Stephen Wilson
Summary
Highly experienced water operations professional with over 15 years of expertise in managing water supply systems, operational leadership, asset management, and emergency response. Adept at leading teams, implementing process improvements, and ensuring compliance with safety and environmental standards. Proven track record in managing water supply operations, optimizing resource allocation, and collaborating with key stakeholders to maintain high-quality water supply services.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Lead Operator – Surrey Hills Water Supply Team
Melbourne Water
02.2024 - Current
- Lead and manage a team of up to five Water Supply Operators, overseeing daily operations and performance management.
- Act as Manager Water Supply Southern Operations & Northern Operations during periods of leave.
- Conduct annual performance reviews and regular staff check-ins to ensure goal alignment and training compliance.
- Schedule staff leave, review timesheets, manage the on-call roster, and develop weekly schedules to meet operational needs.
- Assist with planning and coordinating network outages for asset maintenance, renewals, and emergency response.
- Operate and maintain drainage pumping stations and sodium hypochlorite dosing plants to meet safety and quality standards.
- Investigate and respond to public and customer inquiries, liaising with stakeholders including Retail Water Companies and local councils.
- Conduct asset surveillance on high-risk infrastructure and ensure compliance with HACCP and BWSA guidelines.
- Support various capital projects as an operations representative, collaborating with contractors and internal stakeholders.
- Participate in audits, incident investigations, and emergency response exercises.
Lead Operator – Winneke Water Supply Team
Melbourne Water
10.2015 - 02.2024
- Managed a team of up to nine operators, ensuring seamless operation of the Winneke Water Treatment Plant.
- Oversaw operations in compliance with WorkSafe’s Major Hazard Facility (MHF) regulations until de-licensing in 2019.
- Introduced digital tools, including electronic log sheets and an electronic logbook, to streamline data recording and compliance.
- Led emergency response planning and coordination efforts, acting as Incident Controller during exercises.
- Conducted laboratory testing for fluoride, pH, turbidity, and chlorine analysis.
- Supervised major infrastructure projects, including the Chlorine Risk Reduction project and Yan Yean Water Treatment Plant integration.
Water Control Centre Operator (Secondment)
Melbourne Water
02.2021 - 08.2021
- Monitored and managed Melbourne’s water supply system using SCADA control systems.
- Responded to alarms, managed network changes, and ensured compliance with regulatory standards.
- Assisted with annual reporting and contributed to the implementation of the Aqua Advanced Energy (AAE) automation system.
Water Supply Operator – Peninsula and Silvan Teams
Melbourne Water
10.2009 - 10.2015
- Conducted major water transfer main shutdowns and asset surveillance.
- Performed laboratory testing and challenge testing of water quality parameters.
- Coordinated maintenance work with contractors and ensured compliance with safety and environmental protocols.
- Acted as Health and Safety Representative and Chemical Coordinator, leading safety initiatives and chemical risk assessments.
- Created site evacuation plans and led training for new team members.
Project Fire-fighter/ Backhoe Operator/ Labourer –
Taranto Personnel
11.2008 - 05.2009
- Assisted in wildfire prevention and firefighting operations, including Black Saturday (2009).
- Conducted reservoir surveillance, turbidity testing, and environmental management activities.
Road/ Field Crew
Mt Baw Baw Alpine Resort
06.2008 - 10.2008
- Performed snow plowing, traffic management, and resort maintenance.
Project Fire-fighter/ Backhoe Operator/ Labourer –
Taranto Personnel
11.2007 - 04.2008
- See November 2008 - May 2009 for role scope
Machine Operator/ Labourer
Erica Earthmoving
11.2004 - 08.2007
- Operated heavy machinery, performed manual labor, created invoices and managed safety documentation.
Education
Certificate III - Water Operations (Water Treatment)
Water Training Australia
06-2011
Victoria Certificate of Education (VCE) -
Lavalla Catholic College
01-2004
Skills
- Team Leadership & Staff Development
- Water Supply Operations & Management
- SCADA System Operation
- Asset Maintenance & Surveillance
- Risk Assessment & Incident Response
- Compliance & Quality Assurance (HACCP, Drinking Water Quality)
- Outage Coordination & Emergency Planning
- Laboratory & Analytical Testing
- Report Writing & Stakeholder Liaison
- Contractor & Project Management
Certification
- Pump Technology Level 1 (2010)
- Introduction to Microsoft Excel (2013)
- MapInfo Professional Level 1 (2013)
- New Supervisor Training (2016)
- Manager’s Essentials (2017)
Affiliations
- Member, Water Industry Operators Association of Australia (2012 – Present)
Accomplishments
- National Emergency Medal for contributions during the Black Saturday fires (2009)
Timeline
Lead Operator – Surrey Hills Water Supply Team
Melbourne Water
02.2024 - Current
Water Control Centre Operator (Secondment)
Melbourne Water
02.2021 - 08.2021
Lead Operator – Winneke Water Supply Team
Melbourne Water
10.2015 - 02.2024
Water Supply Operator – Peninsula and Silvan Teams
Melbourne Water
10.2009 - 10.2015
Project Fire-fighter/ Backhoe Operator/ Labourer –
Taranto Personnel
11.2008 - 05.2009
Road/ Field Crew
Mt Baw Baw Alpine Resort
06.2008 - 10.2008
Project Fire-fighter/ Backhoe Operator/ Labourer –
Taranto Personnel
11.2007 - 04.2008
Machine Operator/ Labourer
Erica Earthmoving
11.2004 - 08.2007
Certificate III - Water Operations (Water Treatment)
Water Training Australia
Victoria Certificate of Education (VCE) -
Lavalla Catholic College
Similar Profiles
EVAN DUDDYEVAN DUDDY
Principal Planner at Melbourne WaterPrincipal Planner at Melbourne Water
Sharvari PasteSharvari Paste
People Services Administrator at Melbourne WaterPeople Services Administrator at Melbourne Water
Jarryd SchnabelJarryd Schnabel
Senior Customer Service Officer at Melbourne WaterSenior Customer Service Officer at Melbourne Water