River Engineer

Beca Limited; Christchurch; Hybrid; NZD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Professional development opportunities

Relocation and immigration support

Flexible working arrangements

Industry learning opportunities

Health insurance and gym discounts

Job summary

Beca Limited in Christchurch is seeking an experienced River Engineer to join the Southern Water team. You will contribute across the full lifecycle of river and waterway projects, from early planning and options assessment through to detailed design and on-site delivery.

You’ll apply geomorphology and hydrology modelling, with a focus on sound engineering, client relationships and commercial awareness. Flexible working options are available to support different lifestyles and career stages.

Qualifications

• Consultancy experience on river or waterway projects.
• Ability to manage priorities, delivery, quality, and budget.
• Knowledge of NZ guidelines and standards for river works.

Responsibilities

• Apply geomorphology, hydrology, and hydraulic modelling to river projects.
• Design river works from concept to detailed design and support on-site delivery.
• Support construction monitoring and site collaboration.
• Manage delivery with attention to quality, programme, and budget.

Skills

Geomorphology

Hydrology

Hydraulic modelling

Scour assessment

River works design

Construction monitoring

Project management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering

CPEng status or working towards chartership

Job description

River Engineer Work including geomorphology assessments, and optioneering, design and construction of river works Work with clients across the South Island and New Zealand Enjoy flexible working, career development, and a collaborative team culture

The opportunity

This is an opportunity to join Beca's Southern Water team in Christchurch, working alongside a passionate group of engineers who care deeply about the places and communities they serve. You'll work across the full life cycle of river and waterway projects, contributing from early planning and options assessment through to detailed design and on-site delivery. The role offers meaningful variety across river, stormwater, and water resources projects, allowing you to apply sound engineering judgement to real-world challenges. You'll be supported by experienced colleagues while also having the autonomy to take ownership of your work, build trusted client relationships, and balance technical excellence with commercial awareness as you continue to grow your technical and professional capability. We're committed to flexibility and wellbeing, offering part-time and full-time working options to support different lifestyles and career stages.

About you

You're an intermediate to senior River Engineer with strong technical foundations and a practical, solutions-focused approach. You're comfortable applying your expertise in real-world environments and supporting the delivery of well-built outcomes. Your experience includes:

• Applying geomorphology principles to real-world river systems
• Hydrology and hydraulic modelling to support sound, evidence-based decision making
• Scour assessment and understanding river behaviour during high-flow events
• Design of river works, from concept through to detailed design
• Supporting delivery through construction monitoring and collaboration on site
• Project management and/or site experience, which is advantageous and valued in this role

You bring proven consultancy experience, with the ability to manage your work and priorities effectively and take ownership of delivery with an eye on quality, programme, and budget. You work well within diverse, multidisciplinary teams and contribute positively to shared outcomes. You have a good understanding of NZ practice, including relevant NZ and international guidelines and standards for the design of river works, and apply this knowledge thoughtfully to local contexts. You'll also bring:

• Chartered Professional Engineer (CPEng) status, or be actively working towards chartership
• A relevant tertiary qualification in civil engineering or a related discipline

What we offer

• Professional development opportunities
• A supportive and caring work environment where you can bring your whole self to work
• Support with relocation and immigration for suitable applicants
• Flexible working arrangements to balance personal and family commitments
• Opportunities to learn from industry experts and technical gurus across Asia Pacific
• A highly supportive environment of sharing and collaboration
• Excellent benefits including discounted health insurance, gym memberships, and social club events

Beca prides itself on supporting a diverse and inclusive culture – open to inputs from creative people of all genders, ethnicity, identity, thought and experiences.

We also offer a range of employee benefits, designed to reward and recognise the amazing things our people are doing everyday.

And our values of partnership, tenacity, enjoyment and care are reflected in the way we work, with our people and with our clients.

When you are part of our Beca family, you'll own your own career path and contribute to a legacy.