Water and Wastewater Treatment Technician Apprentice

Why join us? | He aha ngā hua o tō piri mai?

Build your career: Work towards industry-recognised Level 4 qualifications in both water and wastewater treatment.

Make a difference: Help provide safe drinking water and reliable wastewater services for the Palmerston North community.

Learn on the job: Gain practical experience across both treatment areas, supported by experienced supervisors and technicians.

About the role | Ngā kōrero mō te tūranga

As our Water and Wastewater Treatment Technician Apprentice, you’ll develop your technical skills through supervised, work-based training across our water and wastewater treatment facilities. As your skills and competence grow, so will the range of work you undertake and your level of responsibility.

This is a three-year fixed-term role, initially based at the Wastewater Treatment Plant before transitioning to the Water Treatment Plant. You’ll work 40 hours per week, from 7:30am to 4:00pm.

Your focus in this role will include

Enrolling in and progressing through industry-recognised Level 4 qualifications in water and wastewater treatment.

Assisting with the operation and maintenance of water treatment facilities, supporting the delivery of clean, safe drinking water.

Assisting with wastewater treatment operations in line with Council procedures and resource consent requirements.

Monitoring treatment processes and promptly reporting equipment or process issues.

Following safe working practices and operating within the limits of your training, competence and authorisation.

Assisting with public enquiries and plant tours while helping to keep visitors safe.

Supporting the water treatment duty standby roster once your skills and experience allow.

About you | Ngā kōrero mōu

You’ll bring a genuine interest in water and wastewater treatment, a willingness to learn and a practical approach to working safely. You’ll enjoy being part of a team and be motivated to build your capability through formal study and hands-on experience.

What you will bring

The commitment and ability to complete Level 4 qualifications in both water and wastewater treatment.

A full Class 1 driver licence and the ability to drive a manual vehicle.

A positive, collaborative approach to teamwork.

Clear and professional communication skills.

At least an intermediate level of computer literacy.

Initiative, self-motivation and a willingness to take on greater responsibility as your competence develops.

Strong time management and organisational skills.

An understanding of, and commitment to, safe working practices.

About us | Ngā kōrero mō mātou

Palmerston North (or as we like to call it, Palmy) is a growing, innovative and exciting city. With small city benefits and big city ambition, Palmy has secured its place on the map as a creative and exciting city, with leading innovation and developments! We’re proud to be a city that includes, supports, connects and uses the talents of the whole community in our pursuit to provide a connected and safe community. We’re also a future-focused city who cares about enhancing our natural and built environment. Our future looks bright, it looks vibrant and progressive.

What we offer | Te āhua o ā mātou mahi

Fixed remuneration of $29.90 per hour, plus a 3.5% KiwiSaver employer contribution where eligible.

Five weeks’ annual leave and a community service day.

Supported work-based learning and development.

Study leave and access to study and fee support.

Annual flu vaccinations and subsidised health and eye checks.

The opportunity to build a rewarding career while contributing to essential services for a growing city.

Applications close: 11.00 pm, Wednesday 14 October 2026.

We are an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and welcome applications from all those suitably qualified for this position.

Job Profile

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