Plant Operator Assistant
Lower Murray Water

Lower Murray Water is committed to contributing to the life of the community and working with schools and colleges throughout our region. We believe it is important to educate our customers and their children about the value of water and the vital role our services play in protecting public health.

Lower Murray Water have a Work Experience Opportunity (WE Opportunity) as a Water Treatment Plant Operator Assistant at their Mildura Water Treatment Plant. The WE Opportunity is ideally suited to a Year 10 student or a VCE student.

WORKSITE ADDRESS: Mildura Water Treatment Plant, Seventh Street, Mildura Vic 3500.
HEAD OFFICE: 741-759 Fourteenth Street, Mildura Vic 3500.

Water forms an increasingly important part of the school curriculum, and we work with many schools throughout the region, providing a variety of resources for their use. This is a great opportunity for a student looking to gain knowledge in the industry.

If you are interested in applying for this opportunity, please share this opportunity with your Careers Transition Pathway Officer or Careers Coordinator.

Skills You Might Learn

The student may have the opportunity to attain a broad range of skills while on work placement. These may include valuable employability skills such as:
• Communication.
• Teamwork.
• Punctuality.
• Presentation.
• Problem solving.
• Planning.
• Initiative.
• Hygiene.
• Follow instructions.
• Work under supervision.
• Industry specific OH&S.

The student may also attain vital industry specific skills which will relate to their secondary school studies they include:
• Hands-on practical experience.
• Observing and learning from industry qualified and experienced professionals.
• Working in real-life scenarios at a water treatment site and workshop.
• Working with tools and equipment necessary to the occupation.
• Liaising and working with supervisors, colleagues, industry personnel, customers/clients and suppliers.

Typical Tasks & Duties

As a Water Treatment Plant Operator Assistant, the student will observe and spend time under the direct supervision of experienced and qualified Water Treatment Plant Operators assisting with general operating plant tasks and duties in the day to day work activities at the Water Treatment Plant in Mildura.

The student may observe and assist with the following tasks and duties;
• Testing of water samples, blue green algae monitoring and environment management programs.
• Observation of computer monitoring SCADA system.
• Recording of flow totals, water test results and data following each test.
• Use of power tools or hand tools to assist in the job appropriately.
• Maintain tools, equipment and plant is in a safe, clean, and serviceable condition always.
• Apply and follow OHS requirements, policies, and procedures.
• Use and application of personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Identify hazards and control measures associated with water treatment operations.
• Reading and interpreting routine information on written job instructions, specifications, and standard operating procedures, this may include drawings.
• Following job instructions.
• Following verbal instructions.

Student Requirements

Prior to the interview with the host employer, students are required to review the businesses webpage and learn some background information on the organisation and what it is they do.

Once the placement is approved, completed forms must be provided to LMW one week prior to commencement.

Whilst students are attending a placement they are expected to:
• Dress appropriately.
• Maintain interest and participate in work duties.
• Be well mannered and behave in a respectful and responsible manner.
• Be punctual.
• Only use your personal mobile device on breaks.
• Follow management instructions.
• Act in accordance with Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) requirements.
• Complete the safety induction modules.
• Work within the team.
• Listen and take advice from fellow workers.
• Participate in business activities as required.
• Respect other people’s belongings.
• Keep a note pad and pen handy to take notes for their own reference.
• Demonstrate the skills they have developed through school.
• Take their Logbook to their work placement every day and fill it in each day.

Dress Requirements

The student will be required to present in the following work attire;
Student is required to wear steel capped boots for this placement. Reflective work pants, long sleeve shirts and a high visibility vest will be supplied by LMW. Items supplied must be returned to LMW upon the completion of the work placement.

Personal hygiene should be maintained, and hair should be neat and tidy.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) appropriate to the tasks and duties carried out by the student, will be supplied by Lower Murray Water.

Special Transport Requirements

Public Transport is limited, students to check bus transport availability and or speak to parents/carer to organise transport prior to contacting employer.

CDC Victoria - Mildura: Ph: 5023 0274, Website: https://cdcvictoria.com.au/travel-information/timetables-and-maps/mildura/.