Principal Geospatial Engineer

JobSpace; Christchurch; On-site; NZD 148,000 - 176,000; Full time

Job summary

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) is seeking a Principal Geospatial Engineer to act as a technical authority, shaping geospatial strategy and enterprise capability across New Zealand's transport system. You will mentor teams, influence senior leaders, and lead geospatial engineering initiatives for scalable, secure solutions.

You will drive the Geospatial Community of Practice and partner with delivery squads, focusing on modern data platforms, ESRI technologies, and data governance to

Qualifications

• Experience delivering enterprise geospatial solutions and web mapping applications using ESRI technologies
• Proven mentoring and developing technical specialists to build organizational capability
• Ability to influence senior leaders and provide trusted technical advice on complex decisions
• Experience managing and supporting enterprise geospatial platforms and services

Responsibilities

• Lead enterprise geospatial solutions and web mapping initiatives across NZTA
• Mentor and develop geospatial specialists to grow organizational capability
• Lead Geospatial Community of Practice and foster knowledge sharing
• Provide trusted technical advice to senior leaders and external partners

Skills

Geospatial leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Technical advisory

Mentoring

Strategic thinking

Tools

ArcGIS Enterprise

Spatial databases

FME

Web mapping

Job description

A rare opportunity to influence how geospatial engineering is managed, governed and leveraged across New Zealand's transport system. You will help shape enterprise capability, drive innovation, and provide trusted advice on some of NZTA's most important geospatial initiatives.

The Opportunity

At NZTA, geospatial information plays a critical role in helping us understand, manage and improve New Zealand's transport network. As Principal Geospatial Engineer, you'll operate as a trusted technical authority, partnering with senior leaders, delivery teams and external partners to ensure geospatial solutions are scalable, secure, resilient and fit for the future.

Beyond technical leadership, you'll play a key role in growing NZTA's geospatial engineering capability. You'll help shape the next generation of talent by coaching and mentoring and influencing technical practice. You will also lead our Geospatial Community of Practice, creating opportunities for knowledge sharing, innovation and continuous improvement across squads, programs and partners.

View the Position Description. Appointment salary is from $148,480 to $175,580 commensurate with skills and experience.

About You

You're an experienced geospatial data leader who combines technical expertise with strategic thinking and organizational influence. You understand how modern data platforms can unlock value at scale and enjoy creating an environment where engineers can thrive.

Ideally, you'll bring:

• Extensive experience delivering enterprise geospatial solutions and web mapping applications using ESRI technologies
• Proven experience mentoring and developing technical specialists to build organization capability
• The ability to influence senior leaders and provide trusted technical advice on complex decisions
• Strong experience managing and supporting enterprise geospatial platforms and services
• Expertise across ArcGIS Enterprise and modern geospatial technologies
• Experience with spatial databases and enterprise data platforms
• Experience building and supporting ETL processes, ideally using FME
• Exceptional communication skills and the ability to translate technical concepts into clear business outcomes. Exceptional stakeholder engagement and relationship-building skills

About Us

At NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) our purpose is transport networks that deliver for people, places and New Zealand. Our Te Aukaha - Digital group helps enable that by providing modern, fit-for-purpose digital, information, and technology services for our people, partners, and customers. We are future-focused, collaborative, and committed to creating better outcomes for Aotearoa.

What You'll Get in Return

We offer a comprehensive rewards package including:

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• 5 weeks annual leave
• Flexible working arrangements
• A free Life, Income Protection and Critical Illness insurance scheme available for permanent employees.