SA Water provides water and wastewater services to more than 1.8 million people across South Australia.
Every time someone turns on a tap, takes a shower or flushes a toilet, there’s a huge network working behind the scenes. We manage reservoirs, pipelines, treatment plants and networks across the state, helping keep homes, businesses and communities running every day.
And it takes all kinds of people to make that happen.
As one of South Australia’s largest utilities employers, we offer careers across engineering, science, technology, environmental management, trades, customer service, finance, project management and plenty more.
Our people work together to manage one of South Australia’s most valuable resources, protect the environment and support communities across the state.
Be part of something bigger
Starting your career with us means doing work that matters, with impact you can see every day.
When you join us, you’ll join purpose led people who care about their community, environment and each other.
You’ll belong to a team that values safety, inclusion and respect and we’ll invest in your growth, whether that’s building new skills, trying new things, or exploring different career pathways across the organisation.
We’re future focused and there are opportunities to learn new technologies and discover innovative solutions to real-world challenges.
Whatever path you choose with us, every role contributes to something bigger – providing essential water and wastewater services that help South Australia thrive.
Our Entry Career Programs
There’s more than one way to start your career at SA Water.
If you’re ready to take your first step into the workforce, our early career programs provide opportunities for school leavers, high-school students, TAFE students, and university graduates to gain experience and build new skills from people working across the water industry.
Explore our early career pathways:
Graduate Program
Start your professional career with mentoring, development opportunities and support towards industry accreditation.
Apprenticeships
Learn on the job while working across our wide range of water infrastructure, equipment and assets.
Traineeships
Combine practical experience with recognised training while building the skills for a career in the water industry.
Technical cadetships
Develop specialist engineering skills as you train towards becoming a Technical Officer.
Work experience and tertiary placements
Get first-hand experience in a career you’re interested in, learn from our people and put your studies into practice.
Graduate Program
Ready to put your degree into practice?
The future of water is evolving, and we value the fresh ideas our graduates bring. Through our 2-year Graduate Program, you’ll help shape the future of water services across South Australia while building a dynamic and rewarding career.
You’ll have the structure, support and guidance you need to succeed, alongside the freedom to innovate, grow and make an impact. When you join us, you’ll be contributing to something bigger – supporting the sustainability, prosperity and livability of our state.
Along the way, you’ll be mentored by experienced professionals and supported through ongoing development opportunities and targeted training. You’ll also gain insight into our statewide operations and connect with a network of like-minded, early-career professionals across the water industry.
Who can apply
We encourage applications from everyone, including people living with disability, job seekers of all ages, members of the LGBTQI+ community and people from culturally diverse backgrounds, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
How to apply
Applications for our 2028 to 2030 Graduate Program will open in 2027 with graduate disciplines announced mid to late 2027.
What happens after you apply
The recruitment process includes an online application, an online assessment and, for shortlisted applicants, an in-person group activity at our assessment centre and a one-on-one interview.
Final candidates will then complete our standard pre-employment checks before offers are made.
Apprenticeships
Prefer getting your hands dirty?
An apprenticeship is a way to build a trade career while working on the infrastructure that keeps water and wastewater services running across South Australia.
Over 4 years, you’ll combine paid, hands-on experience with structured TAFE training in one of three disciplines: Electrical, Mechanical or Fabrication.
You’ll learn from experienced tradespeople and build practical skills while working on site at our workshops, plants and facilities.
Who can apply
To be eligible, you’ll need to:
be an Australian citizen or permanent resident
hold a current and valid full or probationary driver’s licence
be willing to complete SA Water’s standard pre-employment checks
Applications generally open in July each year for apprenticeships beginning the following year.
Choose your trade
Electrical
Electrical apprentices can work on switchboards, pumps, valves, tanks, telemetry equipment and electrical systems.
You’ll also complete a Certificate III in Electrotechnology through TAFE, building skills in electrical components, circuits, motors, transformers and other electrotechnology equipment.
Mechanical
Mechanical apprentices develop skills across machining, power tools, welding and technical drawings while completing a Certificate III in Engineering Trades (Mechanical).
It’s a practical pathway for anyone interested in how machinery works, how it’s maintained and how essential equipment is kept running.
Fabrication
Fabrication apprentices work with welding, pipework and the manufacture, installation and maintenance of SA Water assets, including infrastructure at water and wastewater treatment plants.
Alongside your on-the-job experience, you’ll complete a Certificate III in Engineering Trades (Fabrication).
How to apply
Submit an online application via our Careers page. You’ll be asked a series of questions to confirm eligibility, including:
Australian citizenship or permanent residency
holding a current and valid driver’s licence (full or probationary)
willingness to complete standard probity checks (reference checks, medical assessment, traffic history, police clearance, and right to work).
What happens after you apply
The recruitment process includes an online application, an online assessment and, for shortlisted applicants, an in-person group activity at our assessment centre and a one-on-one interview.
Final candidates will then complete our standard pre-employment checks before offers are made.
Traineeships
Want to get paid to learn on the job while working towards a TAFE qualification?
