Water Industry Operations Traineeship

Programmed Skilled Workforce, in partnership with Santos, is offering Queensland residents the opportunity to commence a Water Industry Operations Traineeship based at the Roma Hub.

This traineeship provides a structured entry pathway into the energy industry, supporting the safe and reliable operation of Coal Seam Gas water treatment processes on a world-class Santos asset.

About the Traineeship

As a Water Industry Operator Trainee, you will develop foundational operational skills to support CSG water treatment activities in accordance with safety, environmental, and operational standards. The role provides exposure to hydrocarbon processing environments and associated systems, enabling participants to build practical, industry-relevant skills.

On successful completion, participants will achieve a Certificate III in Water Industry Operations (NWP30222) — a nationally recognised qualification applicable across the Australian hydrocarbon and water operations sectors.

Trainees will be employed by Programmed Skilled Workforce and hosted by Santos for the duration of the program. The traineeship follows a competency-based training and assessment model, with a nominal duration of 24 months, subject to individual progression and training requirements.

Key Learning Areas

Throughout the program, trainees will develop skills in:

• Operate, monitor and maintain CSG water treatment, storage and transfer assets in accordance with Santos Operating Management Systems, procedures and work instructions
• Safely manage produced water systems including RO plants, water transfer pipelines, ponds, tanks, pumps and associated infrastructure
• Identify, respond to and troubleshoot process upsets, alarms and abnormal operating conditions

• Monitoring CSG water treatment processes to ensure compliance with environmental and safety requirements
• Perform routine servicing and maintenance is carried out on all valves, pumps, motors and mechanical and monitoring equipment, including analytical instruments and equipment used in the laboratory
• Complete daily plant performance monitoring records, including flow rates, pH, plant and equipment breakdowns, services together with the relevant action taken. Identifying and reporting faults, hazards, and abnormal operating conditions
• Collaborate with Production, Maintenance, Environmental and Engineering teams to optimise water handling performance and reliability
• Applying workplace health, safety, and environmental procedures

What the Program Offers

• Structured, competency-based traineeship with on-the-job learning at the Roma Asset
• Training delivered virtually by specialist RTO Simmonds & Bristow
• Combination of site-based practical experience and integrated theory
• Ongoing mentoring, supervision, and support throughout the program

Criteria

To be considered, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Permanent Queensland residency, preferably with a demonstrated connection to the Roma region
• Ability to work 2 weeks on 2 weeks off roster, including 12-hour shifts
• Completion of Year 12 or higher
• Demonstrated commitment to safety and teamwork
• Strong motivation with sound mechanical, diagnostic, verbal, and numerical reasoning skills
• Basic computer literacy
• Ability and willingness to travel for training or site-based experience if required

Desirable Criteria

• Previous operations experience in industrial environments
• Trade qualifications in mechanical, electrical, or instrumentation disciplines
• Experience in industries such as manufacturing, mining, construction, or light industrial

(Desirable criteria are not mandatory and are not required to apply.)

Diversity & Inclusion

Programmed and Santos are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workforce. We encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, women, people of culturally diverse backgrounds and school leavers to submit an application.

Apply Now

If you are seeking a structured entry into water operations within the energy industry, we encourage you to apply.
Applications close: Monday 9^th February 2026 at 5.00pm

Who we are

As one of Australia's largest employers, we work with great companies all around Australia and New Zealand to give you the best opportunities to work when and where you want to.

At Programmed, we are committed to creating a safe and inclusive environment which values and respects diverse styles, backgrounds, experiences and perspectives.

We welcome and encourage women, people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent and people from diverse backgrounds to apply.

So it's over to you. If you would like to join our team, APPLY now.

To learn more about working with Programmed, we encourage you to visit our website.