Who are we?
We’re here to help people live well and create a better and more sustainable future. We support healthy and liveable communities by delivering water, sewerage and recycled water services to 1.77 million people who rely on us every day and every night. At South East Water, we innovate with purpose and act with care to deliver healthy water for life. Fresh thinking and collaboration are at the heart of our organisation. We are constantly learning, embracing the challenges of today and excited by the opportunities that tomorrow will bring.
The role
We're looking for an experienced and motivated WRP Operations Team Leader to lead a small operational team responsible for the safe and effective operation of our Water Recycling Plants (WRPs).
As a WRP Operations Team Leader, you will lead a team of WRP Operators, ensuring day-to-day operational and maintenance activities are carried out safely, efficiently and in compliance with environmental and regulatory requirements.
Positions are available across the Mornington Peninsula region.
Key responsibilities include:
- Leading, coaching and mentoring a team of Water Recycling Plant Operators
- Ensuring plant operations comply with EPA licence conditions, environmental obligations and safety requirements
- Championing a strong safety culture and proactively managing operational risks
- Monitoring treatment processes and responding to operational issues and plant performance challenges
- Investigating plant performance issues and implementing corrective actions where required
- Coordinating and overseeing maintenance activities and contractor works
- Managing work permits and ensuring safe work practices are followed
- Participating in and supporting after-hours on-call arrangements
- Contributing to emergency and incident response activities
- Supporting workforce capability through training, development and knowledge sharing
- Undertaking hands-on operational activities when required
- Participate in an after-hours roster as required
Who are you?
You're an experienced wastewater or process operations professional who enjoys leading teams, solving problems and maintaining high standards of safety and compliance.
To be successful in this role, you'll bring:
- A qualification in Engineering, Science or completion of a recognised Wastewater Operations Management Course
- At least 7 years' experience in wastewater treatment, water utilities or a similar industrial process environment
- Strong technical knowledge of sewage and recycled water treatment processes
- Experience leading or supervising operational teams
- Demonstrated commitment to workplace safety and risk management
- Experience coordinating contractors and managing operational priorities
- Knowledge of HACCP, ISO standards and environmental compliance requirements
- Understanding of PLC/SCADA and process control systems
- Strong communication, stakeholder management and leadership skills
- The ability to make sound decisions and remain calm under pressure
- A current Victorian Driver Licence
What's in it for you?
Working at South East Water means you can enjoy a wealth of benefits, starting with the chance to be part of an organisation deeply committed to environmental initiatives and sustainability; one who has been recognised as one of the top 101 Workplaces for Women in Australia by Work180 for the past two consecutive years anda 2026 Finalist in the Work180 Equitable Workplace Awards ‘Flexible Working’ category.
South East Water cultivates a dynamic culture that emphasises collaboration and strong work ethics, supported by career-focused learning and development opportunities. As a SEW employee, you can enjoy the following offerings from our benefits package:
- Access to My Fitness Passport, an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), annual flu shots, and health checks.
- Work-life balance with flexible working arrangements, including hybrid work options and leave purchasing.
- Additional leave offerings, such as cultural and ceremonial leave and study leave.
- Head office with modern facilities and panoramic beachfront views, a separate parents' room, a prayer and meditation room and an onsite cafe.
- Limited free onsite and offsite car parking available, as well as pay-as-you-go parking options nearby.
- Opportunity to be part of great initiatives involving the local community.
We're for everyone
Our people are as diverse as the communities we serve. It makes us better learners, thinkers and collaborators, helping create better outcomes for our customers.
We are deeply committed to Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging, and we encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, LGBTIQ+ individuals, people with disability and jobseekers of all ages and cultures. We aim to provide an inclusive, accessible workplace where everyone is welcome, safe, and celebrated. If you need any help with the application process or would like to discuss your reasonable adjustments during interviews, please reach out to our Talent team at careers@southeastwater.com.au.
Keen to make an impact?
Click here to check out the position description. We're accepting applications for this exciting opportunity until Friday, 23rd October 2026.
To be considered for this opportunity, you must hold unrestricted working rights for the period of employment at the time of application. Successful candidates will also be required to undergo a number of pre-employment checks, including a police records check
As part of a team of engineers and technicians, central to this role are responsibilities for 24/7 safe operation to provide support and minimise disruption of services to customers and as well as ensuring that public health and the environment are not put at risk. This includes participation in a rostered after-hours duty team, emergency response, and incident support as required.
Visit southeastwater.com.au to learn more about us and how we serve our customers.