At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the team ensuring safe and efficient drinking water treatment operations.
- Company: Join Hastings District Council, a key player in community water services.
- Benefits: Enjoy a permanent full-time role with a supportive team and career growth.
- Other info: Work in a vibrant area with a focus on diversity and collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in public health and community service.
- Qualifications: Experience in water treatment operations and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
Welcome to Heretaunga, the area renowned for its rich and fertile landscape that is sustained by its life-giving dews and waterways. Hastings District Council supplies drinking water to more than 23,000 households and businesses across our large urban areas and smaller communities. Pumping more than 13 million cubic metres of water a year, our system includes 24 bores, three springs, more than 530 kilometres of pipe, 32 reservoirs and 10 booster stations.
The Principal Water Operator will be the senior operational expert for Hastings District Council's drinking water treatment network. You'll oversee day-to-day treatment operations, troubleshoot complex issues, optimise plant performance and ensure our water continues to meet strict public health and compliance standards. You'll work alongside a great team of operators, engineers and project staff, providing technical guidance, supporting upgrades and commissioning of new infrastructure, and stepping in during incidents when your expertise is needed most. If you enjoy solving problems, improving systems and making a real difference to an essential community service, this is an opportunity to have a genuine impact.
About you
We're looking for an experienced water professional who brings strong technical expertise, sound judgement and a practical approach to leadership. You'll bring:
- Significant experience in drinking water treatment operations, ideally with leadership responsibility in a regulated environment.
- Strong knowledge of drinking water treatment processes, associated infrastructure, compliance requirements and Water Safety Plans.
- Experience supporting operational decision-making, incident response, continuous improvement and risk management.
- Experience working with capital projects, including commissioning, operational handover and asset performance.
- The ability to manage budgets, contractors and operational priorities effectively.
- Strong communication skills, with the ability to build trusted relationships across operational, technical and leadership teams.
- A relevant engineering, water, infrastructure or related qualification, or equivalent practical experience.
You'll be a calm and considered leader who takes ownership, works collaboratively and maintains a strong focus on public health, safety and service reliability. You'll bring integrity, resilience and a solutions-focused mindset, with the ability to lead by example and build trust within a team. Situated in the heart of Ngāti Kahungunu, the Hastings district and Hawke’s Bay offer an enjoyable environment in which to live, work and play. We are an equal opportunity employer and we value diversity. Are you keen to be a part of our journey?
Applications close: Sunday 16 August. Please Note: Due to the highly competitive employment market, our vacancy close date may be subject to change if a suitable candidate is found, so don't delay in making your application.
Principal Water Operator in Hastings employer: MyHR
Join our vibrant team at Hastings District Libraries, where we foster a supportive and inclusive work culture that values diversity and encourages personal growth. As a Collections & Content Librarian, you'll enjoy the beautiful surroundings of Heretaunga while contributing to meaningful community services, with opportunities for professional development and a commitment to excellent customer service. Experience the unique blend of a fulfilling career in a picturesque location that prioritises both your well-being and career aspirations.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Water Operator in Hastings
✨Get Involved in Local Environmental Initiatives
Dive into your local environmental scenes, like community clean-up projects or eco-focused events. Not only will you meet like-minded people, but it's a surefire way to showcase your passion and skills in environmental engineering tech.
✨Join Industry-Specific Organisations
Check out organisations like the Institution of Environmental Engineers for networking opportunities and resources. They often host events and seminars that can help us connect with key players in the industry, including potential employers like MyHR.
✨Show Off Your Projects and Passion
Create a portfolio that highlights any relevant projects, whether it's coursework, internships, or personal initiatives. Share this online, perhaps even on platforms like GitHub or your own website, to grab the attention of hiring managers looking for talent like us.
✨Utilise Environmental Job Boards
Take advantage of niche job boards dedicated to environmental careers. Sites like Green Jobs, Environmental Career and EcoJobs often feature openings from companies like MyHR and can help us land that full-time gig.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Water Operator in Hastings
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for a role in environmental engineering tech, make sure to highlight your technical skills like CAD software proficiency, data analysis, or modelling techniques. These are essential for the job and should stand out in your CV and cover letter, showing how you can contribute to projects at MyHR.
Demonstrate Your Passion for Sustainability:In this field, showcasing your passion for sustainability and environmental protection can set you apart. Include any relevant projects, volunteer experience, or courses that underline your commitment to these causes. MyHR will appreciate candidates who genuinely care about making a difference.
Tailor Your Application to the Role:Don't just send a generic CV and cover letter. Make sure to tailor your application to the specific role of Principal Water Operator at MyHR. Highlight experiences that align directly with the job description and give concrete examples of your work to demonstrate that you’re the right fit for a full-time position.
Include Relevant Certifications:If you have certifications related to environmental engineering or technology, like LEED Accreditation or any relevant software certifications, make sure to mention them. These qualifications can boost your application and show that you’re serious about your professional development in this competitive field.
How to prepare for a job interview at MyHR
✨Brush Up on Environmental Regulations
Make sure you’re well-versed in the latest environmental regulations and standards. In an environmental engineering tech role at MyHR, you might be asked specific questions about compliance measures, so understanding these will definitely give you an edge.
✨Showcase Your Technical Skills
Prepare to demonstrate your proficiency with relevant tools and software, such as AutoCAD or GIS. You might be given a practical problem to solve during the interview, so it’s a great idea to brush up on these skills and perhaps even bring a portfolio of your projects to showcase your technical prowess.
✨Highlight Your Passion for Sustainability
In a full-time role, employers are looking for commitment and enthusiasm. Share your experiences, studies, or projects that reflect your passion for environmental sustainability. This will show MyHR that you're not just qualified but genuinely invested in the field.
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
Be ready for behavioural questions that assess how you handle teamwork, conflict, and project management. Think of examples from your studies or practical experiences where you tackled challenges effectively, showcasing both your technical and interpersonal skills.
