Network Controller

Orion Group; Christchurch; On-site; NZD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

My Days leave (3 days)

Wellbeing allowance

Holiday house access in Hanmer

Job summary

Orion Group is seeking a Network Controller in Christchurch to safely manage the local electricity distribution network. You’ll join a dedicated control team using an Advanced Distribution Management System (ADMS) and receive training to grow into the role.

The position focuses on switching operations across HV and LV networks and requires a commitment to learning and safety. Training and career progression opportunities are available within Orion's supportive team.

Qualifications

• Must have or be working towards a NZQA qualification with knowledge of electricity distribution networks.
• Experience in HV distribution or transmission control Centre is advantageous.
• Strong communication, interpersonal skills and attention to detail required.
• Eagerness to grow knowledge and learn new skills.

Responsibilities

• Monitor and control network operations including alarms, communications and switching.
• Prepare, check and direct Operating Orders for safe work on the network.
• Monitor ripple control hot water load management systems.
• Ensure network status is updated in the network management system.
• Initial day-shift role with progression to full shift roster as skills grow.

Skills

Communication

Attention to detail

Teamwork

Willingness to learn

ADMS familiarity

Education

NZQA qualification

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, you 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