Downer
Leading provider of integrated services across Australia and New Zealand, delivering infrastructure solutions.
Water Treatment Operator
Operate and maintain a small water treatment plant at Kokoda Barracks.
Job Highlights
About the Role
The successful candidate will be responsible for the safe and efficient operation and maintenance of small water treatment plants at the Defence base. Duties include plant operation, monitoring and reporting water quality, routine inspections, sampling, chemical dosing under supervision, basic preventative maintenance and reporting any equipment faults to the Leading Hand. Downer plans, creates and sustains essential public services across Australia and New Zealand, managing critical infrastructure such as hospitals, data centres and Defence facilities. The company is sovereign‑owned, ASX‑listed and has earned awards including Estate & Infrastructure Business of the Year (2025) and Prime Contractor of the Year (2024‑2025), reflecting its long‑standing support to the ADF and NZDF. • Operate and maintain small water treatment plants at Kokoda Barracks. • Monitor water quality, conduct sampling and adjust chemical dosing under supervision. • Perform routine inspections and basic preventative maintenance on plant equipment. • Report equipment faults or failures to the Leading Hand.
Key Responsibilities
- ▸plant operation
- ▸water monitoring
- ▸sampling
- ▸chemical dosing
- ▸preventive maintenance
- ▸fault reporting
What You Bring
We are now recruiting permanent Water Treatment Operators for Kokoda Barracks in Canungra, with the role commencing in February 2026. Downer is committed to creating a workplace where every employee feels respected, valued and empowered, and welcomes applicants from all backgrounds, including those with Defence experience, industry knowledge or transferable skills. Applicants must hold a Certificate III in Water Industry Operations and have a QLD Water Operator Licence or NSW Water Operator Certification. Relevant experience in water‑treatment plant operations, chemical handling and dosing, as well as a current driver’s licence, are required. Desirable qualifications include a Chemical Handling Certificate, Confined Space and Working at Heights certifications, and a White Card. Candidates must be Australian citizens able to obtain and maintain a Defence Security Clearance and demonstrate a strong work ethic and positive attitude. • Hold a Certificate III in Water Industry Operations (mandatory). • Hold a QLD Water Operator Licence or NSW Water Operator Certification. • Demonstrate experience in water‑treatment plant operations and chemical handling. • Possess Confined Space, Working at Heights and White Card qualifications (desirable). • Maintain a current driver’s licence and obtain Defence Security Clearance (Australian citizenship required).
Requirements
- ▸certificate iii
- ▸water licence
- ▸plant operations
- ▸chemical handling
- ▸driver’s licence
- ▸security clearance
Benefits
Our culture emphasises high performance, diversity and inclusion, offering training, development and strong internal mobility – 30 % of vacancies are filled from within. Employees enjoy perks such as healthcare discounts, retail and car purchase savings, and an Employee Assistance Program, while flexible work arrangements and support throughout the recruitment process ensure everyone can bring their whole self to work. • Join a diverse, inclusive team with training, internal career progression and employee perks such as healthcare discounts and assistance programs.
Work Environment
Onsite