and customer expectations. Your communication and stakeholder engagement skills enable you to build effective working relationships across all levels of an organisation and with external partners.
To be successful in this role, you will possess:
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A degree qualification in Civil Engineering or a related discipline, and/or substantial demonstrated experience in a similar leadership role within the water and sewer industry.
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Extensive knowledge of water supply and sewerage networks, operational practices, asset management principles and relevant legislation.
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Proven experience leading operational and field-based teams, including workforce planning, performance management and safety leadership.
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Demonstrated ability to plan, prioritise and coordinate multiple work programs while managing resources, budgets and service outcomes.
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Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to assess asset performance and implement practical solutions.
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High-level written and verbal communication skills, including report writing, technical documentation and stakeholder engagement.
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Experience delivering operational, maintenance and infrastructure projects within a regulated environment.
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A current Class C Driver Licence and General Construction Induction Card
Relevant industry certifications such as First Aid, Confined Space Entry, Work Safely at Heights, National Water Training qualifications, and other water industry competencies will be highly regarded.
About Us:
Kempsey Shire Council (KSC) is located on the Mid North Coast of NSW, known for its genuine hospitality, pristine beaches, sub-tropical rainforests, mountain ranges, rock river gorges, sprawling farmland and peaceful villages.
We are a progressive, proactive and dynamic organisation, and we pride ourselves on the respectful and supportive workplace we have cultivated. With 360+ dedicated staff managing $1.8 billion assets across many sites throughout the Shire, KSC works closely with our community to build an inspired, connected Macleay Valley.
Why Join Us?
As the successful candidate, you’ll enjoy:
- A permanent full-time position, 35-hour work week
- Monthly RDO’s
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Weekly salary of $2,068.86 to $2,328.52 (plus superannuation)
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Generous leave entitlements, including access to Long Service Leave after five years
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A working environment focussed on wellbeing, including flexible work arrangements, rostered days off, EAP access, social club, and health and wellbeing programs
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Fitness Passports for discounted access to a range of gym and pool facilities
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Career development and learning opportunities
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Novated Leasing and salary packaging options
- A supportive, collaborative working environment designed to help you grow
- A fantastic lifestyle and work life balance, on the beautiful Mid-North Coast
Interested?
Please apply via Council’s website http://careers.kempsey.nsw.gov.au/. Note that you will be required to prepare and submit:
- A short statement (maximum 2 pages) outlining how your experience, abilities, knowledge and personal qualities will enable you to achieve the key accountabilities of the role (as listed in the Position Description); and
- Your current resume.
Applications Close: COB, Wednesday 1 July 2026
Please note that Council reserves the right to close this job advertisement before the stated closing date if a suitable candidate is found. Therefore, we encourage all interested applicants to submit their applications as soon as possible.
Have questions? Please contact Keith Hyatt – Group Manager Water and Sewer, for a confidential discussion on Ph: 02 6566 3200.
Please Note: Our recruitment notification process is primarily via system generated emails. Please ensure your email is correct before submitting your application to avoid missing crucial updates.
Completion of a pre-employment medical assessment is a requirement of KSC’s recruitment process for this position]
If you experience any difficulties applying online, please contact the Recruitment team on 02 6566 3200 or email [email protected]
Thank you and good luck with your application.
Kempsey Shire Council is an equal opportunity employer and we celebrate our diverse, inclusive and values-led workforce. We welcome and encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with diverse culture and linguistic backgrounds and people with a disability. In addition, Kempsey Shire Council will provide reasonable adjustments for suitably qualified individuals with disabilities. If you require additional assistance to participate in the recruitment process, please discuss with the advertised contact person. You can ask for reasonable adjustments to be made at any time during the recruitment process.
