Distribution Asset Inspector

Waipā Networks; Te Awamutu; On-site; NZD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A community-owned electricity distribution business in New Zealand is looking for an Asset Inspector. This role involves conducting detailed ground and aerial inspections of distribution assets and operating drones to ensure network safety and reliability. The ideal candidate will have at least five years of experience in an electrical environment and strong attention to detail. This position offers competitive pay, flexible working conditions, and a supportive team environment.

Benefits

Competitive pay and tool-of-trade vehicle

Flexible working arrangements

Extra annual leave

Fully funded health insurance

Fully funded life insurance

Qualifications

• At least five years of hands-on experience in an electrical environment, preferably HV distribution.
• Good physical fitness to work across diverse terrains.
• Ability to operate drones or eagerness to learn.

Responsibilities

• Carry out ground and aerial inspections of poles, lines, and substations.
• Operate drones for asset assessment.
• Document issues and record inspection findings.

Skills

Hands-on experience in electrical environment

Drone operation skills

Attention to detail

Commitment to health and safety

Job description

We’re seeking a detailed-focused professional to carry out land and aerial inspections of our distribution assets, helping us keep our network safe, reliable, and future-ready.

This is a hands-on role that combines fieldwork, drone operation, and technical assessment, giving you the chance to work across a variety of settings while playing a crucial part in preventing faults before they happen. Whether you’re an experienced inspector looking for your next challenge or you bring strong electrical know-how and a keen eye for detail, we’d love to hear from you.

Why Waipā Networks?

We’re a community-owned electricity distribution business, supplying more than 60,000 people across Cambridge, Te Awamutu, Kawhia and surrounding rural, urban, and industrial areas. We’ve historically operated an 11kV-only network - but not anymore. With a growing district and major network upgrades underway, now is the perfect time to join.

Key benefits of the role

• Competitive pay and tool-of-trade vehicle
• Flexible working arrangements
• The ability to purchase additional annual leave to support work-life balance
• Fully funded health insurance cover for you and your family
• Fully funded life insurance, equivalent to twice your base annual salary
• A tight-knit, skilled team committed to safety, learning and doing the job right.

The role

As our Asset Inspector, you’ll be theeyes and ears of our network. From walking inspection routes to operating drones, you’ll help identify issues before they become outages and play a proactive role in keeping the lights on across Waipā.

You’ll:

• Carry out ground and aerial inspections of poles, lines, substations, and other distribution assets
• Operate drones to assess assets safely and efficiently
• Identify and document defects, damage, and wear-and-tear
• Support predictive maintenance programmes by recording and analysing data
• Liaise with landowners, contractors, and internal teams to ensure inspection work runs smoothly
• Occasionally perform minor repair (non-prescribed electrical works).

About you

You will have:

• Ideally at least five years of hands-on experience within an electrical environment (HV distribution preferred)
• Good physical fitness and the ability to work across a variety of terrains
• Drone operation skills, or the enthusiasm to develop them further
• A keen eye for detail and the ability to record and report inspection findings accurately
• A strong commitment to health and safety, always prioritising best practices.

Application process

We conduct a structured recruitment process in-house, which includes pre-employment vetting. You’ll need to have the right to work permanently in Aotearoa New Zealand and be currently living here.

Recruitment agencies – thanks, but we’ve got this one covered.