Senior Water Compliance Advisor
You will inspect, audit, monitor and report on compliance across the three waters (Drinking Water, Wastewater and Stormwater) for Wellington Water. Join at an exciting time in the Water sector.
Opportunity to lead compliance auditing across water infrastructure
Drive a culture of continuous improvement
Based in our Petone office close to the beach and shops
This is a full time position of 40 hours per week
The remuneration range for this role is $101,125 to 142,765p.a. (including KiwiSaver) depending on skills and experience.
The opportunity
We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Senior Water Compliance Advisor to lead assurance activities, including audits and investigations across three waters—Drinking Water, Wastewater, and Stormwater compliance—for Wellington Water. This pivotal role involves ensuring our water services meet all regulatory standards, supporting the organisation’s commitment to ultimately ensuring the safety, sustainability, and compliance of our water services.
You will get to:
Lead and maintain a risk-based audit programme to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements
Undertake site assessments and inspections to audit our environmental compliance
Lead investigation activities and post-incident review
Promote best practice, continuous improvement and regulatory compliance
Provide expertise to the organisation on compliance and the interpretation of rules and regulation
Work with operational managers to develop tools and processes to effectively monitor resource consent compliance
About you
To be successful in this role you will bring:
A bachelor’s degree in environmental science, public health, engineering, resource management or other relevant degree or 5+ years relevant compliance/regulation experience
In depth knowledge of New Zealand legislative and regulatory compliance environment (i.e. the Water Services Act 2021 and the Resource Management Act 1991)
Excellent communication (written and oral), and interpersonal skills
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
Ability to build and maintain strong working relationships
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: 10 February 2026
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
- Risk and Compliance
- 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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