Energy & Resource Officer

New Zealand Government Joba; Burnham, Woodbourne; On-site; NZD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Life cover

Critical illness protection

Discounted insurances

Will services

Mortgage guidance

Job summary

NZ Defence Force is seeking an Energy & Resource Officer to support a sustainable and resilient Defence estate. Based at Burnham with travel to Trentham and Woodbourne, you will advise on energy, utilities and infrastructure performance to reduce environmental impact while enabling operations.

You will bring five years' experience in energy/building services, with strong data analytics and stakeholder communication skills to deliver practical outcomes for a wide range of audiences.

Qualifications

• Minimum of five years' experience in energy management, building services, or related field with relevant qualifications.
• Strong technical knowledge of utility networks, water systems and building services.
• Ability to translate complex technical data into practical advice for diverse audiences.

Responsibilities

• Drive improvements in energy, water, waste, emissions, and utility performance to reduce costs and environmental impact.
• Provide expert advice to support evidence-based decisions across infrastructure planning and operations.
• Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, resilience and long-term performance of utilities infrastructure.
• Partner with Estate Delivery, Base Command and asset teams to achieve shared outcomes.
• Build relationships and champion sustainable practices across the Defence estate.

Skills

Energy management

Building services

Building science

Electrical engineering

Data analytics

Stakeholder engagement

Problem solving

Education

Tertiary or trade qualification

Tools

GIS

Building Management Systems (BMS)

Job description

# Energy & Resource Officer at NZ Defence Force, Canterbury## Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role**Mō te tūnga | About the role**The Energy & Resource Officer plays a key role in supporting a sustainable, resilient, and fit-for-purpose Defence estate. Working closely with camp and base teams, you'll provide expert advice on energy, utilities, and infrastructure performance, helping NZDF reduce environmental impact while supporting operational outcomes.Key responsibilities include:* Drive improvements in energy, water, waste, emissions, and utility performance to reduce costs and environmental impact.* Provide expert advice to support sustainable, evidence-based decisions across infrastructure planning, projects and operations.* Identify and implement opportunities to improve the efficiency, resilience and long-term performance of utilities infrastructure.* Partner with Estate Delivery, Base Command, Asset Management Officers and technical specialists to achieve shared outcomes.* Build strong relationships and champion sustainable practices that support a resilient, efficient and fit-for-purpose Defence estate.Regular domestic travel is a feature of this position, allowing you to work directly with customers and stakeholders at each location.This role is based primarily at Burnham, with regular visits to Trentham and Woodbourne to provide on-site support and develop a strong understanding of infrastructure requirements and operational priorities.**Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and Experience**This role is a great opportunity for an experienced utilities or energy management or building services professional who is passionate about driving sustainability, improving infrastructure performance, and delivering practical outcomes. You'll work across a diverse portfolio, partnering with stakeholders to provide expert advice, influence decisions, and identify opportunities that make a real difference.Key skills and experience include:* Bring at least five years' experience in energy management, building services, building science, electrical engineering, or a related field, supported by relevant tertiary or trade qualifications.* Apply strong technical expertise across utility networks and building services and systems, including electrical and water reticulation, heating systems, building services, and building management systems (BMS).* Use data and analytics to identify trends, improve energy and water performance, and support informed infrastructure and project delivery decisions.* Build strong relationships and confidently engage with stakeholders, translating complex technical information into clear, practical advice for a range of audiences.* Demonstrate excellent problem-solving, quality assurance and customer-focused relationship management skills.Experience across wider infrastructure disciplines, particularly three waters and familiarity with GIS systems would be welcomed.**Nōu te rourou | What's in it for you**Safeguard your loved ones with a fully funded life cover of up to $300,000 and critical illness protection. Other benefits include discounted additional insurances, free will services and savings schemes for the Defence community. Get expert financial guidance and mortgage broker services. Find all our benefits and more on the Force 4 Families website.NZDF champions diversity and inclusivity, valuing every member and fuelling their success. We embrace uniqueness, understanding that diverse teams drive creativity, innovation, and excellence. With an open door to all – irrespective of gender, ethnicity, ability, age, or family dynamics – NZDF offers a flexible, empowering work environment. Join us in shaping a brighter future, where everyone thrives.**Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to Apply**Applications close on **Monday 12 October 2026**.Use the links on this page where you'll be directed to the Defence Careers website.**Please Note:*** All applications must be made online, via the Defence Careers website. Each listing contains the Position Description.* Your cover letter will be a key part of our selection process, so please highlight how your experience relates to the key activities outlined in the Advert and Position Description.* Applicants will be required to undergo a pre-employment drug-screening test prior to any offer of employment being made.NZDF Employees/Members – please apply internally via the HR Toolkit; this will ensure that you are visible as an internal candidate.NZDF Contractors – please apply via the Defence Careers website.NZDF Reserves – please apply via the Defence Careers website if you cannot access the HR Toolkit.**Please Note:**To be eligible for the required level of government security clearance with the NZ Defence Force, you need to meet certain citizenship and residency criteria. Here's what you need to know:Higher Level Security Clearance* You **must** be a New Zealand citizen **or** you must hold New Zealand Permanent Residence **or** have a current New Zealand Residency Class Visa.* At minimum, you **must** hold New Zealand Permanent Residence **or** have a current New Zealand Residency Class Visa, **and** you must be a citizen of and have lived in Australia, Canada, United Kingdom, United States of America or New Zealand continuously for the last ten (10) years.* You **must** have a ten (10) year background history that can be verified and assessed appropriately by the NZ Security Intelligence Service (NZSIS) to determine if you are suitable for a security clearance at this level.If you do not meet the minimum criteria, unfortunately, your application will not be accepted. We do welcome your application at a time when you will meet the requirements.## Ngā taipitopito tūranga mahi | Job details| | || --- | --- || Employer: | NZ Defence Force || Location: | Canterbury || Position type: | Ongoing - Full Time || Category: | Facilities/Asset Management || Date listed: | 28-Sep-2026 || Salary range: | N/A || Closing date: | 12-Oct-2026 || Reference: | NZ/DF-2609058 |