Operations Technician Water and Wastewater South Wairarapa
Hands-on technical role operating water and wastewater plants to deliver safe, reliable drinking water and compliant treatment services across Southern Wairarapa communities.
Plenty of training opportunities & an open path for career growth
Full-time permanent position
Based across our South Wairarapa depots
The opportunity
The purpose of the position of Operations Technician Water and Wastewater (SW) is to operate water and wastewater treatment plants and distribution facilities to ensure a reliable supply of safe drinking water and to meet the requirements of the RMA and relevant resource consents. This includes being in sole charge of the water systems during normal operations, making decisions on source water selection, treatment plant output and reservoir flow rates.
This position works across four potable water treatment plants and key reservoirs in the Southern Wairarapa Region, and four wastewater treatment plants and key pump stations in the same region.
About you
To be successful in this role, you will bring:
A National Diploma in water treatment or willingness to undertake study to achieve this qualification
National Certificate in water treatment, with it also being advantageous to have mechanical or electrical trade experience and treatment plant operations or similar industry
Ideally, experience in the safe handling of hazardous chemicals, working on an on-call roster or shift basis previously and have experience working in a collective and collaborative leadership environment
A thorough understanding of treatment processes and experience in the operation of treatment plants and associated infrastructure
Full understanding of quality and environmental management systems, alongside New Zealand drinking water standards
Detailed understanding of consenting requirements, of the operation and maintenance of process instrumentation, including SCADA systems
A thorough understanding of workplace health and safety requirements to complement a full motor vehicle driver’s licence
On a personal level, to balance the technical requirements above, you'll have good relationship-building skills, the ability to work as part of a team and as an individual, plus the ability to remain calm and composed in difficult situations. You'll also be adaptable to varying tasks and priorities, self-motivated, enthusiastic, passionate and be comfortable entering confined spaces\working at heights or in remote locations.
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 with managing the infrastructure and delivering water services to our communities.
The value of water (a precious taonga) lies at the heart of our organisation. Our people are passionate about providing water services to our communities and the environment, which is reflected in our values: Tangata Tiaki, Whānau, and Mana.
Why join us
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
View our benefits Here
If this sounds like you, then we would love to hear from you!
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 that if you are a Wellington Water employee, please apply using your work email.
Applications close: 15th February 2026
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 or eligible to obtain a working visa.
- Department
- Treatment and Control Systems
- Role
- Water Treatment
- Locations
- South Wairarapa Depot
South Wairarapa Depot
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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