Who We Are

In Melbourne, water is essential to our way of life.

As caretakers for Melbourne’s water cycle, we care for water, life and land throughout Melbourne: both its people and its biodiversity.

Each time you drink from the tap, flush a toilet or kayak down the Yarra, we’re there. Primed and ready, quietly delivering some of the world’s cleanest water for over five million residents and wildlife that call Melbourne home, just as we have for over 130 years.

If you value making it count, diving in with curiosity, and doing what’s right, you're in the right place.

About The Role

The function of the Lead Operator is to provide leadership and professional expertise in leading a team of Water Supply Operators responsible for ensuring optimal operation of the Winneke Water Treatment Plant and related Operational Assets. 

The Lead Operator will also provide a practical hands-on approach utilising operational expertise into planned works, system augmentations whilst supporting the Manager Northern Water Supply Operations in strategic elements of the team.

• Manage the team under limited supervision, identifying problems and delivering appropriate solutions requiring astute judgment and management of priorities in a role that integrates the team operations into Melbourne Water’s wider sewerage system.
• Manage the operation of primary treatment and all associated ancillary equipment.
• Direct and resource daily operation of the Winneke primary treatment system and site based operational activities ensuring compliance with Melbourne Water Occupational Health and Safety, Environmental and Public Health objectives.
• Liaise with internal stakeholders to prioritise planned and unplanned work including planning and implementation.
• Provide emergency response to system failures, identifying cause and effect, ensuring prompt recovery of operations.
• Manage incidents, record on IRIS, manage debriefs, lead incident investigations and take corrective actions as necessary.
• Provide advice on operational and procedural change to resolve operational failures that may be outside the scope of normal operating conditions or precedent
• Ensure the Winneke Operations Team are aware of the appropriate Melbourne Water Health & Safety and Environmental Policies

For more information please review the Position Description:  Position Description - Lead Operator Winneke.pdf

About You

Essential skills & experience you will bring to the role-

• Proven leadership experience
• Ability to make decisions and remain focused in a rigorous technical environment.
• Sound knowledge of water treatment plants & water transfer network
• Excellent level of oral and written communication skills.
• Strong organisational and time management skills.
• Highly developed knowledge of SCADA systems & mobility
• Strong computer skills in word processing, spreadsheet & database applications
• Cert III in Water Operations or similar

Why Join Us

At Melbourne Water, we care about water and all life that springs from it.

Our people are fuelled by passion, and with safety at the forefront, we have an unwavering sense of purpose and are on a mission to protect every Melburnian’s way of life, one drop at a time.

We walk the talk when it comes to flexible working – but that’s not all. Our culture of purpose, safety, results, and learning permeates everything we do. We're dedicated to doing what's right, and this commitment extends to the meaningful work we do in a supportive and inclusive culture that encourages you to make the most of your talents.

Our long-standing commitment to Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging means that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, LGBTIQ+ individuals, neurodivergent individuals, people living with disability, mature age and young jobseekers from all cultures can apply with confidence knowing they are safe, affirmed, and celebrated.

If you’re curious, action-orientated, outcomes-focused, and care deeply for public resources, community, and the environment, we'd love to receive an application and learn if you could be a great fit.

How To Apply

Click the 'Apply Now' button below and complete our online application form.

Closing date: Monday the 18th of May at 11:55pm AEST

*Important Information

The Security of Critical Infrastructure (SoCI) Act 2018 requires Melbourne Water, as an operator of critical infrastructure, to prepare a Critical Infrastructure Risk Management Program (CIRMP), which has been undertaken and managed by the Security and Emergency Management Team.

Melbourne Water are required to assess roles across Melbourne Water to determine what roles are critical under the Act. All employees working in a role deemed SOCI critical will require additional background checks via AusCheck. The role of Lead information Management is deemed critical, and the preferred applicant will be asked to undertake an AusCheck.

The AusCheck process is outlined clearly in this presentation provided by AusCheck CI Critical Worker: Getting Started Guide | Rise 360 (articulate.com).