Network Controller

North Power NZ; Whangarei; On-site; NZD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Flexible leave

Life insurance

Discounted medical cover

Wellbeing support

Fuel and retail discounts

Learning & progression

Inclusive culture

Job summary

Northpower is seeking a Network Controller in Whangārei to oversee real-time operation of the electricity distribution network from our Network Operations Centre. You will coordinate field crews, manage faults, issue switching instructions and permits, and assist with outages and restoration efforts.

This role requires strong problem-solving, calm decision-making under pressure, and a proactive safety-first mindset.

Qualifications

• Relevant electrical industry qualification or strong electricity distribution background.
• Experience in electricity distribution, substations, high-voltage systems, or related field.
• Knowledge of network operating procedures, permitting, isolations and access requirements.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate field crews and manage fault responses.
• Issue switching instructions and permits.
• Support restoration of supply during planned and unplanned events.
• Participate in outage planning, emergency response and network control activities.
• Contribute to safety, reliability and continuous improvement initiatives.

Skills

Decision making

Problem solving

Calm under pressure

Computer literacy

Safety‑first

Shift work

Education

Electrical qualification

Tools

SCADA

ADMS

Protection systems

Network communications

Job description

Location: Whangārei

About the Role

At Northpower, our Network Controllers play a critical role in keeping the power on for our communities. Based in our Network Operations Centre, you’ll be responsible for the safe, real-time operation of Northpower’s electricity distribution network, ensuring outages, faults, planned works, and network events are managed efficiently and safely.

Working as part of a close-knit team on a 24/7 shift roster, you’ll coordinate field crews, manage fault responses, issue switching instructions and permits, and support the restoration of supply during planned and unplanned network events. You’ll also be involved in outage planning, emergency response, network control activities, and continuous improvement initiatives that help keep our network safe, reliable, and resilient.

This is a role where no two days are the same. You’ll be making critical decisions under pressure, communicating with a wide range of stakeholders, and helping ensure the safety of our people, contractors, customers, and network assets.

About You

We’re looking for someone who thrives in a fast-paced operational environment and enjoys solving problems when it matters most. You’ll bring experience within electricity distribution, substations, high-voltage systems, network operations or a similar operational environment. We’re also open to considering someone with a strong electrical background, the right aptitude and a genuine interest in developing into a Network Controller.

You may already be an experienced Network Controller, or you could be an electrician, electrical technician, engineer, or electricity distribution professional looking to take the next step in your career. Depending on your existing skills and experience, you may either join us as a Network Controller or enter through a structured, mentored development pathway to build the competencies required to operate within our 24/7 Network Operations Centre.

To be successful, you’ll bring:

• A relevant electrical industry qualification or strong electricity distribution background
• Experience within electricity distribution, substations, high-voltage systems or transferable electrical industry experience
• Knowledge of network operating procedures, permitting, isolations, and access requirements
• Experience with or understanding of SCADA, ADMS, protection systems, and network communications
• Strong decision-making and problem-solving skills
• The ability to remain calm and communicate clearly under pressure
• Excellent attention to detail
• Strong computer literacy
• A proactive, safety-first approach
• The ability and willingness to work within a 24/7 operational environment

What’s in it for you?

• Based in the winterless North - this role offers a great opportunity with an even better lifestyle.
• Competitive pay, plus flexible leave and boosted KiwiSaver options
• Life insurance, discounted medical cover and wellbeing support
• Fuel and retail discounts
• Ongoing learning, development and career progression opportunities
• A supportive, inclusive and family-friendly culture where safety comes first
• The opportunity to work on essential infrastructure projects that help power New Zealand’s future

About Northpower

Proudly Kiwi-owned, Northpower is one of New Zealand’s largest infrastructure businesses, delivering electricity, fibre, renewables, transmission and energy services across Aotearoa. With over 1,400 people nationwide, we’re proud to power the communities that rely on us every day.

If you’re looking for a challenging and rewarding role where you can make a real impact on the reliability and safety of Northland’s electricity network, we’d love to hear from you.

Join Northpower and help power our communities every day.

We welcome people from all backgrounds and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels they belong.

Pre‑employment checks include a criminal history check, medical assessment, and drug and alcohol testing.

Applicants must have the legal right to work in New Zealand.