We seek an experienced Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator for an exciting opportunity to join a supportive, collaborative team operating the Bell Island Wastewater Treatment Plant near Nelson in Tasman Bay.

Suitable candidates will have at least three years of experience operating a municipal or industrial wastewater treatment plant OR have at least 1 year of directly relevant experience in wastewater treatment plant operation and hold at least a relevant qualification at level 4 or higher (or overseas equivalent). 

Candidates must be confident working independently while contributing positively to a collaborative team, be willing to ask questions, enjoy learning and take pride in delivering high-quality outcomes.

Ideal candidates will hold a recognised wastewater treatment qualification at Level 4 or higher, have a full drivers license and be passionate about high-quality wastewater treatment operations.  

The treatment plant operates 24/7 and requires candidates able to work on a 7 day roster, with rostered days on weekends and public holidays at times.  You must also be able to be rostered on for after-hours on-call availability, and be able to respond to operational call-outs when required. 

Reporting to the Treatment Plant Supervisor, you'll play a key role in the safe, efficient and compliant operation of the Bell Island Wastewater Treatment Plant.

This is a hands-on operational role within a critical 24/7 treatment environment, offering variety, technical challenge and the opportunity to contribute to continuous improvement and plant optimisation

Your responsibilities will include:

  • Operating and monitoring wastewater treatment processes
  • Process optimisation and troubleshooting
  • Sampling, field testing and co-ordinating with laboratory
  • Equipment inspections, maintenance and minor repairs
  • Monitoring pump stations and reticulation systems
  • Participating in an after-hours roster and responding to operational callouts
  • Supporting environmental compliance, reporting and continuous improvement initiatives

Bell Island Wastewater Treatment Plant is a major regional facility serving Nelson, Richmond, Mapua and surrounding communities. 2/4The 53-hectare site situated on an island in the Waimea estuary, treats an average flow of 15,000m3/ day and incorporates a range of treatment technologies including primary sedimentation, activated sludge, oxidation ponds, dissolved air flotation (DAF), and an Autothermal Thermophilic Aerobic Digestion (ATAD) biosolids plant. The facility also enables biosolids to be beneficially reused in forestry, providing an environmentally sustainable outcome.

For operators who enjoy understanding and optimising treatment processes, Bell Island offers a technically interesting and varied operating environment.

Why Join Kumanu?

At Kumanu you'll enjoy:

  • Meaningful work that makes a real difference to the environment and local community.
  • A supportive team that values collaboration, flexibility and looking out for one another.
  • Varied, technically interesting work where no two days are the same.
  • Ongoing investment in training and nationally recognised wastewater qualifications.
  • Career opportunities across a growing, values-led infrastructure and environmental services organisation.

About Kumanu

Guided by the values of Respect, Responsibility and Guardianship, Kumanu partners with councils and communities to deliver essential water, environmental and infrastructure services that make a positive difference every day.

If you're looking for a role where your experience will be valued, your ideas welcomed and your work will have a genuine impact, we'd love to hear from you.

This is a full-time permanent position with a pay range of $65,000 to $85,000 per annum dependent on skills and experience.

Kumanu has engaged Peak Recruitment to manage the recruitment of this position. Please direct all enquiries and applications to Peak Recruitment. Apply now, or to find out more contact Lisa Hulley in confidence on 027 688 8831. Your application will be received in confidence.

We encourage you to apply promptly. Applications will be taken until 5pm on 23 September. 

Applicants for safety sensitive roles will be required to undergo drug and alcohol testing prior to commencing employment with Kumanu.

 

Employer Questions

Your application will include the following question(s):

  • Are you a New Zealand citizen or residence visa holder?
  • Do you have any relevant tertiary qualifications?
  • Do you have at least 3 years experience in wastewater treatment or similar work?
  • Do you have a drivers licence?