Taitara Mahi - Engineering Intern
Fixed-Term Full-Time 

Council’s Programme Delivery Office (PDO) was set up in October 2025 to bring together the people and skills needed to deliver our infrastructure projects in one place. As part of this team, our Engineering Intern role offers an opportunity to bridge tertiary study and professional engineering practice, gaining supervised, hands-on experience in client-side construction monitoring and project delivery.

You’ll contribute to live infrastructure projects across roading, drainage, flood mitigation, resilience, maintenance, renewals and cyclone recovery. Working both in the office and on active construction sites, you’ll develop practical skills, professional judgement and an understanding of how engineering projects are delivered.

Your internship activities will include:

• Participating in supervised site inspections and construction monitoring, recording site conditions, measurements and progress.

• Assisting with quality assurance, including checking completed work against drawings and specifications and maintaining supporting records.

• Collecting and analysing project information, including quantities, progress data and asset conditions.

• Supporting project delivery through contractor coordination, meeting records, reporting, contract administration and health and safety observations.

• Completing a defined internship project, such as developing an inspection checklist, verification pack or measurement method.

Ōu wheako – about you

We are looking for someone who:

• Is currently in their second or subsequent year of a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Civil or Environmental Engineering, a Bachelor of Engineering Technology in Civil Engineering, or another relevant tertiary engineering qualification.

• Has a genuine interest in civil infrastructure, construction and public-sector project delivery.

• Can interpret technical drawings, specifications and numerical information at a level appropriate to their studies.

• Communicates clearly and works constructively with colleagues, contractors and consultants.

• Is curious, organised and willing to ask questions, take on feedback and work within delegated authority.

• Is comfortable working in both office and field environments.

A current New Zealand restricted or full driver licence is desirable. Previous experience in construction, fieldwork, laboratory work, surveying or engineering projects would also be useful, but is not essential. Most importantly, you’ll bring a safety-conscious approach, attention to detail and a genuine willingness to learn.

What you’ll gain

You’ll receive structured supervision, regular feedback and practical experience contributing to real infrastructure projects. You’ll also complete a defined internship project that will provide a useful resource for the Transportation team beyond your placement. Where supported by your tertiary institution, the internship may also contribute towards practical-work requirements.

Situated in the heart of Ngāti Kahungunu, Hastings District and Hawke’s Bay offer an enjoyable environment in which to live, work and play.