Engineering Manager: Water and Waste

The Assignment: A well-regarded Northern NSW Council, nestled in the scenic New England High Country (a comfortable 3 to 3.5-hour drive from Brisbane/Gold Coast), requires a high-calibre Engineering Manager for a pivotal full-time, 3-month contract. Accommodation provided
This is your chance to apply your strategic engineering expertise to real-world, essential services infrastructure while enjoying the unique lifestyle benefits of a historic regional town.
We are seeking a senior professional who is prepared to reside within the Shire for the duration of this contract.The Role and Responsibilities
Reporting to the Director of Infrastructure, you will act as the leading authority on all operational and compliance matters across the Water and Waste portfolio. Your focus will be on maintaining technical integrity and ensuring seamless service delivery during this interim period.
Key Focus Areas:

• Technical Oversight: Provide senior engineering guidance for the operation, maintenance, and compliance of water treatment plants, sewer pump stations, and reticulation networks.
• Asset Management: Oversee the integrity and performance of critical water and waste assets, including the landfill/waste transfer station operations.
• Compliance & Risk: Ensure rigorous adherence to the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines, NSW Best Practice Management Frameworks, and all relevant environmental protection licenses (EPLs).
• People Leadership: Lead and manage the Water and Waste teams, providing direction, technical support, and maintaining a strong safety culture.
• Project Continuity: Drive the short-term delivery of planned operational improvements and capital works projects within the section.

About You
The ideal candidate is a hands-on leader who can hit the ground running, bringing a proven track record from the regional utility or Local Government sector.

• Essential: Degree qualification in Civil or Environmental Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Extensive experience in the strategic and operational management of complex water and wastewater systems.
• Demonstrated ability to manage operational budgets and lead multi-disciplinary teams.
• Strong understanding of contemporary waste management practices, including landfill operations and resource recovery.
• A decisive, solution-focused mindset, ready to manage technical challenges as they arise.

The Opportunity: Experience the Country Life
Trade the urban traffic for crisp country air and a genuinely supportive community environment. Our Shire offers an engaging lifestyle with access to national parks, boutique dining, and rich local heritage—all conveniently located a few hours from South East Queensland. We offer an attractive, competitive hourly / daily rate to secure the right talent. Accommodation provided
Next steps:
If you'd like to learn more please apply, email [email protected] or contact me on my mobile on 0400 986 086

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion at Hudson
Hudson is committed to helping you find a workplace where you feel respected, supported, and free to thrive. We welcome applications from all backgrounds, identities, and lived experiences—because when different voices come together, amazing things happen.

Casual Loading
Please note for all Australian based contract and temporary roles only, the pay rate is inclusive of mandatory 25% casual loading. This excludes permanent and fixed term roles.