Network Operations & Engineering Lead (Utilities)
It's an exciting opportunity for you to showcase your leadership skills working alongside dynamic teams of contractors, suppliers and internal delivery teams focused on supporting our utilities assets
- Great development opportunity utilising your operational leadership
- Build lasting relationships with internal and external stakeholders
- Permanent position based in our Petone office
This is a full-time position of 40 hours per week
The opportunity
Supporting the Operations and Engineering team, this role will see you lead the operation and management of the three waters utilities infrastructure comprising our reservoirs, pump stations, and pressure control valve assets, ensuring they perform to expected service levels and are being effectively maintained. This role encompasses planning and delivering a range of upgrades and renewals capital projects for these assets across the region. You will also provide leadership in the delivery of planned maintenance programs through the Service Delivery and Maintenance teams and impact expert advice on the operation of the wider network.
Additionally, you will be involved in:
- Internal and external contractor management
- Operations and upgrade projects
- Supporting and working with field crews to deliver services
- Monitoring workflow & process improvements
- Risk and budget management
About you
To be successful in this role you will bring:
- A relevant engineering qualification or equivalent experience
- Experience leading plant maintenance programmes and / or projects relating to asset management or infrastructure improvement
- Ability to identify key risks and plan accordingly to investigate mechanical issues
- Aptitude to lead, develop and manage staff
- Background collaborating with community stakeholders, contractors and customers to identify and address issues
Benefits
At Wellington Water, our purpose extends beyond delivering great water services for the region; we foster a thriving community, support a diverse workforce, and offer supportive development opportunities. We genuinely care about your safety and wellbeing.
Our benefits include:
- Flexible working arrangements including up to 2 days working from home
- Comprehensive wellbeing programme, including one paid wellbeing day annually
- Formal and informal professional development opportunities
- 5 weeks annual leave accrual will be available following 2 years of continual service
For a full list of our employee benefits click here.
About us
Wellington Water is the professional water services provider across Greater Wellington and South Wairarapa. Our job is to provide safe and healthy drinking water, collect and treat wastewater, and ensure the stormwater network is well managed. We’re a multi-council owned entity, tasked to manage the infrastructure and deliver water services to our communities.
The value of water (a precious taonga) sits at our organisational heart. Our people are passionate about providing waters services for our communities and environment which is reflective in our values; Tangata Tiaki, Whānau and Mana.
Applications close: Applications close: Sunday 22nd June 2025
How to apply
To view a copy of the position description: click here
To apply for the role, click on the ”apply” button or visit the Wellington Water Careers site, please note if you are a Wellington Water employee please apply using your work email.
For further information, email: JoinUs@wellingtonwater.co.nz
Applicants will be required to undergo drug and alcohol testing prior to commencing employment with Wellington Water. You must also be legally entitled to work long-term in New Zealand or eligible to obtain a working visa.
- Department
- Network Operations
- Role
- Network Operations & Engineering
- Locations
- Petone Office

Petone Office
Staff benefits
1. Inclusive Culture: It is important to us that people love our culture. We embrace a workplace where diversity is celebrated, and inclusivity is at our core. Our team is united by passion, dedication, and a shared care for water and our community.
2. Safety and Support: We provide an Employee Assistance Scheme for crucial personal support, along with wellbeing and lifestyle education delivered through our Wellbe Team, ensuring you feel supported in and out of the workplace.
3. Health is Wealth: We prioritise your health with an annual voluntary health "warrant of fitness," immunisations, and flu vaccinations. Moreover, enjoy annual subsidised vision testing and contributions toward glasses to ensure clear vision.
4. Work-Life Balance: Where possible there is access to flexible work practices. And take advantage of our annual leave, reaching five weeks after three years of service, and 10 days sick leave from starting with us. In addition, take one paid day a year for your personal Wellbeing. We also offer parental leave and partner entitlements to support you during significant life moments.
5. Comprehensive Benefits: We have partnered with providers for discounted Southern Cross medical insurance, periodic vision and hearing tests, and eyewear subsidies. You can also access discounts at a range of retailers via Boost. Gain access to top-notch gear, machinery, PPE, and tools, fostering a safe work environment if you are “on the tools”. We also offer a staff referral bonus paid when a person is recruited for a senior front line position, and we may offer relocation support if you need to move into the district to work here.
6. Professional Growth: Grow your skills with a range of development opportunities. Boosting your personal and work career.
7. Community Connection: You can take one paid day a year to participate in voluntary work on a water-related activity. And maybe join our active Waiata group and be part of a community that works together, sings, and thrives together.
About Wellington Water
Wellington Water is owned by the Hutt, Porirua, Upper Hutt and Wellington city, South Wairarapa District, and the Greater Wellington Regional councils
The work Wellington Water does is vital and rewarding. We’re tangata tiaki for Wellington’s water, and caretakers of our water infrastructure. Every day, we work to ensure that our communities have access to safe, sufficient, reliable and efficient water services. WWL is growing, and opportunities are growing along with it. It’s a transformative time in the industry.
Network Operations & Engineering Lead (Utilities)
It's an exciting opportunity for you to showcase your leadership skills working alongside dynamic teams of contractors, suppliers and internal delivery teams focused on supporting our utilities assets
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