E ngā iwi, e ngā karangatanga huri noa i te motu, tēnei te mihi atu ki a koutou katoa. He īnoi tēnei ki a koe. Tono mai ki tētahi tūnga ki te Kaunihera o Ōtautahi
Are you a recent engineering graduate looking for a career where you can make a real impact on your city and community? Christchurch City Council is seeking an enthusiastic Assistant Engineer - Operations to join our Three Waters team, working at the heart of Christchurch's wastewater treatment operations.
About the team | Ko te rōpū nei
As a graduate engineer, you'll get exposure and experience that few roles can offer:
- Hands-on operational experience at a major treatment plant - something you won't get in a consultancy environment.
- Professional development and mentoring from experienced engineers, process specialists, and operations staff.
- Meaningful work that matters - everything you do helps protect public health, our environment, and the resilience of Christchurch's essential water services.
About the role | Ko te mahi nei
This is a hands-on and varied role designed to grow your career in water engineering. You'll work alongside our operations teams and gain practical experience in wastewater treatment.
You will:
- Support day-to-day operation of Christchurch's treatment plant.
- Assist with sampling, reporting, and compliance monitoring.
- Contribute to plant performance reviews and improvement projects.
- Provide support for process engineers, operators, and contractors.
- Get involved in risk reviews, contingency planning, and site audits.
You'll work with both operational and maintenance teams, giving you a broad foundation in wastewater engineering. You will also have the opportunity to help out with, and work with the team that operate and maintain the rural water & wastewater treatment sites on Banks Peninsula.
About you | Ko Koe Tēnei
We are looking for a motivated graduate who is eager to learn and apply their knowledge in a real-world setting.
You will bring:
- A Bachelor's degree in Engineering (environmental, chemical, industrial, mechanical, or similar).
- A willingness to get involved in both office-based analysis and hands-on site work.
- Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
- A team-oriented mindset and excellent communication skills.
- A full current driver's licence.
You don't need prior experience in the water sector — full training and mentoring will be provided. What matters most is your curiosity, resilience, and commitment to serving the community.
What's in it for you? He aha ngā hua ki a koe?
This is a graduate role with a difference. When you join us, you're not just starting your career — you're helping shape the future of your city.
- Graduate development - gain exposure across water and wastewater operations, compliance, and asset management.
- Flexible working - including rostered duties, field-based work, and supportive arrangements for work-life balance.
- Public sector impact - work on projects that directly protect the health of our community and environment.
You'll also have access to training programmes, workshops, and professional development pathways, plus the chance to collaborate with experts across the Council.
If this sounds like an interesting opportunity, you think you have what it takes and want to get involved in shaping our City then please apply today.
Additional Information | Ko ētahi atu kōrero:
At the Christchurch City Council, we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive and authentic workplace, so if you're excited about this role but your past experience doesn't align perfectly with the job description, we encourage you to apply anyways.
We understand that recruitment processes can be challenging. If you require any support or adjustments to help you put your best foot forward, please reach out to us at [email protected]
- Hours of work - 40 hours per week
- Position - Permanent, full time
- Location - This position is primarily based at Christchurch Wastewater Treatment Plant
- Salary - The salary band for this position goes from $88,003 to $97,781 per annum based on a 40 hour week. Starting salaries will be based on knowledge, skills and experience the successful candidate brings to the role, and relativities both, within the immediate team and in the broader organisation for the same or similar roles.
- Closing Date - 14/09/2025
Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and interviews may take place prior to the close date. This means we reserve the right to close a job ad before the advertised close date.
