Experienced Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator
Peak Recruitment ·www.peakrecruitment.co.nz
Apply direct
Employer: Kūmānu
- Live where others holiday – enjoy the outstanding Nelson lifestyle
- Supportive team with varied, technically interesting work
- Competitive remuneration package
Enjoy a better lifestyle while doing work that matters.
Imagine finishing work and being on a mountain bike trail, the golf course, or out on the water within minutes. With stunning beaches, a vibrant café scene, world-class mountain biking and hiking, and three national parks on your doorstep, Nelson offers an enviable lifestyle without the traffic or long commute.
If you're an experienced Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator looking for your next challenge, this is an opportunity to join a supportive, collaborative team operating the Bell Island Wastewater Treatment Plant.
Based in Nelson, you'll enjoy an exceptional lifestyle while carrying out meaningful work that protects the health of local communities and the environment.
About You
You'll already have experience operating a municipal or industrial wastewater treatment plant and be confident working independently while contributing positively to a collaborative team.
You are practical, mechanically minded, safety focused and enjoy solving problems. You ask questions, enjoy learning and take pride in delivering high-quality outcomes.
You'll ideally hold, or be working towards, a recognised wastewater treatment qualification, have a full driver's licence, and be willing to participate in the team's after-hours on-call roster.
About the Role
Reporting to the Treatment Plant Supervisor, you'll play a key role in the safe, efficient and compliant operation of the Bell Island Wastewater Treatment Plant.
This is a hands-on operational role within a critical 24/7 treatment environment, offering variety, technical challenge and the opportunity to contribute to continuous improvement and plant optimisation.
Your responsibilities will include:
Bell Island Wastewater Treatment Plant is a major regional facility serving Nelson, Richmond, Mapua and surrounding communities.
The 53-hectare site situated on an island in the Waimea estuary, treats an average flow of 15,000m3/ day and incorporates a range of treatment technologies including primary sedimentation, activated sludge, oxidation ponds, dissolved air flotation (DAF), and an Autothermal Thermophilic Aerobic Digestion (ATAD) biosolids plant. The facility also enables biosolids to be beneficially reused in forestry, providing an environmentally sustainable outcome.
For operators who enjoy understanding and optimising treatment processes, Bell Island offers a technically interesting and varied operating environment.
Why Join Kūmānu?
At Kūmānu you'll enjoy:
About Kūmānu
Guided by the values of Respect, Responsibility and Guardianship, Kūmānu partners with councils and communities to deliver essential water, environmental and infrastructure services that make a positive difference every day.
If you're looking for a role where your experience will be valued, your ideas welcomed and your work will have a genuine impact, we'd love to hear from you.
Apply now, or to find out more contact Lisa Hulley in confidence on 027 688 8831.
Applications close 19 July 2025 or when the vacancy is filled so we encourage you to apply promptly. Your application will be received in confidence.
Kūmānu has engaged Peak Recruitment to manage the recruitment of this position. Please direct all enquiries and applications to Peak Recruitment.
Applicants for safety sensitive roles will be required to undergo drug and alcohol testing prior to commencing employment with Kūmānu.
Imagine finishing work and being on a mountain bike trail, the golf course, or out on the water within minutes. With stunning beaches, a vibrant café scene, world-class mountain biking and hiking, and three national parks on your doorstep, Nelson offers an enviable lifestyle without the traffic or long commute.
If you're an experienced Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator looking for your next challenge, this is an opportunity to join a supportive, collaborative team operating the Bell Island Wastewater Treatment Plant.
Based in Nelson, you'll enjoy an exceptional lifestyle while carrying out meaningful work that protects the health of local communities and the environment.
About You
You'll already have experience operating a municipal or industrial wastewater treatment plant and be confident working independently while contributing positively to a collaborative team.
You are practical, mechanically minded, safety focused and enjoy solving problems. You ask questions, enjoy learning and take pride in delivering high-quality outcomes.
You'll ideally hold, or be working towards, a recognised wastewater treatment qualification, have a full driver's licence, and be willing to participate in the team's after-hours on-call roster.
About the Role
Reporting to the Treatment Plant Supervisor, you'll play a key role in the safe, efficient and compliant operation of the Bell Island Wastewater Treatment Plant.
This is a hands-on operational role within a critical 24/7 treatment environment, offering variety, technical challenge and the opportunity to contribute to continuous improvement and plant optimisation.
Your responsibilities will include:
- Operating and monitoring wastewater treatment processes
- Process optimisation and troubleshooting
- Sampling, field testing and co-ordinating with laboratory
- Equipment inspections, maintenance and minor repairs
- Monitoring pump stations and reticulation systems
- Participating in an after-hours roster and responding to operational callouts
- Supporting environmental compliance, reporting and continuous improvement initiatives
Bell Island Wastewater Treatment Plant is a major regional facility serving Nelson, Richmond, Mapua and surrounding communities.
The 53-hectare site situated on an island in the Waimea estuary, treats an average flow of 15,000m3/ day and incorporates a range of treatment technologies including primary sedimentation, activated sludge, oxidation ponds, dissolved air flotation (DAF), and an Autothermal Thermophilic Aerobic Digestion (ATAD) biosolids plant. The facility also enables biosolids to be beneficially reused in forestry, providing an environmentally sustainable outcome.
For operators who enjoy understanding and optimising treatment processes, Bell Island offers a technically interesting and varied operating environment.
Why Join Kūmānu?
At Kūmānu you'll enjoy:
- Meaningful work that makes a real difference to the environment and local community.
- A supportive team that values collaboration, flexibility and looking out for one another.
- Varied, technically interesting work where no two days are the same.
- Ongoing investment in training and nationally recognised wastewater qualifications.
- Career opportunities across a growing, values-led infrastructure and environmental services organisation.
About Kūmānu
Guided by the values of Respect, Responsibility and Guardianship, Kūmānu partners with councils and communities to deliver essential water, environmental and infrastructure services that make a positive difference every day.
If you're looking for a role where your experience will be valued, your ideas welcomed and your work will have a genuine impact, we'd love to hear from you.
Apply now, or to find out more contact Lisa Hulley in confidence on 027 688 8831.
Applications close 19 July 2025 or when the vacancy is filled so we encourage you to apply promptly. Your application will be received in confidence.
Kūmānu has engaged Peak Recruitment to manage the recruitment of this position. Please direct all enquiries and applications to Peak Recruitment.
Applicants for safety sensitive roles will be required to undergo drug and alcohol testing prior to commencing employment with Kūmānu.
Frequently asked questions
Who is hiring for the Experienced Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator role?
Peak Recruitment is hiring for the Experienced Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator position, a Shazamme client. Apply directly on the employer's career site.
Where is the Experienced Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator job located?
The Experienced Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator role with Peak Recruitment is based in Nelson, NZ.
Is the Experienced Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator role full-time or contract?
This is a full time position at Peak Recruitment.
What experience level is the Experienced Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator role?
The Experienced Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator position is aimed at mid-level candidates.
How do I apply for the Experienced Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator role at Peak Recruitment?
Apply directly on Peak Recruitment's career page via the Apply button on this listing. ZammeJobs links straight through to the employer's ATS — no third-party form, no resume database.