Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator – Bowen Basin Location

About the role

This permanent position is based out of Mackay, with travel to a small, friendly Bowen Basin community during rostered swings. The role sits within a long term operational contract — 5 years — with strong likelihood of extension and future growth, providing stability and a secure career pathway. The roster is designed for lifestyle: Monday–Friday 10 hour shifts, Saturday 8 hour shift, with travel on Monday and Saturday included within these hours. With a 6 days on / 8 days off rotation, you'll work just under half the year, giving you exceptional work–life balance while still delivering essential services that keep the township running smoothly. You'll also have constant support from the DAMS operations team, ensuring you are never left alone to manage complex issues without assistance.

Key responsibilities

• Operate and maintain a 30 kL – 80 kL activated sludge wastewater treatment plant, ensuring safe, compliant, and reliable performance.

• Operate and maintain seven small sewerage pump stations, including inspections, cleaning, fault response, and minor maintenance.

• Provide weekly on call coverage (Sunday–Saturday) during your rostered week on.

• Conduct daily process checks, sampling, operational adjustments, and reporting.

• Maintain vegetation and grounds across contracted sites to ensure safe access and tidy presentation.

• Communicate effectively with management, clients, and community stakeholders.

• Take shared responsibility for the wellbeing of a tight knit Bowen Basin community that relies on these essential services.

About you

• Experience in wastewater treatment plant operations (activated sludge preferred).

• Capability to fault find and optimise treatment processes.

• Understanding of pump station operation and basic mechanical/electrical troubleshooting.

• Ability to work independently and take ownership of site performance.

• A positive attitude and willingness to contribute to a close knit community.

• Commitment to safe work practices and high quality service delivery.

About us

DAMS is a locally grown, family owned business with more than 25 years of strong ties to the Mackay region. Built on trust, community values, and long standing client relationships, DAMS has grown into a one stop asset maintenance provider, delivering water & wastewater treatment operations, trades and mechanical services, landscaping and vegetation management, arborist services, commercial cleaning, and integrated site support for councils, mining, industrial and private clients. We're known for our strong commitment to safety, positive culture, client satisfaction, and genuine job enjoyment. People choose DAMS because they feel valued, supported, and part of a team that takes pride in doing things properly.

Benefits

• Mackay based role with structured travel to site.

• Long term contract (5 years) with strong likelihood of extension and growth.

• 6 on / 8 off roster – work less than 50% of the year.

• Monday–Friday 10 hour shifts; Saturday 8 hour shift, with travel time already factored in.

• Accommodation supplied during rostered week on.

• Daily meal allowance provided while on shift.

• Mobilisation/demobilisation allowance each swing.

• Work vehicle supplied for all operational duties during swing.

• Overtime and callouts paid in addition to the base annual income.

• Optional additional Mackay based work available during swing off periods for operators seeking extra income, in line with DAMS' fatigue management policy.