Water/Wastewater Engineer

• Bring your technically strong drinking water and wastewater treatment design experience to a key programme
• Engineering role with a difference, a great opportunity to apply your knowledge in service to visitors to Public Conservation land
• Salary ranges from $108,082 to $145,043 depending on skills and experience
• 2-year fixed term contract with flexible location - Christchurch, Hamilton or Wellington are preferred, other locations will be considered

Our vision: Nature is thriving in Aotearoa | Te Oranga o te Ao Turoa

The Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai (DOC) serves to protect and restore nature across Aotearoa. When nature thrives, we all thrive.

Ko ta Te Papa Atawhai he tiaki, he whakarauora ano hoki i te taiao puta noa i Aotearoa. He oranga taiao, he oranga tangata.

Mo te turanga | About the role

DOC manages a unique network of tracks, structures, campgrounds, and huts that provide access, amenities, and shelter in New Zealand's Great Outdoors.

Our water and wastewater infrastructure is typically remote and small-scale but does include several large campgrounds and small-town sized systems.

As one of two DOC Water Engineer's, you will be involved in the assessment of existing infrastructure and the design of upgrades and new drinking water and wastewater treatment systems.

You will produce design briefs, review external consultants designs and assist project managers with consenting and the engagement of consultants and contractors.

You will also be providing technical advice and assisting with the contract management of DOC's Drinking Water Infrastructure Programme, a project to upgrade 19 water supply systems to meet new Drinking Water Standards.

Click here for the Role Description.

Nga pukenga me nga wheako | Skills and experience
We want to hear from you if you have:

• At least 5 years' experience as a New Zealand Chartered Professional Water Engineer
  
• Broad experience across drinking water and wastewater treatment system design, preferably with remote-site experience
  
• Ability to carry out cost estimating, site selection, investigation, survey, design, drawing production, construction monitoring and commissioning
  
• Whole-system design ability: intake, treatment, storage, reticulation, discharge
  
• A high level of fitness and experience in New Zealand's backcountry
  
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and able to work in a team with lay people and experts
  
• An affinity with DOC's work and how it contributes to New Zealand's future sustainability
  
• The ability to travel within New Zealand
  
A full New Zealand drivers' licence.

Mo te tima | About the team

You will be joining a team of motivated engineering professionals with a strong affinity for conservation and outdoor recreation. They love the outdoors, are open in their communications, collegial and regularly discuss and share ideas.

He aha nga painga mou? | What's in it for you?

DOC places importance on developing a culture where everyone can participate, thrive, and grow. We're working towards being an organisation that is diverse, equitable and inclusive by default.
We want to ensure you have the best experience working for Te Papa Atawhai.

• We offer a supportive and collaborative working environment
  
• You will join our existing team of engineers, providing additional water engineering capacity for the duration of the Drinking Water Infrastructure Programme
  
• Being the multiple award winner of the most attractive employer in the public sector (and second overall) with an average personnel turnover greater than 10 years, we know people really enjoy working with us!

You can learn more about what we offer here.

Tonoa inaianei | Apply now

Apply online with a CV and Cover Letter that highlights your relevant skills, experience, and motivation for joining Te Papa Atawhai.

Please also include a short portfolio (PDF, maximum 30 pages) of personal work samples including hand calculations, hand sketches, construction drawings, reports, and specifications.

Please note, due to the expected high volume of applications, we are unable to accept direct or emailed applications or provide feedback to those not shortlisted. We may begin shortlisting as we receive applications.

If you require any accommodations or adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know.

The salary range for this position is $108,082 to $145,043 with the starting salary of the successful applicant being based on their relevant skills and experience.

Eligibility to work in New Zealand is mandatory - this includes holding a valid work visa that covers the whole period of employment.

Due to high volumes, we are not engaging with recruitment agencies for this role.

Ra whakakapi | Applications close at 11:59 pm on 3rd October 2025.

Me he patai ano, whakapa mai | For further enquiries, please feel free to contact Jonathan Calder, Engineering Manager - jcalder@doc.govt.nz.

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