Technical Lead - Wastewater and Stormwater

Talent; Wellington; On-site; NZD 130,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual leave: 4 weeks + 3 extra days

Sector-related events access

People-centred leadership

Collaborative team environment

Job summary

Water New Zealand is seeking a Senior Technical Lead for wastewater and stormwater to provide expert leadership and advisory services. This fixed-term role will operate closely with the Chief Executive and a small technical team to shape guidance, advocacy, and sector collaboration across Aotearoa New Zealand.

You will stay abreast of regulatory and operational changes, translate complex technical information into practical outputs, and lead collaborative efforts with SIGs and external

Qualifications

• Tertiary qualification in engineering or environmental science.
• Strong analytical skills and ability to distill complex information into guidance.
• Excellent written communication and ability to present to diverse audiences.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert technical advice and leadership on wastewater and stormwater.
• Identify emerging technical issues and develop guidance, training, and initiatives.
• Lead Wastewater and Stormwater SIGs to deliver tangible outcomes.
• Project manage development of technical guidelines and good-practice resources.
• Support advocacy and regulatory engagement with technical expertise.
• Build trusted sector relationships across members, providers, government and regulators.

Skills

Technical leadership

Analytical thinking

Written communication

Stakeholder engagement

Networking

Proactive mindset

Education

Tertiary qualification in engineering or environmental science

Job description

In proud partnership with Water New Zealand, we are seeking a senior technical expert to provide dedicated technical leadership across wastewater and stormwater.

Aotearoa New Zealand's water sector is undergoing significant transformation, making this an exciting time to join Water New Zealand and use your expertise to help shape the future of the sector.

This is a high-impact role working closely with the CE and alongside three other technical experts, within a high-performing, collaborative, small and nimble team environment.

A newly created role, for an initial 12 months fixed term. This position responds to identified demand across the sector and reflects Water New Zealand's agility and commitment to its members and the sector as a whole.

About Water New Zealand

Ka ora te wai, ka ora te whenua, ka ora ngā tāngata

If the water is healthy, the land is healthy, the people are healthy

Water New Zealand is the largest water industry body in Aotearoa New Zealand, providing leadership across the sector through collaboration, professional development and networking. They bring together knowledge and expertise to support their members and promote the sustainable management and development of the water environment.

About the role

The Technical Lead - Wastewater and Stormwater will provide expert technical advice, leadership and advocacy on behalf of Water New Zealand, its members and the wider sector. A trusted advisor you will keep abreast of the changing regulatory, operational and environmental landscape, identifying emerging issues and opportunities where Water New Zealand can add value.

Working closely with the CEO, technical team, members and stakeholders, you will:

• Provide informed and practical advice to the CE, members and stakeholders.
• Identify and act on emerging technical issues and opportunities, proactively turning these into guidance, advocacy, training, collaboration and initiatives that add value for members and the wider sector.
• Lead the coordination and support of the Wastewater and Stormwater Special Interest Groups (SIG's), working with them to turn priorities into tangible deliverables.
• Project manage the development and publication of technical guidelines and good-practice resources, translating complex technical information into clear, useful and accessible material.
• Support Water New Zealand's advocacy and regulatory engagement, contributing technical expertise to submissions and conversations on legislation, regulation, standards and policy.
• Build trusted relationships across the sector, connecting members, water service providers, government, regulators, consultants, researchers and other industry bodies.

Alongside other technical experts and as part of a small team, you will also contribute your expertise to special projects, training, webinars, events and conferences, helping Water New Zealand respond to emerging sector needs and strengthen knowledge-sharing across its membership.

About you

You will bring strong technical understanding across wastewater and stormwater, together with a broad and current understanding of the New Zealand water sector.

Skills and experience required to be successful in this role include:

• A tertiary qualification in engineering or environmental science, with proven technical competence in wastewater and stormwater.
• An understanding of relevant regulatory frameworks, environmental outcomes and operational issues.
• Strong analytical skills, with the ability to distil complex information and turn it into clear, practical advice and recommendations.
• Excellent written communication and report-writing skills, alongside the confidence to present and communicate technical information to a range of audiences.
• Strong relationship-building, facilitation and stakeholder engagement skills - you will enjoy being a connector across members, sector groups, government and regulators.
• A proactive, self-starting approach, with the initiative to identify opportunities and turn ideas into action.
• Based in Wellington and someone who enjoys being part of an office-based team. There is a preference for this role being in the city office at least four days a week.

In return for your expertise

Benefits you can expect to enjoy include:

• Four weeks' annual leave, plus three additional days over the festive season.
• Opportunities to attend sector-related events and conferences, growing your networks and expertise.
• People-centred leadership within a values-driven environment where your skills, ideas and voice are genuinely valued.
• A collaborative and positive team environment passionate about making a meaningful difference to the water sector across Aotearoa.