Hydro Generation Technician – Taupo Region

Contact Energy; Taupo; On-site; NZD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Contact Energy in Taupō is seeking a Generation Technician to join the hydro team for a 12-month fixed-term contract. The role spans across generation assets, operating and maintaining high‑voltage, mechanical and rotating plant, often at remote sites, with autonomy and collaboration when issues arise.

You’ll bring a mechanical or electrical trade and hands‑on experience in power generation, especially hydro, plus fault diagnosis, safety focus and the ability to travel to Taupō sites.

Qualifications

• You’ll bring a relevant mechanical or electrical Trade Certificate or equivalent qualification.
• Experience working in power generation, with some exposure to hydro generation.
• Hands-on experience maintaining and operating large-scale industrial plant and equipment.
• The ability to investigate faults, diagnose technical problems and identify practical solutions.
• Strong attention to detail and the ability to recognise changes in plant or equipment that may indicate an emerging issue.
• Sound judgement and a strong approach to safety, including the confidence to make decisions about whether work or plant conditions are safe.
• Reliability, initiative and the ability to work safely and effectively on your own for much of the day.
• Clear communication skills and the ability to work constructively with colleagues, contractors and technical specialists, particularly when responding to breakdowns or time-sensitive operational issues.
• A full New Zealand driver licence and the flexibility to travel regularly to sites in the Taupō region.

Responsibilities

• Carry out routine maintenance, inspections and condition monitoring to support the safe and reliable operation of our generation assets.
• Investigate faults, diagnose plant and equipment issues, and complete or coordinate the work needed to rectify them.
• Work across mechanical, electrical, high-voltage and rotating plant and equipment.
• Operate plant and equipment in line with operational guidelines, safety rules and relevant competency requirements.
• Plan and complete scheme, asset and outage work, including approved modifications and enhancements.
• Monitor plant condition and respond to alarms, faults, defects and emergency maintenance requirements, paying close attention to changes that could indicate an emerging issue.
• Maintain accurate operational, maintenance and plant history records, including updates following changes to plant or systems.
• Work independently across our schemes while staying closely connected with your team, contractors and technical specialists, particularly when responding to breakdowns or operational issues.
• Build a thorough understanding of operational requirements, environmental consents and the safety rules that apply across the schemes.
• Travel regularly between sites, including remote plant locations, as part of your day-to-day work

Skills

Mechanical trade

Electrical trade

Power generation

Hydro experience

Fault diagnosis

Safety conscious

Reliable & self-driven

Communication skills

NZ driver licence

Education

Trade Certificate (Mechanical or Electrical)

Job description

Contact Energy in Taupō is seeking a Generation Technician to join the hydro team for a 12-month fixed-term contract. The role spans across generation assets, operating and maintaining high‑voltage, mechanical and rotating plant, often at remote sites, with autonomy and collaboration when issues arise.

You’ll bring a mechanical or electrical trade and hands‑on experience in power generation, especially hydro, plus fault diagnosis, safety focus and the ability to travel to Taupō sites.