Wastewater Leading Hand

Lead from the front and help keep essential wastewater services running for the Kaipara community. This is a hands-on leadership role where you’ll coordinate crews, deliver quality outcomes, and develop your career with one of New Zealand’s leading infrastructure providers.
Te kōwhiringa | The Opportunity
We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced Wastewater Leading Hand to join our Kaipara team based in Dargaville.
In this role, you'll be responsible for planning, coordinating and leading wastewater maintenance and construction activities, ensuring planned and reactive works are completed safely, efficiently, and to the highest standards. Working closely with the Contract Manager, you'll supervise field crews, support day-to-day operations, and help deliver outcomes that meet contract requirements and customer expectations.
This is a true working leadership position, where you'll lead by example in the field while providing coaching, training and support to team members. You'll be involved in organising resources, managing equipment and materials, liaising with customers and stakeholders, and driving strong performance across safety, quality and productivity measures.
No two days are the same, making this an ideal opportunity for someone who enjoys variety, problem-solving and working as part of a close-knit team delivering essential services to local communities.
Ngā pūkenga matua | What We're Looking For
You'll be a motivated and safety-focused leader with experience in wastewater, water, drainage or civil infrastructure works. You will bring:

• Full Class 1 Driver Licence (essential)
• Minimum two years' experience in water, wastewater, drainage or civil construction environments
• Digger or excavator operating experience advantageous
• Experience leading crews or supporting field teams in operational environments
• Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills
• Ability to coach, train and support team members
• Sound problem-solving and decision-making abilities
• Risk awareness and commitment to Zero Harm principles
• Experience working with customers, residents and members of the public
• A proactive, reliable and results-oriented approach
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment and contribute to team success
• A willingness to learn, develop and continuously improve [Wastewater...- Kaipara | Word]

Ngā Painga o te Mahi ki Downer | What We Offer
Our purpose is to enable communities to thrive, driven by your passion and dedication. We offer a wide range of opportunities for personal and professional growth, with support systems tailored to your diverse needs and aspirations. Our benefits focus on four key areas:

• Career: We invest in your success through training, development opportunities, succession planning and leadership pathways.
• Wellbeing: Your health, safety and wellbeing matter. We provide free counselling for you and your immediate whānau, access to Marram healthcare benefits and discounted holiday homes across Aotearoa.
• Community: Be part of an inclusive culture supported by employee networks including StandOut (LGBTQIA+), Fetu Pasifika, EmpowerHER and Wāhine Kotahitanga.
• Individuality: We celebrate diversity, recognise achievement and encourage people to bring their authentic selves to work.

Perks@Downer also provides access to discounts on Southern Cross premiums, retail purchases, travel, gym memberships and more.
Ko wai mātou | About Energy & Utilities
Downer's Energy & Utilities business is an integrated trans-Tasman team delivering services that connect communities to essential networks and infrastructure. We design, build, operate and maintain critical assets across water, electricity, telecommunications, industrial and power generation sectors.

With more than 26,000 people across our wider Downer whānau, we're a diverse team of thinkers, doers and problem solvers committed to creating strong, sustainable communities. Downer is an inclusive employer that values diversity and welcomes applications from people of all backgrounds, experiences and cultures.
Me pēhea ki te tono | How to Apply
Please submit your application online via the advertisement. Email applications will not be accepted.
Reference Number: 737191
All successful applicants must complete a satisfactory pre-employment drug and alcohol test, medical assessment and Ministry of Justice check. If you require support with any part of the recruitment process, our team is here to help.