Operations Engineer

This position sits within the Infrastructure and Assets Group who from planning to maintenance, are dedicated to delivering resilient infrastructure and services that enrich lives today and ensure a thriving future for our community.   

He angituutanga: The opportunity 

We’re looking for a proactive and organised professional to step into the role of Operations Engineer, reporting to our Network Operations Manager. In this position, you’ll take the lead in coordinating the day‑to‑day operations of Hamilton’s water, wastewater, and stormwater networks. Your work will range from carrying out investigations and delivering planned work programmes to ensuring our customers receive reliable, high‑quality service.

This role is ideal for someone with a strong track record of proven engineering experience—someone who understands how complex three‑waters networks function, can interpret technical data, and can confidently apply engineering judgement to operational challenges. You’ll draw on your background in civil, mechanical, or environmental engineering to diagnose issues, optimise asset performance, and support the delivery of resilient, future‑focused infrastructure.

You’ll play a key part in ensuring all network activities meet the Regional Technical Specifications and that our operational contracts are well‑managed and running smoothly. This is a great opportunity to be involved in work that directly supports Hamilton’s growth and helps us deliver world‑class infrastructure for our community. If you enjoy variety, responsibility, and being part of a team that makes a real difference, we’d love to hear from you.

Some key responsibilities, but not limited to:

• Managing assigned operational contracts and projects, including completing contract claims, monthly reporting, and KPI assessments.
• Undertaking operational investigations using engineering principles, including root‑cause analysis, hydraulic or mechanical assessment, and identifying restorative and preventative measures.
• Overseeing and coordinating the operation of three‑waters assets to ensure performance aligns with established processes, procedures, and engineering best practice.
• Ensuring compliance with relevant regulatory requirements (resource consents, DWSNZ, PHRMP), Asset Management Plans, Regional Infrastructure Technical Specifications, service levels, and HCC policies.
• Actively fostering and maintaining key internal stakeholder relationships, providing clear technical advice on asset condition, network performance, and potential compliance risks.
• Identifying opportunities to improve work processes, operational systems, and asset performance through engineering insight and data‑driven decision‑making.
• Responding to internal and external enquiries in a timely and accurate manner, providing sound technical guidance where required.

Please be advised that this role will initially be positioned within Hamilton City Council. As of 1 July 2026, your role will transfer to be positioned within IAWAI – Flowing Waters, a Council Controlled Organisation. You will be kept informed with regular communications before and during the transition. 

Oo puumanawa me oo wheako | Your skills and experience

Qualifications and experience:

• A tertiary qualification within Engineering (or similar) 
• Extensive experience (5yrs+) with three-waters networks, with a good understanding of municipal engineering and plumbing practices. 
• Experience investigating, detecting and resolving defects 

Qualities and attributes:

• A collaborative working style, with the ability to build strong relationships with team members and key stakeholders. 
• Clear and logical thinking skills with the ability to understand and apply policy. 
• Efficient and effective management of own workload and able to work systematically to achieve desired outcomes and meet deadlines. 
• The ability to problem solve and think laterally to achieve outcomes, both independently and as part of a team. 
• Working knowledge of relevant legislation associated with the water, wastewater, and storm water. 
• Self-directed when working on projects with the ability to work autonomously

He aha te wariu o te utu kaimahi? | What’s the salary? 

Circa $85K dependent on skills and experience.

Ngaa waahi whakarato painga kei a maatou: What we offer 

• Flexible by choice; an award-winning flexible working policy.
• Opportunities for professional development.
• Two Wellbeing days per year.
• Free health insurance through Unimed including hospital/surgery grade cover and discounted. membership rates for family members.
• Free annual health checks and flu vaccination.
• Ability to purchase additional annual leave.
• Eye testing/glasses cost reimbursement.
• Discounted purchases from local businesses; gym memberships, cafes, dentists, hairdressers and many more.

Me Tono Inaaianei!: Apply Now! 

• View the position description.
• Click apply
• ​Complete your application.

If you wish to include a cover letter with your application, please combine this in the same file as your resume and upload as a PDF file. Alternatively, you can use the 'Write a message to the Hiring Team' text box.

Applications close on the: 09/03/2026

Note: We will be shortlisting as we receive applications.

Council is committed to honouring the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi/Treaty of Waitangi through its relationship with Kiingitanga, Waikato Tainui, mana whenua and maataa waka within Hamilton Kirikiriroa.

All candidates will be notified of the outcome on their application via email. Short-listed candidates will be required to complete an interview process, reference checks and a criminal check. Further background checking will be required when relevant to the role. View more information about these checks, our commitment to the Privacy act and details for international applicants by clicking here

It is important to us that we support you throughout our selection process (interview and assessments). If you have any access needs during this process, let us know in advance so we can make sure these are met.

As a council, we believe in creating a welcoming environment where everyone feels valued and belongs. We value inclusiveness (Kotahitanga) – we respect and value the unique perspectives, experiences, and talents that everyone brings.

This role is being sourced directly. If/where Hamilton City Council requires the support of a recruitment agency, we will seek this support from our panel of selected agencies. Hamilton City Council will not be responsible for, and will not pay, any commissions, fees or other payments related to unsolicited contact.