Job Description

• Keep New Zealand moving safely in a vital 24/7 transport role daily.

• Enjoy three weeks of paid training with a supportive buddy close by.

• Build transferable skills in incident management and sound decisions.

Help keep New Zealand moving safely.

If you thrive in a fast-paced environment, enjoy solving problems, and want a role where every shift makes a real difference, we’d love to hear from you.

As a Transport Operations Centre Operator, you’ll help monitor and manage New Zealand’s state highway network, ensuring road users receive accurate, timely information while supporting responses to incidents that affect safety and journey reliability.

Whether it’s coordinating information during an emergency, responding to unexpected events, or helping travellers make informed decisions, you’ll be part of a team that’s keeping New Zealand connected around the clock.

Find the position description here

What you’ll love about this role

• Make a genuine impact on the safety and efficiency of New Zealand’s transport network.

• Receive three weeks of comprehensive paid training, combining classroom learning with hands-on experience.

• Work alongside experienced colleagues with a dedicated buddy to support you as you build confidence.

• Join a supportive, collaborative team that values continuous learning and development.

• Develop highly transferable skills in incident management, communication, decision-making and technology.

Te Whiwhinga mahi | The opportunity

Based in our Wellington Transport Operations Centre in Johnsonville, you’ll monitor New Zealand’s transport network and coordinate responses to planned and unplanned events that impact our roads.

Working in a dynamic operations environment, you’ll:

• Monitor the state highway network using a range of technology and information systems.

• Respond to incidents reported by emergency services and other stakeholders.

• Provide accurate and timely traveller information to help keep road users informed.

• Support the coordinated management of the transport system across urban and rural New Zealand.

• Work collaboratively with emergency services, contractors and internal teams to help keep journeys safe and reliable.

This role operates on a full rotating shift schedule across 24 hours a day, 7 days a week roster, so you’ll need to be comfortable working a mix of day, evening, overnight, weekend and public holiday shifts.

Ko koe tēnei | About you

You don’t need previous transport operations experience; we’re looking for people with the right attitude, resilience and willingness to learn.

You’ll bring:

• Experience in customer service or another fast-paced environment experience in a call centre, emergency services, incident management or traffic management is advantageous but not essential.

• The ability to remain calm, focused and make sound decisions under pressure.

• Strong communication skills and the confidence to build effective working relationships.

• Excellent organisation skills, with the ability to prioritise and manage multiple tasks simultaneously.

• Confidence using technology and working across multiple systems.

• Adaptability and flexibility in a constantly changing environment.

• A good understanding of New Zealand geography is desirable.

• A willingness and ability to work on a full rotating 24/7 roster

Please note: The successful applicant must be able to obtain and maintain a Police security clearance.

Ko wai mātou | About us

The Wellington Transport Operations Centre is part of our Transport Services Group and plays a critical role in keeping New Zealand moving safely. Our team manages the transport network around the clock, responding to incidents, supporting emergency events and providing reliable travel information that helps people get where they need to go safely.

We work closely with emergency services, local councils and transport partners to ensure New Zealand’s transport system remains safe, resilient and responsive when it matters most.

If this sounds like the opportunity for you, submit your CV and cover letter today.

Rā Katinga | Applications close:

3 August 2026

For further information, email: careers@nzta.govt.nz

To be considered for this position you must have a legal right to live and work in New Zealand.

Waka Kotahi is an equal opportunity employer (EOE). We recognise the importance of diversity and inclusion and are committed to providing a working environment that embraces these values. Please let us know if you need any support or have any access requirements that will help you through the recruitment process.

Please note that we may begin shortlisting as we receive applications. We encourage early applications as we may withdraw the advertising at any time.