From now until early 2020, Ergon Energy will be hiring power station attendants in nine remote communities across Far North Queensland to care for the day-to-day maintenance of power stations.
There are casual roles available at Aurukun, Doomadgee, Kowanyama, Lockhart River and Pormpuraaw on the mainland, as well as Dauan, Boigu, Badu and Mabuiag Islands in the Torres Strait.
Generation Work Group Leader, Craig Daines, said successful candidates will be responsible for the day-to-day maintenance and operation of the power station and they’ll be the face of Ergon in their community.
“We’re looking for locals who are reliable, safe and self-sufficient with a strong network of contacts in the community,” Mr Daines said.
“The only qualification you need is a driver’s licence and we’ll provide all the necessary training to become a power station attendant.”
Murray Island power station attendant, Demag ‘Dana’ Noah, is encouraging more women to apply.
“You don’t need any skills to start with, but if you commit yourself to do the job then you will find it easier.
“I did find it hard when I first started, but now I really enjoy doing the work, including diesel fuel and oil dips, servicing generation sets, monthly stock returns and yard maintenance.
“If I can do it, other women throughout the Torres Strait can.”
Ms Noah is seen as a role model for aspiring power station attendants.
“Dana is definitely a hard worker, she’s reliable, she blitzes the training sessions and she’s willing to give anything a go – we’d love to recruit more people like her,” Mr Daines said.
Remote power station attendants play an important role in keeping the community safe, especially during emergency response.
“I’ve received training in work health and safety, including first aid, and I assist customers to get in contact with Ergon’s customer operations centre if there’s an emergency or faults,” Ms Noah said.
“I help elderly people, listen to their concerns and always make sure Ergon provides support to my community.”
Responsibilities are shared between two casual power station attendants, who share an even roster and are paid for a minimum of 16 hours a week, plus any call-outs when rostered on.
Expressions of interest can be emailed to [email protected].
