System Controller

PowerNet; Invercargill City; On-site; NZD 90,000 - 125,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

5 weeks' annual leave

Southern Cross health insurance

Life and income protection insurance

Job summary

PowerNet is seeking a System Controller based in Invercargill to monitor and operate the South Island electricity network. You will work in a 24/7 control room, coordinating operations, responding to faults, and ensuring safe, reliable power delivery to over 75,000 customers.

The role emphasizes safety, attention to detail, and proactive risk management, with opportunities to contribute to continuous improvement within a values-driven team.

Qualifications

• Experience in a network control room environment or related operational role.
• Knowledge of SCADA systems and permit management.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Calm under pressure with sound decision-making.

Responsibilities

• Monitor and operate the electricity network to ensure safety and security of supply.
• Coordinate network operations, respond to faults and outages, manage permits and switching activities.
• Support planned maintenance and project work across the network.
• Work as part of a 24/7 rostered control room team.

Skills

SCADA operations

Control room ops

Clear communication

Education

NZ Certificate in Electricity Supply (Network Operator)

NZ Certificate in Electricity Supply (Level 3) - Field Switching

Job description

Play a critical role in keeping the lights on across the lower South Island.

At PowerNet, we are committed to delivering exceptional service and building strong partnerships with our customers. As part of this commitment, seeking a capable and safety-focused System Controller to join our 24/7 System Control team based in Invercargill.

This is a genuine opportunity to join an industry-leading organisation where innovation, technology and continuous improvement are shaping the future of electricity distribution.

You will be at the heart of real-time network operations, helping ensure the safe, reliable and efficient delivery of electricity to more than 75,000 customers across our networks.

What's in it for You?

• 5 weeks' annual leave
• Southern Cross health insurance
• Life and income protection insurance
• The opportunity to support services that help power communities across the region

About the Role

As a System Controller, you will be responsible for monitoring and operating the electricity network to ensure the safety of our people, contractors and the public, while maintaining security of supply for our customers.

Working as part of our 24/7 rostered control room team, you will coordinate network operations, respond to faults and outages, manage permits and switching activities, and support planned maintenance and project work across the network.

To be successful in this role, you will have:

• Experience within a network control room environment, electricity distribution, transmission, generation, or a related operational role
• Knowledge of SCADA systems, network operations, permit management and quality of supply principlesStrong attention to detail, including accurate recording and management of operational information
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
• The ability to remain calm and make sound decisions under pressure
• A proactive approach to risk management and safety
• Adaptability and a commitment to continuous learning

Experience in a network control room or broader electricity supply environment would be highly regarded, along with a NZ Certificate in Electricity Supply (Level 3) - Field Switching (or equivalent), a commitment to achieving the NZ Certificate in Electricity Supply (Network Operator), and three or more years' relevant operational experience.

Why PowerNet?

PowerNet plays an important role in supporting essential infrastructure across the lower South Island. Our people are committed to safety, reliability, customer focus and continuous improvement.

This is an opportunity to help shape how we partner with customers into the future. You'll join a collaborative, values-driven organisation where your contribution will directly influence the customer experience and support the delivery of critical services to our communities.

Please note, to be considered for these roles you will need to be based in New Zealand and hold current New Zealand work rights.

Applications close 19 November 2026.