Welcome to Heretaunga, the area renowned for its rich and fertile landscape that is sustained by its life-giving dews and waterways. Welcome to Heretaunga, whose beauty is observed by the sharp eye of the harrier hawk; a landscape rich in history and with an esteemed legacy of caring and providing for its inhabitants.
Taitara Mahi - Project Engineer
Permanent Full-Time
Hastings District Council manages a vast and complex infrastructure network—1,640 km of roads, 260 bridges, 535 km of footpaths, and extensive water systems including 24 bores, 32 reservoirs, over 1000km of pipelines, and a major wastewater treatment plant. We’re looking for a hands-on Project Engineer to lead construction delivery across this critical network.
In this role, you’ll take ownership of construction contracts (NZS391x series), acting as Engineer’s Representative or Assistant. You’ll manage tenders, supervise works, ensure quality assurance, and drive compliance with Council, NZTA, and NIWE standards.
You’ll work across either Transport (bridges, slips, road rebuilds, safety upgrades) or 3 Waters (pipelines, treatment plants, reservoirs, pump stations), collaborating with contractors, consultants, and internal teams to turn designs into real-world outcomes.
This is a leadership role for someone who thrives on problem-solving, risk management, and being on-site. You’ll also support pre-construction design reviews, bringing your buildability expertise to ensure practical, cost-effective solutions.
As a Project Engineer you will be responsible for leading construction outcomes with construction contractors, the role will be varied and is a hands-on role suited to someone who thrives on ownership, leadership, and problem-solving, with lots of time on-site and collaborating with contractors to deliver designs into outcomes.
You may also find yourself supporting tendering processes, reviewing and challenging designs pre construction by bringing your buildability experience to design teams to ensure designs are practical and able to be constructable mitigating foreseen risks and costs.
Ōu wheako – about you
To be successful in this role you will have:
- Relevant bachelor level degree or equivalent experience in an associated infrastructure contracting discipline
- Membership to Engineering NZ, Society of Construction Contract Practitioners (SCCP)
- NZTA Engineer to Contract OR Engineers Representative accreditation (desired)
- A minimum of 5 years relevant Civil Engineering Experience, with experience in management of Infrastructure contracts
- A thorough understanding of NZ3910:2013 in the use of delivering construction contracts within a local government environment.
- Working knowledge of quality systems and processes
- Local Government Experience would be advantageous alongside knowledge of the local infrastructure market
- An In depth understanding of site health and safety management practices and legislation
- Experience in the Roading OR Water sector is preferred
- Effective management and reporting skills, particularly in the areas of: scope, time, quality issues and risks
This role is part of Infrastructure Group. The Group includes 3 Waters, Transportation, a Delivery Office and a Professional Services Panel.
Situated in the heart of Ngāti Kahungunu, the Hastings district and Hawke’s Bay offer an enjoyable environment in which to live, work and play. We are an equal opportunity employer and we value diversity. Are you keen to be a part of our journey?