We currently offer two types of traineeships:
Water Industry traineeship
Business Administration traineeship.
Our traineeships combine structured learning through TAFE with hands-on experience, helping you build the skills and confidence to take the next step in your career.
Traineeships run for 24 months and may be based in metropolitan or regional South Australia.
Water Industry Traineeship
If you enjoy practical, hands-on work, a Water Industry Traineeship will connect you with experienced people across our organisation to learn how to maintain, repair and operate the infrastructure that keeps South Australia’s water and wastewater services running.
You could be involved in:
operating and maintaining water networks
supporting routine maintenance and repairs
excavation, trench work and basic land management
working with equipment in outdoor and confined-space environments
engaging with customers and communities while representing SA Water.
Alongside your practical experience, you’ll build knowledge across areas including environmental and licensing procedures, plant and equipment operation, flow and regulating devices, computerised systems, and reading plans and specifications.
Business Administration Traineeship
A business administration traineeship combines practical workplace office experience with a structured, off-the-job certificate-level qualification through TAFE.
Who can apply
To be eligible for a Water Industry and Business Administration traineeship, you’ll need:
a current driver’s licence
Australian citizenship, permanent residency or an appropriate working
How to apply
Traineeship opportunities are advertised through our current vacancies, so keep an eye out for upcoming positions. SAWater – Work with us
What happens after you apply
The recruitment process includes an online application, an online assessment and, for shortlisted applicants, a one-on-one interview. If we receive a lot of applications, you may be asked to attend our assessment centre for an in-person group activity.
Final candidates will then complete our standard pre-employment checks before offers are made.
Technical Cadetships
Interested in engineering and keen to learn in the classroom and on the job?
Our Technical Cadetship Program helps you build practical experience while studying towards an approved Technical Officer qualification.
You’ll work alongside our experienced Technical Officers, developing your skills and contributing to engineering work that supports South Australia’s water and wastewater services.
Who can apply
To apply for a Technical Cadetship, you’ll need to:
have completed Year 12
hold a current driver’s licence.
Technical Cadetship opportunities are advertised on our vacancies page. SAWater – Work with us
Choose your engineering pathway
Technical cadets can specialise in:
Civil Engineering
Electronics and Communications Engineering.
Your formal training will be at a minimum TAFE Diploma or associate degree level, with the exact training depending on your cadetship and location.
What could you work on?
Civil Engineering
As a Civil Engineering cadet, you could:
Help investigate proposed water and wastewater projects.
Support technical designs for mains extensions and replacements.
Help develop solutions to water supply issues.
Work with computer-aided drafting and design.
Contribute to planning future capital works.
Electronics and Communications Engineering
As an Electronics and Communications Engineering cadet, you could:
Help design, fabricate and build electronic equipment.
Support electronic trade waste monitoring systems.
Assist with remote monitoring of industrial discharges.
Help install field monitoring equipment.
It’s a chance to combine formal study with hands-on engineering experience, while seeing how technical work is applied across a major water network.
How to apply
Cadetships are advertised on our website. Look for traineeships on our vacancies list.
What happens after you apply
The recruitment process includes an online application, an online assessment and, for shortlisted applicants, a one-on-one interview. If we receive a lot of applications, you may be asked to attend our assessment centre for an in-person group activity.
Final candidates will then complete our standard pre-employment checks before offers are made.
Work Experience and Placements
Curious about where a career at SA Water could take you?
Our unpaid work experience and work placement opportunities give you the chance to step inside our organisation, learn from our people and get a first-hand look at the huge range of careers that help keep South Australia’s water services running.
You’ll work as part of a team and get involved in day-to-day activities and projects, helping you put what you’re learning at school or university into practice. Along the way, you’ll build your skills, make professional connections and get a better feel for the kind of career you might want to pursue.
Opportunities may be available across metropolitan and regional South Australia.
Placement duration:
Work experience secondary school: 1 week.
Work placement (Work Integrated Learning): short-term, no greater than 1 semester and on a casual basis.
Who can apply?
You’ll need to be a current secondary school or university student who is required to complete work experience or a placement as part of your studies.
Our secondary school Work Experience Program is aimed at students in Years 11 and 12.
Areas you could explore
We offer work experience across a range of career areas, including:
Engineering
Environmental science
Sciences, including biology, chemistry and mathematical sciences
Marketing and communications
Community engagement
Information technology
Finance
Construction and project management
How to apply
Our Work Experience and Placement Program is currently closed.
Keep an eye on our vacancies page for future expressions of interest and opportunities.
What happens after you apply
We will do our best to match your request with a host manager and will keep you informed of availability. If a suitable opportunity is available, we will introduce you to your host manager so you can discuss the next steps together.
Benefits of Working with SA Water
There’s a lot that goes into keeping South Australia’s water services running, and just as many different careers behind it.
At SA Water, you could work across engineering, science, technology, trades, environmental management, customer service, business and plenty more. Whatever your role, your work contributes to services South Australians rely on every day.
And there’s plenty of support to help you build a career here.
From flexible working arrangements and wellbeing support to training, mentoring and opportunities to move across the organisation, we’ll provide you room to grow and thrive and find what works for you.
