Network Controller
Overseeing network performance, outages, and incidents. Driving smarter faster responses that reduce disruption and strengthen regional resilience.
Lead the Team that protects the region’s essential three waters services.
Drive real-time decisions that keep critical water networks running for our communities.
Permanent Position based in Petone.
The opportunity
As the Network Controller you will provide clear directional leadership to a team of technical experts responsible for monitoring, configuring, and supporting enhancements to operations and incident responses within the region’s three waters networks. You will maintain oversight of network performance, outages, risks, and incidents, ensuring the right information, decisions, and responses occur at the right time. Through continuous improvement, this role shapes how the network is operated and maintained, directly improving reliability, resilience, and efficiency. The outcomes of this work protect a critical public service and reduce the impact of network issues on communities across the region.
Day to day you will
Maintain a central, real-time view of network performance, configuration, risks, and operational status across the three waters networks
Act as Duty Incident Manager during significant incidents, providing calm, decisive leadership and clear escalation
Oversee network configuration, risk, and defect registers to ensure information is accurate, current, and informs operational decisions
Work closely with engineering, maintenance, customer, and external stakeholders to ensure aligned, efficient network operations
Support the development of critical work improvement programmes that focus on asset changes, operational process, incident response and responses to regulatory and compliance requirements.
About you
To be successful in this role you will bring:
Proven experience at a leadership level within a regulated utility or networked infrastructure environment
Strong experience in incident and outage management, including leading responses to high-impact or emergency events
A deep understanding of network performance, configuration, and risk management across complex asset systems
The ability to analyse operational data and translate insights to create improvement strategies and work programmes
Excellent stakeholder engagement skills, with experience working across internal teams, councils, contractors, and regulators
Previous experience adopting and implementing incident management and asset management frameworks
A relevant engineering qualification or equivalent experience within a three-water network.
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: 4th January 2026
How to apply
To view a copy of the position description: click Position Description
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
- 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.
Already working at Wellington Water?
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