Water Treatment Operator Jobs in Australia 2026 – Defence Infrastructure | Skilled Migration Opportunity
Location: Richmond, NSW, Australia
Industry: Government Infrastructure / Defence Contractor / Utilities
Employment Type: Full-Time Permanent
Start Date: February 2026
Looking for high-paying government jobs in Australia with long-term stability and career growth?
A major opportunity is now open for a water treatment operator at RAAF Richmond under a newly awarded Property and Asset Services contract supporting national defence infrastructure.
This role is ideal for professionals seeking:
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Water treatment jobs in Australia
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Defence contractor jobs with security clearance
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Skilled migration to Australia opportunities
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Environmental and utilities jobs with career advancement
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Infrastructure maintenance jobs 2026
If you have experience in water plant operations, chemical dosing, utilities maintenance, or environmental engineering, this position offers competitive salary potential and long-term government-backed stability.
About the Employer—Leading Defence Infrastructure Company
The hiring organisation is a sovereign-owned, ASX-listed infrastructure services provider delivering essential public services across Australia and New Zealand.
With over 80 years of partnership with the Australian Defence Force, the company manages critical base and estate services supporting national security and defence capability.
This new contract covers major regions, including NSW/ACT and Queensland, making it one of the largest defence infrastructure projects in Australia for 2026.
Water Treatment Operator Salary Australia 2026 (Estimated)
While final compensation depends on qualifications and experience, similar roles in utilities and defence infrastructure typically offer:
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AUD $70,000–$95,000 per year
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Overtime & penalty rates
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Superannuation benefits
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Career development & training programs
(Security-cleared roles and government infrastructure jobs often attract premium pay rates.)
Key Responsibilities
As a Water Treatment Plant Operator, you will:
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Operate and maintain small water treatment plants within a defence base
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Monitor and report water quality compliance
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Conduct routine water sampling, laboratory testing & analysis
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Adjust chemical dosing systems under supervision
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Perform preventative maintenance on the utilities infrastructure
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Ensure compliance with environmental and safety regulations
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Report equipment faults to senior supervisors
This role supports critical infrastructure operations, making it a high-responsibility, high-value position.
Required Qualifications & Certifications
To qualify for this role, applicants should have:
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Certificate III in Water Industry Operations
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NSW Water Operator Certification or QLD Water Operator Licence
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Experience in water treatment plant operations
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Chemical handling certification (preferred)
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Confined Space & Working at Heights certification
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White Card (Construction Induction)
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Valid Australian Driver’s Licence
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Ability to obtain Defence Security Clearance
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Australian citizenship (mandatory for security clearance jobs)
Candidates with backgrounds in:
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Environmental engineering
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Mining & utilities
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Industrial plant operations
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Government infrastructure maintenance
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Defence Security Clearance Requirement
This position requires eligibility for security clearance due to its direct support of the Australian Defence Force.
Security-cleared jobs in Australia are highly competitive and offer long-term employment stability.
Why This Is a High-Value Career Move
This is more than just a utilities job. It is an opportunity to:
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Work on government defence contracts
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Enter high-demand infrastructure careers
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Build a pathway toward skilled migration to Australia (for eligible applicants)
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Gain long-term employment in the public sector infrastructure
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Access internal promotions (30% filled internally)
Employee Benefits & Perks
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Career development & industry training
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Internal promotion pathways
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Healthcare discounts
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Retail & vehicle purchase savings
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Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
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Inclusive workplace culture
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Flexible work policies
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Diversity & Equal Opportunity Employer
Applications are encouraged from:
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Women in engineering & utilities
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Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples
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Māori and Pasifika Peoples
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Veterans
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People with disabilities
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Neurodivergent professionals
This employer is a WORK180. Endorsed employer supporting inclusive leadership and flexible work environments.
How to Apply – Water Treatment Operator Australia 2026
If you are seeking:
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Government jobs Australia
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High-paying utilities jobs
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Defence contractor careers
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Water plant operator roles with long-term growth
Submit your application and express your interest before the February 2026 intake begins.
Security-cleared infrastructure roles fill quickly—early applications are strongly recommended.