Team Leader Water Services

Team Leader Water Services

City of Coffs Harbour | Permanent Full-Time (35 hours)
Operational and People Leadership Opportunity

• Lead frontline water network operations delivering a critical public service

• Strengthen safety, reliability and team performance in a 24/7 environment

• Build confidence, capability and discipline across essential water services
  

The City of Coffs Harbour is seeking a capable, grounded and technically credible Team Leader Water Services to provide strong operational leadership across the City’s water network operations.

Reporting to the Section Leader Water & Wastewater Services, this is a frontline leadership role within the City Infrastructure Directorate, responsible for leading the Water Services team in the delivery of safe, reliable and compliant drinking water services to the community.

The role combines hands-on operational leadership, technical oversight and people management in an environment where service reliability, public health and regulatory compliance are non-negotiable. Water network operations are safety-critical and highly visible, requiring disciplined systems of work, calm decision-making and strong field leadership.

The team operates in a complex environment managing ageing assets, reactive fault response, preventative maintenance obligations and evolving compliance requirements, while maintaining 24/7 service responsiveness.

What Success Will Look Like

In the first 12–18 months, success in this role will be reflected through stronger operational confidence, improved safety discipline and a more cohesive, well-led team.

You will have:

• Established strong leadership credibility with crews and coordinators through clear direction, consistency and follow-through.

• Embedded safer systems of work and improved field discipline, contributing to reduced incidents and stronger safety outcomes.

• Improved communication, morale and day-to-day operational effectiveness across the team.

• Strengthened compliance confidence through clearer processes, reporting rhythm and operational oversight.

• Reduced maintenance backlog through better planning, prioritisation and resource allocation.

• Become a trusted operational leader within the broader Water & Wastewater function, known for reliability and professionalism.
  

Together, these outcomes will demonstrate a water services operation that is disciplined, safe and well-positioned to meet community and regulatory expectations.

About You

You will bring demonstrated experience leading field-based water network teams, strong technical credibility in water reticulation operations and a disciplined approach to safety, compliance and risk management. You will be a calm, practical leader who builds trust with crews, communicates clearly and leads effectively in a reactive service environment.

Local government experience is strongly preferred, given the regulatory and governance requirements associated with council-managed water networks.

This is an opportunity to lead a frontline team delivering one of Council’s most critical public services and to make a tangible contribution to public health and community wellbeing.

How to Apply
Please download the applicant pack to view the position description and selection criteria before submitting your application.

Applications close: 5:00pm AEST Monday 9 March 2026.