Key systems-level role in the leadership of long-term planning and investment priorities
Systems - level strategic planning
Based in our Petone office close to the train station, beach and shops
This is a full time position of 40 hours per week
The remuneration range for this role is $117,099 to $165,316 (including KiwiSaver) depending on skills and experience
The opportunity
We’re seeking a Principal Engineer Asset Planning, Treatment to provide senior technical leadership across our treatment assets. In this critical role, you’ll shape long-term asset strategies, optimise lifecycle performance, and drive evidence-based investment decisions that ensure safe, reliable, and resilient water services.
You’ll lead the development of Facility Management Plans, commission and guide complex investigations, and work closely with operational and technical teams to translate risk, performance, and growth drivers into practical capital and renewal programmes.
This is an opportunity to influence region-wide outcomes—balancing regulatory, environmental, and community expectations—while providing expert technical leadership and direction across our treatment portfolio.
About you
To be successful in this role you will bring:
12+ years in in water infrastructure planning
A bachelor’s degree in engineering (Chemical, Environmental, or Civil) or a related discipline
Experience mentoring engineers and leading technical workstreams
Recognised expertise in water network engineering, asset lifecycle planning, and hydraulic/process modelling
Strong stakeholder engagement and technical leadership experience
A Chartered Professional Engineer (CPEng) or working towards this.
Benefits
At Wellington Water, our purpose extends beyond delivering great water services for the region; we foster a thriving community, support a diverse workforce, and offer supportive development opportunities. We genuinely care about your safety and wellbeing.
Our benefits include:
Flexible working arrangements including up to 2 days working from home
Comprehensive wellbeing programme, including one paid wellbeing day annually
Formal and informal professional development opportunities
5 weeks annual leave accrual will be available following 2 years of continual service
For a full list of our employee benefits click here.
About us
Wellington Water Ltd is the professional water services provider across Greater Wellington and South Wairarapa. Our job is to provide safe and healthy drinking water, collect and treat wastewater, and ensure the stormwater network is well managed. We’re a multi-council owned entity, tasked to manage the infrastructure and deliver water services to our communities. From 1 July 2026, a new chapter in water services begins. Tiaki Wai will take over responsibility for providing Three Waters Services to approximately 433,000 residents across the Wellington metro regions.
Tiaki Wai will own the water assets it operates giving it greater independence to manage and improve water services for current and future communities, Wellington Water employees will transition into this new council-owned entity.
The value of water (a precious taonga) sits at our organisational heart. Our people are passionate about providing water services for our communities and environment which is reflective in our values; Tangata Tiaki, Whānau and Mana.
Applications close: Sunday 21 June 2026
How to apply
To view a copy of the position description: click here
To apply for the role, click on the ”apply” button or visit the Wellington Water Careers site, please note if you are a Wellington Water employee please apply using your work email.
For further information, email: JoinUs@wellingtonwater.co.nz
Applicants for safety sensitive roles will be required to undergo drug and alcohol testing prior to commencing employment with Wellington Water. You must also be legally entitled to work long-term in New Zealand.
Our water, our future.
Wellington Water is a Council Controlled Organisation (CCO) that manages the water infrastructure assets on behalf of Wellington, Hutt, Upper Hutt and Porirua city councils, South Wairarapa District Council, and Greater Wellington Regional Council, from source to sea. This includes all three waters - water supply, stormwater and wastewater.
We supply water, plan, investigate, design, project manage and maintain pipes, reservoirs and pump stations in the region. We are passionate about water conservation, efficiency and providing the best level of service for ratepayers in the Wellington region.
Want to work with us?
People work at Wellington Water because they want to make a difference. If you want to help deliver great outcomes to the community and influence the health, environment and wellbeing of the region, then our fast-paced company wants to hear from you!
We’re always on the lookout for great engineers, planners, operators and business folk with a passion and interest in the environment and the water industry.
In our fun, family friendly and flexible working environment, you will thrive if you value collaboration, hard work and delivering results.
If this sounds like you, then register your interest in working for us today at https://careers.wellingtonwater.co.nz/ and hear what’s it’s like to work at Wellington Water from the people who work here.
