Principal Engineer - Wastewater Network
Join us and the water sector at this pivotal time, this role offers an opportunity to contribute your technical expertise in the wastewater network, across the metropolitan region.
- Leading technical network advisor with a strategic lens
- Wide range of technically complex programmes of work
- Based in our Petone office close to the beach and shops
This is a full time position of 40 hours per week
The remuneration Midpoint for this role is $137,763 (including KiwiSaver) depending on skills and experience
The opportunity
The Principal Engineer – Wastewater Network offers senior technical leadership to enhance the performance, compliance, and long-term resilience of the region’s wastewater infrastructure. In this key role, you will provide expert guidance in conducting and reviewing investigations, support strategic and asset planning, and assess upgrades and optimization initiatives. Your work will ensure that wastewater services remain compliant, safe, reliable, and sustainable, contributing to the region’s commitment to effective water management and environmental stewardship.
You will get to:
- Lead and deliver complex investigations and early-phase project development for wastewater network performance, renewals, compliance, and capacity upgrades
- Review and advise on internally and externally designed projects
- Provide subject matter expertise on network asset performance and renewal prioritisation
- Collaborate with operations and planning teams to ensure data-driven insights inform asset management and investment priorities
- Guide and mentor others in their professional development
About you
To be successful in this role you will bring:
- 15+ years in wastewater engineering with a focus on wastewater networks
- A bachelor’s degree in engineering (Chemical, Environmental, or Civil) or a related discipline
- Experience supporting strategic, investment and asset planning and prioritisation
- Experience mentoring engineers and leading technical workstreams
- Organised, self-motivated, and committed to delivering public value
- Chartered Professional Engineer (CPEng) qualification
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: Tuesday 16 September 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 for safety sensitive roles 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.
- Department
- Strategy and Planning
- Role
- Network 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.
Already working at Wellington Water?
Let’s recruit together and find your next colleague.