Contract Manager - Stormwater & Wastewater

Nelson City Council; Nelson; Hybrid; NZD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Wellbeing leave

Fully subsidised health insurance

Hybrid working arrangements

Generous leave provisions

Learning and professional development

Employee benefits and discounts

Meaningful projects shaping community

Proximity to mountains, beaches and NP

Job summary

Nelson City Council is seeking an experienced contract manager with strong stormwater and wastewater expertise to help ensure our assets and services operate reliably for the community.

You will oversee the operation and maintenance of networks, manage contracts and minor projects through all phases, coordinate contractors and consultants, monitor SCADA systems, and contribute to lifecycle planning and renewals while supporting regulatory compliance and emergency response.

Qualifications

• NZCE in Civil Engineering or equivalent qualification.
• Full NZ driver’s licence.
• Strong knowledge of stormwater and wastewater systems.
• Experience in contract management and delivery of infrastructure projects.
• Experience coordinating contractors and consultants.
• Experience in asset management and lifecycle planning.
• Understanding of regulatory requirements and compliance.

Responsibilities

• Oversee operation and maintenance of wastewater and stormwater networks and assets.
• Manage contracts and minor projects through investigation, design, procurement, construction and completion.
• Coordinate contractors and consultants and administer contracts.
• Monitor SCADA systems and support operational systems.
• Maintain asset information and contribute to lifecycle planning and renewals.
• Support regulatory compliance and response to service requests.
• Provide technical advice to Utilities team and Council colleagues.
• Participate in after-hours rosters and emergency response.

Skills

Contract management

Project management

Stakeholder coordination

Contract administration

Education

NZCE in Civil Engineering or equivalent

Tools

SCADA systems

Asset management software

Job description

Help shape Nelson’s future. Lead with expertise. Make a difference. We’re looking for an experienced contract manager with strong stormwater and wastewater expertise

Shaping our future | Kōmiria te anamata

Shaping Our Future was built with the ideas and experience of our own people. Staff input shaped our Operating Model, and that model now guides our new structure: organised around our customers, clearer about who does what, and investing in the capability we need for the future. Part of that vision is a workplace where people feel they belong and have room to grow. If you’re looking to develop your career, use your skills in a new way, or help shape how we serve Whakatū Nelson, we encourage you to apply.

About the role | Kō tēnei tūranga mahi

Draw on your contract management experience to help ensure Council’s stormwater and wastewater assets and services continue to operate reliably for the community.

You will:

• Oversee the operation and maintenance of wastewater and stormwater reticulation networks, open channels, flood protection and land drainage activities
• Manage contracts and minor project work through investigation, design, procurement, construction and completion
• Coordinate contractors and consultants and administer operation and maintenance contracts
• Monitor SCADA systems and support the maintenance of operational systems
• Maintain asset information and contribute to condition assessments, lifecycle planning and renewals
• Support regulatory compliance, resource consent processes and responses to service requests
• Provide technical advice and operational support to the Utilities team and wider Council
• Participate in after-hours rosters and support emergency and Civil Defence responses
• Identify opportunities to improve operations, maintenance and service delivery.

About you | Ko ngā pūmanawa ō

You’ll bring strong technical knowledge of stormwater and wastewater systems, sound judgement and practical experience delivering infrastructure projects and contracts. You’ll be organised, collaborative and confident working with contractors, consultants, colleagues, stakeholders and the community.

You’ll also have:

• An NZCE in Civil Engineering, a science or similar tertiary-level qualification, or substantial relevant industry experience
• A full current New Zealand driver licence
• A strong understanding of stormwater and wastewater systems, drainage principles, open channels and land drainage
• Experience in hydraulic or catchment analysis and engineering design
• Contract management experience, including knowledge of standards such as NZS 3910 and NZS 3917
• Project management and delivery experience
• Experience investigating and resolving network issues
• Experience managing contractors and consultants
• An understanding of asset management, lifecycle planning and relevant legislation
• Proficiency in asset systems and standard software tools
• Infrastructure operations experience within a utilities or local government environment

What we offer | Ko ngā painga mōu

• Wellbeing leave, platforms and initiatives
• A fully subsidised health insurance scheme
• A flexible workplace including hybrid working arrangements to support work-life balance
• Generous leave provisions
• Learning and professional development opportunities
• Access to various employee benefits and discounts
• Opportunities to contribute to meaningful projects that shape our community's wellbeing and future
• Mountains, beaches and national parks at your doorstep

At Nelson City Council, we are committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace where everyone feels safe, valued, and has a true sense of belonging. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, including those from diverse ethnicities and cultures, LGBTQ+ communities, neurodivergent individuals, and people with disabilities. If you require any assistance with your application, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Applications close | Rā whakakapi

11pm, Friday 6 November 2026

For further enquiries | Ina he pātai anō, whakapā mai

Please reach out to our people team on [e-mail]