Flexible working arrangements
Life doesn’t always fit neatly around 9 to 5.
Depending on your role, we can offer flexible working arrangements, including a mix of working on site and from home, as well as formal flexible arrangements to support individual needs.
Employees can also access a range of paid leave options, including parental leave, wellbeing leave, study leave, volunteering leave and cultural or ceremonial leave.
Belong to our inclusive and supportive culture
We keep it real and genuinely support each other.
Our inclusive culture, focus on wellbeing, and everyday recognition reinforce how much we value our people. Care isn’t just a statement, it shows up in the small, consistent moments that shape how we work together.
We provide a range of physical and mental health support, including confidential Employee Assistance Program sessions for employees and their families, annual flu vaccinations, wellbeing training and a peer support network.
Employees also receive 2 days of wellbeing leave each year to help manage their personal needs.
Opportunities to grow and thrive
There are plenty of ways to keep learning at SA Water.
You can build experience through your day-to-day work, take on new responsibilities, access mentoring and coaching, or explore secondments and opportunities elsewhere in the organisation.
We also offer formal training throughout the year and may support further study through TAFE, university or other registered training organisations where relevant to your role.
Support is also available for a range of professional accreditations.
Confidence in your safety
Every day, our people across the state take positive steps to work safely – no matter their role or location.
Employees are provided with the procedures, training and equipment they need to work safely, along with the freedom and support to raise concerns when something doesn’t feel right.
We follow South Australian laws and public sector guidelines to make sure all workplace injury claims are managed fairly and responsibly.
Recognition and new opportunities
Good ideas and great work don’t go unnoticed.
We celebrate innovation and achievement through our annual Impact Awards and appreciate, recognise and celebrate each other through our reward and recognition platform, Top Drop.
Because we value, encourage and celebrate our people, we give you room to build skills, try new things, and shape a meaningful career.
Ready to see where you could fit? Explore current vacancies and early career opportunities at SA Water. SAWater – Work with us
Our Values
Our values help shape our culture at SA Water. They help guide how we work together, how we make decisions and how we show up for our customers, communities, and each other.
Our values are:
We value our people: I can bring my whole self to work. My opinions matter. We value each other. We act safely.
We do work that matters: We are purposeful. We care about our environment. Everyone contributes.
We keep it real: We do the right thing. We keep each other safe. We look out for each other.
Our work has impact: We are proud to deliver for our customers and communities. We make every dollar count.
We are future focused: We look ahead. We embrace change. We are resilient.
Our values help us to:
Stay connected and work towards shared goals.
Make decisions guided by a clear set of principles.
Understand what we expect from ourselves and each other.
Stay focused on our purpose and the communities we serve.
Build positive relationships with our colleagues, customers and partners.
Do what’s right, even when the answer isn’t always obvious.
Disability Access and Inclusion
Everyone should be able to access opportunities, services and support without unnecessary barriers.
We’re continually working to make our organisation more accessible and inclusive for our people, customers and communities, including people living with disability.
We work with people with disability, customers, community groups and relevant organisations to better understand where barriers exist and how we can remove them.
It’s about listening, learning and making practical changes that support greater access, choice and participation for everyone.
FAQs
What are the age requirements?
Age requirements can vary depending on the program.
There is no age requirement for our traineeships, but work cannot be undertaken during school hours before the age of 16 years old.
For apprenticeships, you’ll need to hold a current full or probationary driver’s licence which requires individuals to be at least 17 years old.
Check the individual program page or job advertisement for the latest requirements before applying.
Do I need experience?
You don’t need previous industry experience to apply for our apprentice, trainee, technical cadetships or work experience roles.
For apprenticeships, if you’re completing a Certificate II in your chosen trade through school as part of your South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE), that can be helpful, but it isn’t essential.
Do I need a resume?
Yes. You’ll need to submit a resume as part of your application.
Depending on the role, you may also be asked to provide additional information or respond to application questions.
What does the recruitment process involve?
The process can vary depending on the role, but it generally starts with an online application through the SA Water careers portal.
For some early career programs, you may also be asked to complete an online assessment, attend an assessment centre or take part in a one-on-one interview.
If you progress to the final stages, you may need to complete standard pre-employment checks such as reference checks, a medical assessment,
What should I wear to my interview?
Smart casual. Think neat pants or skit, a clean shirt or top, and tidy shoes. You don’t need to wear a suit unless you want to. The most important thing is that you feel comfortable, presentable and ready to have a conversation.
What happens if I’m unsuccessful?
Once the outcome of your application has been decided, you will be contacted by one of our team members to let you know.
Missing out on an opportunity never feels good, but don’t let that stop you from applying for another one of our opportunities in the future.
I have a disability and need an adjustment or inclusive support. Who can I contact?
If you need an adjustment or additional support during the recruitment process, you can submit an enquiry online at accessibility@sawater.com.au. If you’re deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech or communication difficulty, you can contact SA Water through the National Relay Service.
Use your preferred National Relay Service call option and provide SA Water’s phone number: 1300 729 283.
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