Trainee System Controller

PowerNet; Invercargill City; On-site; NZD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive remuneration

5 weeks' annual leave

Southern Cross health insurance

Life and income protection insurance

Supportive work environment

Career development through funded in‑d

Job summary

PowerNet in the lower South Island invites applicants for a Trainee System Controller to join our 24/7 System Control team. You’ll learn to operate and monitor the electricity network safely and efficiently while gaining hands-on experience and working toward a nationally recognised qualification.

Supported by experienced controllers, you’ll develop fault response, switching activities and outage management skills, with a clear pathway to becoming a qualified System Controller.

Qualifications

• Safety-conscious and committed to following procedures
• Curious, motivated and eager to learn
• Clear and confident communicator
• Detail-oriented
• Collaborative team player with a positive attitude
• Calm, resilient and able to think logically under pressure
• Committed to personal and professional development to support a long-term career in the electricity industry

Responsibilities

• Learn to operate and monitor the electricity network safely and effectively, with hands-on experience in fault response, switching activities and outage management
• Work alongside experienced System Controllers and progress toward a nationally recognised qualification and a career as a qualified System Controller

Job description

Few people know this career exists, yet communities rely on it every day. As a Trainee System Controller, you'll learn the skills to help keep electricity flowing safely and reliably across the lower South Island.

PowerNet is an industry leader, with innovation, technology and continuous improvement driving the future of electricity distribution. We are committed to developing our people and embracing emerging technologies to meet the evolving needs of the industry.

We are seeking a Trainee System Controller to join our 24/7 System Control team. This is a unique opportunity to launch a rewarding career at the centre of real-time network operations, helping ensure the safe, reliable and efficient delivery of electricity to more than 75,000 customers across our networks.

Invest in your future with fully funded industry qualifications, hands-on training from experienced professionals, and a clear pathway to becoming a qualified System Controller, all while earning a competitive salary.

What's in it for You?

• Competitive remuneration
• 5 weeks' annual leave
• Southern Cross health insurance
• Life and income protection insurance
• Supportive work environment
• A career that combines technology, problem-solving and continuous learning

About the Role

As a Trainee System Controller, you will learn the skills required to operate and monitor the electricity network safely and effectively. Supported by experienced System Controllers, you will gain hands-on experience in network operations, fault response, switching activities and outage management, while working towards a nationally recognised qualification and a career as a qualified System Controller.

To be successful in this role, you will be:

• Safety-conscious and committed to following procedures
• Curious, motivated and eager to learn
• A clear and confident communicator
• Detail-oriented
• A collaborative team player with a positive attitude
• Calm, resilient and able to think logically under pressure
• Committed to your personal and professional development to support a long-term and rewarding career in the electricity industry

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.