Principal Geospatial Engineer

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi; Palmerston North; On-site; NZD 148,000 - 176,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

5 weeks annual leave

Flexible working arrangements

Insurance coverage for permanent staff

Job summary

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi is looking for a Principal Geospatial Engineer to act as a trusted authority and shape the future of geospatial engineering across NZTA. You’ll mentor a fantastic geospatial team, coach, and influence technical practice while leading our Geospatial Community of Practice across squads and partners.

Appointment salary is from NZD 148,480 to NZD 175,580, commensurate with skills and experience. This role can be based in any NZTA office location.

Qualifications

• Must be a seasoned geospatial data leader with strategic thinking.
• Proven ability to mentor and develop technical specialists.
• Ability to influence senior leaders and provide trusted technical advice.
• Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead and shape enterprise geospatial capability across NZTA.
• Coach and mentor geospatial engineers; grow the team’s capabilities.
• Oversee Geospatial Community of Practice; drive knowledge sharing and innovation.
• Partner with senior leaders to ensure scalable, secure geospatial solutions.

Job description

• Shape the future of geospatial engineering at NZTA
• Mentor and uplift our fantastic geospatial team engineering
• Permanent, full-time position – Can be based in any NZTA office location

• Shape the future of geospatial engineering at NZTA
• Mentor and uplift our fantastic geospatial team engineering
• Permanent, full-time position – Can be based in any NZTA office location

A rare opportunity to influence how geospatial engineering is managed, governed and leveraged across the 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.

Te Whiwhinga mahi | 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.

Ko koe tēnei | About you

You're an experienced geospatial data leader who combines technical expertise with strategic thinking and organisational 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 organisation 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

Mō mātou | 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.

Ka whiwhi koe i te aha | 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.

Rā Katinga | Applications close:

13 September 2026

For further information, email: [e-mail]

To be considered for this position you must have a legal right to live and work in New Zealand.

Waka Kotahi is an equal opportunity employer (EOE). We recognise the importance of diversity and inclusion and are committed to providing a working environment that embraces these values. Please let us know if you need any support or have any access requirements that will help you through the recruitment process.

Please note that we may begin shortlisting as we receive applications. We encourage early applications as we may withdraw the advertising at any time.