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.
