Join our Water Operations team as a supportive, on-the-ground leader (without the tools in hand).

You’ll be coordinating the day-to-day running of our water network, making sure crews have clear work plans, resources are lined up, and jobs are delivered safely and on time. You’ll mentor staff, help shape rosters and recruitment, and be the go-to person during planned works and emergencies, keeping everyone informed and things running smoothly. You’ll also work closely with contractors, planners, and developers to make sure our work meets the right standards.

The Team Leader provides hands‑on leadership in the safe and efficient operation and maintenance of Council’s bulk water network, including trunk mains, large‑diameter pipelines, valves, and critical water infrastructure. This role leads a skilled team to deliver high‑quality maintenance, emergency response, and operational outcomes while modelling strong WHS behaviours, so everyone goes home safe.

Working with Maintenance Planners, the Team Leader coordinates proactive and reactive works, prioritises resources, and ensures compliance with legislation, policies, and environmental requirements. The position also provides technical guidance, supports staff capability development, manages rostering and performance, and collaborates with contractors, developers, and internal stakeholders to ensure infrastructure reliability and service continuity. With responsibility for on‑scene leadership during water main breaks and other incidents, the role plays a key part in delivering safe, reliable, and sustainable water services to the community.

If you’re someone who enjoys problem-solving, teamwork, and keeping essential services flowing for the community, this role is a great fit.

This role is required to participate in the on-call and after-hours Team Leader roster.

Qualifications and Experience

Ideally you will have:

Mandatory

• Extensive experience working in a bulk water and water reticulation environment.
• Construction Industry White Card (30215 QLD).
• Confined Space Entry certification.
• Current ‘C’ class driver’s licence.
• Experience in the supervision of tradespeople, contractors and maintenance workers including good interpersonal, mentoring and coaching skills.
• Experience in the operation and maintenance of bulk and reticulation water mains and pipelines, including the operation of special services such as pipeline location and leak detection.
• Traffic Management Implementation certification (formerly Level 2 Traffic Management) or ability and willingness to obtain within 12 months of commencement.

Desirable

• Certificate IV in Leadership and Management.
• Certificate IV in Water Industry Operations or ability and willingness to obtain within two years of commencement in this position.
• Trade qualification in Plumbing.
• Senior First Aid certificate.
• Extensive experience working in local government in a bulk water and/or water reticulation environment.
• Demonstrated computer skills including the use of iCal or other planning/scheduling and work order systems, GIS and mapping software and tools, and the Microsoft suite.
• Problem solving skills to deal with operational and maintenance issues in accordance with organisational and industry standards in plumbing and pipelaying, including the CTM code.

Please visit our website at https://www.townsville.qld.gov.au for information on how to apply and to view the Position Description.

Applications close 11:45pm, Wednesday 25 March 2026