Assistant Engineer - Operations

About the team

The Three Waters function supports the delivery of dependable drinking water and wastewater services for communities across Christchurch and Banks Peninsula. In the operations area, the focus is on frontline treatment plant performance, meeting compliance obligations, and ensuring services run smoothly each day.

You will collaborate with Process Engineers, Network Operations colleagues, laboratory and quality specialists, contractors, and plant operators across water and wastewater treatment facilities.

About the role

As an Assistant Engineer - Operations, you will provide practical engineering and operational support to teams working in water and wastewater treatment. The role is designed for someone building their career and blends hands-on plant exposure with engineering analysis, support for projects, and compliance-related reporting.

You will contribute to both day-to-day plant operations and longer-term improvement initiatives, while gaining experience across treatment processes, assets, and operational systems.

Key responsibilities

• Assist operational teams to run water and wastewater treatment plants safely and effectively.
• Support Process Engineers and Network Operations staff with engineering tasks and troubleshooting.
• Help with asset replacement, renewal, and maintenance projects when assigned.
• Contribute to the creation and review of standard operating procedures.
• Track plant performance and prepare KPI and performance reports.
• Support compliance work, audits, and reporting alongside Quality and Compliance teams.
• Carry out site inspections, audits, and Permit to Work / Access to Work processes.
• Help maintain SAP records, asset data, and maintenance planning information.
• Provide leave cover and standby support for operational and engineering positions as needed.
• Take part in standby rosters and assist with incident and emergency response activities.

About you

You are likely an early-career or developing engineer who enjoys practical work in operational settings and wants to grow alongside experienced technical specialists. You are adaptable, comfortable being hands-on, and able to move between office-based and field-based tasks.

What you will bring

• A relevant engineering qualification such as environmental, chemical, industrial, or a similar discipline, or equivalent experience.
• Some background in water, wastewater, process plant, or another industrial environment.
• Genuine interest in treatment processes, plant performance, and operational systems.
• Strong attention to detail and a commitment to accurate reporting and record keeping.
• The ability to work independently while knowing when to ask for guidance.
• Solid computer skills, including Microsoft Office and database or asset management systems.
• A full New Zealand driver licence.

What’s on offer

• Access to training programmes, workshops, and development opportunities.
• Flexible working options, including work from home, adjustable start and finish times, and the option to purchase extra leave.
• Opportunity to work across different parts of the organisation and broaden your experience.
• A range of employee benefits, including health schemes and retail discounts.

Additional information

The organisation is committed to a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace. If you are excited about the role but your experience does not match every part of the job description, you are still encouraged to apply.

If you need support or adjustments during the recruitment process, you can contact [email protected].

• Work hours: 40 hours per week.
• Employment: Permanent, full-time.
• Primary location: Christchurch Wastewater Treatment Plant, Shuttle Drive, Bromley.
• Salary range: NZD 74,394 to NZD 82,660 per annum, based on a 40-hour week. Starting pay will depend on the successful candidate’s knowledge, skills, experience, and internal relativity within the organisation.
• Closing date: 6/07/2026.

Applications may be reviewed as they come in, and interviews could be held before the closing date. The employer may choose to close the advertisement early.