Hydro Plant Technician – Electrical & Control Systems

Contact Energy Ltd; Tauranga; Hybrid; NZD 90,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Contact Energy is seeking a Generation Technician for the Bay of Plenty hydro team, based at Ruahihi. You will work across electrical plant, control and protection systems, helping keep hydro schemes running safely and reliably.

You will join a 24-hour operational environment with an on-call roster and regular travel between Kaimai and Matahina schemes, contributing to safe, well-coordinated work and maintaining comprehensive documentation.

Qualifications

• Electrical trade background and practical control systems experience.
• Experience maintaining and operating plant or equipment in power generation or heavy industrial environments.
• Ability to investigate faults methodically and diagnose technical problems.
• Understanding of systematic maintenance practices and condition monitoring.
• Ability to read and update technical/operational documentation accurately.
• Strong commitment to health and safety and speaking up when something is off.
• Clear communication and collaboration with colleagues, contractors, and specialists.
• Self-discipline to work safely both independently and in a regional team.
• NZ driver license and willingness to travel between sites.

Responsibilities

• Carry out routine maintenance, inspections and condition monitoring to support safe operation of generation assets.
• Investigate faults and diagnose plant issues and coordinate rectification work.
• Work with electrical plant, control and protection systems and support automated operations when needed.
• Operate plant in line with safety rules and guidelines.
• Plan and complete scheme, asset and outage work including modifications.
• Monitor plant condition and respond to alarms, faults and maintenance needs.
• Maintain accurate records of operation and maintenance history.
• Collaborate with regional teams, contractors and technical specialists.
• Ensure understanding of environmental and safety rules across schemes.
• Remain onsite during adverse weather or emergencies when required.

Skills

Electrical trade

Control systems experience

Plant maintenance

Fault diagnosis

Documentation skills

Health and safety

Communication skills

Teamwork

Driver license (NZ)

Job description

Contact Energy is seeking a Generation Technician for the Bay of Plenty hydro team, based at Ruahihi. You will work across electrical plant, control and protection systems, helping keep hydro schemes running safely and reliably.

You will join a 24-hour operational environment with an on-call roster and regular travel between Kaimai and Matahina schemes, contributing to safe, well-coordinated work and maintaining comprehensive documentation.