Assistant Engineer - Operations

Christchurch City Council; Christchurch; Hybrid; NZD 76,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working arrangements (WFH)

Health benefits

Job summary

Christchurch City Council is seeking an Assistant Engineer – Operations to provide hands-on engineering and operational support to water and wastewater treatment teams at the Christchurch Wastewater Treatment Plant. This practical, development-focused role combines plant operations exposure, engineering analysis, project support, and compliance reporting.

You’ll collaborate with Process Engineers, Network Operations, QA, and contractors while building experience across treatment processes and

Qualifications

• Degree in engineering (environmental, chemical, industrial or similar) or equivalent experience.
• Some experience in water, wastewater, process plant or other industrial environments.
• Interest in treatment processes, plant performance, and operational systems.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accurate reporting and record keeping.
• Confidence working independently while knowing when to seek guidance.

Responsibilities

• Support operational teams with the safe and effective operation of water and wastewater treatment plants.
• Provide engineering assistance to Process Engineers and Network Operations teams.
• Support asset replacement, renewal, and maintenance projects as delegated.
• Assist with development and review of SOPs.
• Monitor treatment plant performance and prepare KPI and performance reports.
• Support compliance activities, audits and reporting with QA teams.
• Undertake site inspections, audits, and Permit to Work processes.
• Support SAP data updates, asset records and maintenance planning.
• Provide leave and standby cover for operations and engineering roles as required.
• Participate in standby rosters and incident/emergency response.

Skills

Attention to detail

Microsoft Office

Database/asset systems

NZ Driver Licence

Education

Engineering degree (environmental/chemical/industrial)

Job description

About the team | Ko te rōpū nei

The Three Waters team is responsible for delivering safe, reliable drinking water and wastewater services to communities across Christchurch and Banks Peninsula. Within Operations, teams work at the frontline of treatment plant performance, compliance, and day‑to‑day service delivery.

You’ll work alongside Process Engineers, Network Operations staff, Laboratory and Quality teams, contractors, and operators across water and wastewater treatment sites.

About the role | Ko te mahi nei

As an Assistant Engineer – Operations, you’ll provide hands‑on engineering and operational support to water and wastewater treatment teams. This is a practical, development‑focused role that combines plant operations exposure, engineering analysis, project support, and compliance reporting.

You’ll support both day‑to‑day operations and longer‑term improvement work, while building experience across treatment processes, assets, and systems.

Key responsibilities include:

• Supporting operational teams with the safe and effective operation of water and wastewater treatment plants
• Providing engineering assistance to Process Engineers and Network Operations teams
• Supporting asset replacement, renewal, and maintenance projects as delegated
• Assisting with development and review of standard operating procedures (SOPs)
• Monitoring treatment plant performance and preparing KPI and performance reports
• Supporting compliance activities, audits, and reporting in collaboration with Quality & Compliance teams
• Undertaking site inspections, audits, and Permit to Work / Access to Work processes
• Supporting SAP data updates, asset records, and maintenance planning
• Providing leave and standby cover for operational and engineering roles as required
• Participating in standby rosters and supporting incident and emergency response activities

This role provides valuable exposure across drinking water and wastewater operations and supports development toward future Process Engineer roles.

You’re an early‑career or developing engineer who enjoys working in operational environments and wants to build practical experience alongside experienced technical professionals. You’re adaptable, hands‑on, and comfortable working across office‑based and field‑based activities.

You’ll bring:

• A relevant engineering degree (environmental, chemical, industrial, or similar), or equivalent experience
• Some experience in water, wastewater, process plant, or other industrial environments
• An interest in treatment processes, plant performance, and operational systems
• Strong attention to detail and a commitment to accurate reporting and record keeping
• Confidence working independently while knowing when to seek guidance
• Good computer skills, including Microsoft Office and database or asset systems
• A full New Zealand driver licence

What's in it for you? | He aha ngā hua ki a koe?

Want to be involved in shaping your City? Here at the Council we know our strength comes from our people, working together as one team to create results. When you join us, you're getting involved first hand, and contributing to crafting the Christchurch community. You will also benefit from:

• Access to training programmes, workshops, and development opportunities
• Flexible working arrangements - WFH, adjustable start and finish times, option to purchase extra leave.
• Collaboration - exposure to wider areas of the organisation
• Benefits - a variety of benefits for Council staff from health schemes to retail discounts.

We understand that recruitment processes can be challenging. If you require any support or adjustments to help you put your best foot forward, please reach out to us at [e-mail]

• Hours of work - 40 hours per week
• Position – 2.5 year fixed term – full time
• Location - This position is primarily based at Christchurch Wastewater Treatment Plant - Shuttle Drive, Bromley
• Salary - The salary band for this position goes from $76,433 - $84,926 per annum based on a 40 hour week. Starting salaries will be based on knowledge, skills and experience the successful candidate brings to the role, and relativities both, within the immediate team and in the broader organisation for the same or similar roles.

Where it's possible to love what you do.