Water Project Manager

Warrumbungle Shire Council Full Time Permanent 3/06/2025

Salary Range: $1,654 - $1,888 per 35 hour week + 3.5% Civil Liability Allowance + superannuation

 

Are you an experienced Project Manager looking for an opportunity to make a real impact in regional communities? Warrumbungle Shire Council is seeking a passionate and motivated project management professional to join our dedicated team. In this pivotal role, you will be at the forefront of delivering vital infrastructure projects that support the health, safety, and wellbeing of our residents—particularly within our water and sewer services. You'll take ownership of project planning, risk and budget management, stakeholder engagement, and contract administration to ensure projects are delivered safely, on time, and within budget.

As Project Manager, you'll be responsible for leading the full lifecycle of civil infrastructure projects, with a strong focus on quality, safety, and environmental compliance. Your day-to-day tasks will include interpreting engineering reports and designs, developing project documentation such as risk management plans and Gantt charts, preparing tender documents and evaluations, and ensuring construction works comply with all relevant specifications and legislation. You’ll also collaborate across departments and with external agencies like the EPA and Department of Planning to secure approvals and ensure seamless project delivery.

This role is ideal for a degree-qualified engineer, or a seasoned project manager with extensive equivalent experience, who brings a strong grasp of project and risk management principles. A background or keen interest in water and sewer infrastructure will set you apart, as will your understanding of contract management, procurement practices, and stakeholder communications. You’ll need to be adaptable, detail-oriented, and ready to take the lead on critical community projects, including stepping into the Manager Warrumbungle Water role when required.

Join a team that values safety, integrity, and service to the community. If you’re ready to take the next step in your engineering career and contribute to the sustainable development of our region, we encourage you to apply today. In return, you'll enjoy a supportive workplace, opportunities for professional growth, and the chance to be part of projects that truly matter.

This position is located in Coolah, although some time in the Coonabarabran office will be required and can be accommodated for up to 3 days per week, so you can be located in either Coolah or Coonabarabran.

Coolah is situated on the picturesque Coolaburragundy River and nestled in a valley of the Liverpool Range. The town is surrounded by undulating hills and fertile river flats and is an attractive service town for the surrounding agricultural district. Only an hour south east of Coonabarabran, close to major centres of Dubbo and Mudgee, and with the nearby Coolah Tops National Park offering rugged natural beauty and adventure, Coolah delivers the best of country living.

Coonabarabran, known as the Astronomy Capital of Australia, which is midway between Melbourne and Brisbane and is known for its magnificent landscape and stunning night skies. The town has medical services, excellent schools, a variety of sporting and social clubs and a thriving tourism industry. With the nearby Warrumbungle National Park, which is also Australia’s first Dark Sky Park, there is plenty to do and explore whether you’re looking for adventure or relaxation.  

Selection criteria include:

  • Degree qualified engineer or extensive equivalent experience as a project manager preferably with either experience in delivering water and sewer projects or strong desire to start a career as a water professional
  • In-depth understanding of project management principles and processes
  • Demonstrated experience in project management with knowledge of project construction and contract management and tender evaluation procedures
  • Demonstrated experience managing time, cost and risk while meeting stated objectives and project goals
  • Ability and experience in large projects, including development of comprehensive project plans, charters and business cases
  • In depth understanding of risk management and its role in managing project fundamentals such as time, cost, quality, safety and the environment
  • Strong communication and organisation skills including demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with all stakeholders
  • Class C Driver’s Licence

Benefits of working for Council

Council is committed to creating a positive working environment and offer a range of benefits for staff, including

  • Great leave opportunities 
    • Long service leave after 5 years
    • 1 RDO every 4 weeks 
    • Paid parental and concurrent parental leave
    • Carer’s leave
    • 3 weeks sick leave per year including up to 2 days health and wellbeing leave each year
    • Purchase additional leave or cash out leave
    • Deferred leave scheme – eg work three years at 75% of your pay and have the following year off at 75% of your pay! 
  • Support for training and professional development
    • Formal training opportunities
    • Access to thousands of free online training courses
  • Weekly pay cycle
  • Mobile phone allowance available if you bring your own device
  • Salary Packaging options to maximise your take-home pay
  • Hybrid work and flexible hours by agreement and subject to role requirements
  • Wellness – we want you to be at your best self so you and your immediate family members have access to our employee assistance program with TELUS Health One
  • Free annual flu vaccinations and bi-annual skin cancer checks available
  • Option of a Leaseback vehicle
  • PPE provided
  • Generous uniform allowance

About Warrumbungle Shire Council

Warrumbungle Shire is strategically positioned on the Newell Highway, a short drive from Tamworth, Mudgee and Dubbo, and just over 3 hours from Newcastle, making Warrumbungle Shire a great place to live and work. Covering an area of more than 12,000km², and with a population of nearly 10,000, Warrumbungle Shire Council is one of the larger Local Government Areas in Central West NSW, home to the townships of Coonabarabran, Coolah, Dunedoo, Binnaway, Baradine and Mendooran. 

With a rich history and stunning landscapes including spectacular mountain ranges, waterfalls, ancient sandstone caves, gorges, and beautiful plains, our scenic location amongst friendly country communities provides an ideal setting for those looking to balance a country lifestyle and career.

At Warrumbungle Shire Council we offer a broad variety of jobs with a range of benefits and career development opportunities within Local Government. The guiding principles of honesty, integrity, fairness and compassion form the spirit of the team along with respect, transparency, passion, trust and opportunity is how Warrumbungle Shire Council strengthens its working environment to deliver on the aspirations of our community. Council is proud to be an equal opportunity and child safe employer with a commitment to our staff and our vision is Excellence in Local Government. 

Applications close at 11.00 pm Sunday 22 June 2025.

For enquiries, please contact Human Resources on 6849 2000.

Applicants should note that Criminal History Checks, as well as alcohol and drug testing, are conditions of employment.