Network Controller

Orion NZ; Christchurch; On-site; NZD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

My Days leave

Wellbeing allowance

Holiday house in Hanmer

Job summary

Orion NZ is seeking a Network Controller in Canterbury who will plan and execute switching operations across high and low voltage networks. You’ll work with our ADMS to safely keep the lights on for the Christchurch region, with training available for the right candidate.

You will start on day shifts with growth opportunities into a full shift roster as you develop your skills, and you’ll be part of a close-knit team helping our local communities stay powered.

Qualifications

• NZQA qualification or working toward one with knowledge of electricity distribution networks.
• Experience in HV electrical distribution or transmission in a Control Centre is advantageous.
• Strong communication, interpersonal skills and attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Monitor and control network operations including alarms, communications and switching.
• Prepare, check and direct Operating Orders for safe work on the network.
• Monitor and manage ripple control hot water load management systems.
• Ensure the network status is updated within the network management system.
• Initially day shift, with potential transition to a full shift roster in future opportunities.

Skills

Network operations

Electricity distribution

Communication skills

Attention to detail

Willingness to learn

Education

NZQA qualification in electricity distribution

Tools

ADMS

Job description

Jora New Zealand will close on 9th September 2026. Thank you for being with us, we are cheering you on as you continue your career journey.

Due to an internal promotion, we're looking for a Network Controller - or someone keen to train into this role, reporting to our Control Centre Manager. This position is critical to ensuring safe access to and the smooth operation of our network. You don't need to tick every box right away; if you bring the right attributes and a background in electricity distribution or network operations, we'll provide the training and support to help you succeed.

Our Network Controllers use an industry leading Advanced Distribution Management System (ADMS) to monitor and control the network. This is your opportunity to join a close-knit team and grow your skills as we continue to develop the advanced features of the system to help our team and our customers. This is an exciting role with Orion where you are responsible for safely keeping the lights on for our local community.

You will plan and execute switching operations across the network, controlling high and low voltage, sub-transmission and distribution equipment. We offer a busy, yet rewarding and challenging environment. If you love what you do, and are looking for a new opportunity, come and join the team at Orion.

About us

Passionate, curious, and innovative are a few words that describe our people. We are powering the future, connecting communities, and igniting innovation. Orion owns and operates the electricity distribution network that provides power to central Canterbury. As the third largest electricity distribution network in New Zealand, we cover remote rural areas, regional towns, and the city of Christchurch.

We are an essential service and take our responsibilities seriously. We are community owned and working here means a career with meaning and purpose that makes a difference in your very own neighbourhood.

The role

• Monitor and control network operations including alarms, communications and network switching
• Prepare, check and direct Operating Orders to enable work to be undertaken safely on our network
• Monitor and manage our ripple control hot water load management systems
• Ensure the status of our network is continually updated within our network management system
• This is initially a day shift-based role with options to cover shift work as you grow your skills - transition to a full shift work roster is expected as future opportunities arise

About you

• Have, or be working towards a relevant NZQA qualification with a working knowledge of electricity distribution networks
• Experience in the operation of HV electrical distribution or transmission systems in a Control Centre environment would be an advantage
• Strong and transparent communication, interpersonal skills and attention to detail
• A willingness and desire to grow your current knowledge and learn new skills
• A great sense of humour with a positive outlook and approach to your work

We offer

You’ll find at Orion, you can come as you are and just be you. You will be joining a workplace that values who you are, the work you do, and the way you think. Importantly, we offer:

• Three days of "My Days" leave, additional leave after five years, and supportive parental leave provisions
• A broad range of workplace benefits from a wellbeing allowance to access to our holiday house in Hanmer!
• You might be surprised to find out that the company that brings the power to your home is innovative, inclusive, progressive, and quite good fun

You must have the right to live and work in New Zealand to apply for this job. Pre-employment checks are part of our recruitment process.