Wastewater Treatment Operator

Te kōwhiringa | The opportunity

Clean drinking water. Reliable wastewater systems. Healthy communities. None of it happens by accident.

Downer is looking for a motivated Water & Wastewater Treatment Operator to join our Mangawhai team, helping keep essential treatment systems operating safely, efficiently and in line with compliance standards every single day.

This is a practical, boots-on-the-ground role where no two days look the same. One day you could be carrying out treatment plant checks and sampling, the next responding to faults, maintaining pump stations or troubleshooting operational issues before they impact the wider community.

You’ll work across water and wastewater treatment assets, supporting the operation, maintenance and performance of critical infrastructure that residents rely on every day. If you enjoy variety, problem-solving and work that genuinely matters, this role delivers all three.

To support operational response requirements, candidates must live within 30 minutes of the Mangawhai worksite.

What you’ll be doing:

• Operating and maintaining water and wastewater treatment systems
• Completing routine inspections, scheduled maintenance and emergency works
• Carrying out environmental sampling and compliance testing
• Monitoring treatment performance and supporting resource consent compliance
• Maintaining pump stations, raw water catchments and associated assets
• Recording operational data and completing reporting through online systems
• Supporting after-hours callouts and rostered response duties when required
• Working closely with supervisors, clients and crews to deliver reliable services
• Promoting a strong safety-first culture across all worksites

If you like practical work, solving real-world problems and being part of a team that keeps communities running, this is the role for you.

Mōu Koe | About you

You’re reliable, proactive and not afraid to roll your sleeves up. You enjoy practical, hands-on work and take pride in doing the job properly the first time. You work well independently, communicate clearly and understand the importance of safety, compliance and teamwork.

You’ll bring:

• Experience in water, wastewater, utilities or infrastructure environments (advantageous)
• Knowledge of water or wastewater treatment systems (desirable)
• A minimum Class 1 Driver Licence
• Strong problem-solving skills and initiative
• Confidence working both independently and within a team
• Good verbal and written communication skills
• Sound computer literacy and data entry capability
• A strong awareness of health, safety and environmental responsibilities
• A reliable, motivated and proactive attitude

Environmental sampling experience would be beneficial, although full training will be provided.

Most importantly, you’ll bring a positive attitude, willingness to learn and commitment to keeping critical infrastructure running safely and efficiently.

Ko wai mātou | Our Organisation

At Downer, we don’t just maintain infrastructure we help power and connect communities across New Zealand and Australia.

Our Energy & Utilities team delivers the essential services people rely on every day, from water and power to telecommunications and industrial infrastructure. We work on projects that matter, and we do it with a strong focus on safety, teamwork and innovation.

We’re proud of our people and the culture we’ve built, one where hard work is recognised, development is encouraged and everyone goes home safe.

Me pēhea ki te tono | How to apply

Ready to help keep Mangawhai flowing?

Apply online today via the advertisement. Email applications will not be accepted.