Engineering Lead Treatment Plants

Tiaki Wai; Wellington; On-site; NZD 121,000 - 171,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working up to 2 days WFH

Wellbeing program

Professional development

5 weeks annual leave after 2 years

Job summary

Tiaki Wai is seeking an Engineering Lead (Treatment) in the Wellington region to provide strategic and people leadership for the Engineering Services Treatment team. You will oversee complex investigations, engineering studies, and technical assessments that shape the future of drinking water and wastewater services across the region.

This is a full-time role based in Petone, offering the chance to influence major infrastructure decisions while working across the full asset lifecycle and

Qualifications

• 10+ years post-qualification engineering experience in drinking water, wastewater, or three waters infrastructure.
• BE or Diploma with CPEng or progressing towards it.
• Experience leading, developing and motivating technical professionals.
• Strong technical expertise in treatment systems, water quality, or treatment planning.
• Ability to influence outcomes with a broad range of stakeholders.
• Experience managing complex programmes and organisational change.
• Strong coaching, mentoring and communication skills.
• Ability to translate complex technical issues into practical advice.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of engineers to deliver investigations, studies and technical assessments.
• Shape strategic decisions for Wellington Water's region-wide drinking water and wastewater services.
• Partner with Operations, Asset Planning and Capital Delivery to improve asset performance and resilience.
• Build relationships across the business and manage competing priorities.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder mgmt

Water treatment

Project management

Change management

Coaching

Communication

Strategic thinking

Education

Bachelor of Engineering or Diploma in Engineering (Civil, Chemical, Environmental, Process, or related)

CPEng status or working towards it

Job description

• Lead a team of highly skilled treatment engineering professionals
• Influence the future of drinking water and wastewater infrastructure across the region
• Shape strategic decisions while growing capability and technical excellence
  

• Lead a team of highly skilled treatment engineering professionals
• Influence the future of drinking water and wastewater infrastructure across the region
• Shape strategic decisions while growing capability and technical excellence
  

This is a full time position of 40 hours per week based in Petone

The remuneration range for this role is $120,817.48 to 170,565.86 p.a (including KiwiSaver) depending on skills and experience

The opportunity

The Engineering Lead (Treatment) provides strategic, technical, and people leadership for Wellington Water's Engineering Services Treatment team. Leading a team of dedicated and highly skilled engineers, you will oversee complex investigations, engineering studies, and technical assessments that help shape the future of drinking water and wastewater services across the region.

This is a unique opportunity to influence major infrastructure and investment decisions while working across the full asset lifecycle. You'll partner closely with Operations, Asset Planning, and Capital Delivery teams to understand asset performance, identify risks and opportunities, and develop solutions that support safe, reliable, and resilient water services.

Success in this role requires more than technical expertise. You'll lead a large team through a period of significant organisational growth and change while building strong relationships across the business.

About You

• 10+ years' post-qualification engineering experience, ideally within drinking water, wastewater treatment, or broader three waters infrastructure.
• A Bachelor of Engineering or Diploma in Engineering (Civil, Chemical, Environmental, Process, or related discipline), with CPEng status or working towards it.
• Demonstrated experience leading, developing, and motivating technical professionals.
• Strong technical expertise in treatment systems, treatment processes, water quality, or treatment infrastructure planning
• The ability to build trusted relationships and influence outcomes across a broad range of internal and external stakeholders.
• Experience managing complex work programmes, competing priorities, and organisational change.
• Strong coaching, mentoring, and communication skills.
• The ability to translate complex technical issues into practical and actionable advice for a range of audiences.

Benefits

At Tiaki Wai, our purpose extends beyond delivering great water services for the region; we foster a thriving community, support a diverse workforce, and offer supportive development opportunities. We genuinely care about your safety and wellbeing.

Our Benefits Include

• Flexible working arrangements including up to 2 days working from home
• Comprehensive wellbeing programme, including one paid wellbeing day annually
• Formal and informal professional development opportunities
• 5 weeks annual leave accrual will be available following 2 years of continual service
  

For a full list of our employee benefits click here.

About Us

Tiaki Wai is a council-owned organisation responsible for managing the delivery of drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater services across Hutt Valley, Porirua, and Wellington.

We manage public-owned extensive water infrastructure and oversee the delivery of safe and reliable services for our communities. We focus on long-term investment, asset management, maintenance, and delivering major infrastructure projects that support public health, environmental protection, and regional growth.

Water is a precious taonga. At Tiaki Wai, we put care into every drop and are guided by our values of Integrity, Care, and Leadership. We work directly with water consumers and in partnership with councils and mana whenua to deliver better water outcomes for current and future generations.

Applications close: Sunday 25 October 2026

Applicants for safety sensitive roles will be required to undergo drug and alcohol testing prior to commencing employment with Tiaki Wai. You must also be legally entitled to work long-term in New Zealand or eligible to obtain a working visa.