Senior Rivers Engineer

Richmond, New Zealand

Reference: 6904118

Shape the future of Tasman's rivers, coastlines, and communities.

At Tasman District Council, we work together to build thriving and resilient communities - Kia manawaroa te tai o Aorere. Our region is known for its stunning natural landscapes, and we are committed to protecting and enhancing these for future generations.

We are looking for an experienced Senior Rivers Engineer to provide technical leadership and deliver critical river and coastal infrastructure programmes that safeguard our communities from flooding and erosion.

About the Role

As a Senior Rivers Engineer, you'll play a key role in leading engineering excellence across the Rivers & Natural Hazards team. This is a dynamic position where you'll:

  • Provide technical leadership in river and coastal engineering, helping minimise flood and erosion risks
  • Lead the management of river and coastal assets, ensuring sustainable and effective outcomes
  • Deliver capital works, renewals, and maintenance programmes for Council infrastructure
  • Contribute to activity and asset management planning, including flood hazard assessments
  • Manage contracts, budgets, and project delivery, ensuring work is completed to standard and on time
  • Build strong relationships with iwi, landowners, agencies, and the wider community
  • Mentor and guide team members, strengthening engineering capability within the team

This is an opportunity to work on meaningful projects that directly protect people, property, and the environment.

About You

You are an experienced and collaborative engineering professional who thrives on solving complex challenges and making a real difference.

You will bring:

  • A Civil Engineering qualification (BE, BEngTech, or similar) and Chartered or Registered Engineer status
  • Significant experience in river engineering, flood protection, or infrastructure asset management
  • Strong project and contract management capability across complex works programmes
  • Knowledge of local government frameworks, legislation, and regulatory environments
  • Proven ability to build relationships and influence outcomes across diverse stakeholders
  • A passion for mentoring others and sharing expertise
  • A practical, solution-focused mindset and ability to deliver under

Why Join Tasman District Council?

At Tasman District Council, our people are at the heart of what we do. We offer:

  • The chance to make a meaningful impact on communities and the environment
  • A supportive, inclusive culture grounded in our values
  • Opportunities for professional development and leadership
  • A flexible and balanced lifestyle in one of New Zealand's most desirable regions
  • Base salary plus a generous benefit package, plus health insurance and a day off on your birthday

Apply Now

To download the PD, and to apply for this role go to: https://careers.tasman.govt.nz/Vacancies and enter Ref code 6904118

Applications close 09 July 2026

If you're ready to take the next step in your career and help shape a resilient future for Tasman, we'd love to hear from you.

For more information contact the People and Wellbeing Team on 03 543 8988.

Applications Close: 09 Jul 2026

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What to expect after you apply

Once the vacancy closes you'll be contacted within 7 days as to whether or not your application has been successful.  If you've been shortlisted for an interview, you'll be contacted by one of the People & Wellbeing team to arrange a time to come in and meet with some of the team. 

We typically only do one interview, however depending on the seniority of the role or the role itself, we sometimes require two interviews.  For mid-senior level and team leader/manager roles, you may also be required to undertake psychometric testing.

In your interview, there will be a member of the People & Wellbeing team, the Hiring Manager and either their Manager or one of the senior member's of their team.  Our interview questions are predominantly behavioural and skills-based.

Summer Student Internships

Every year we employ a number of Summer Students across the Council to work for a period of 12-16 weeks over the summer months (mid-November to February). This is a great opportunity to gain work experience in your field of study, advertising begins early July, All applications are to be submitted via our website in July.

We typically have vacancies in Engineering, Environmental Information (Hydrology, Resource Science and Biosecurity), Information Services and Regulatory (Compliance Monitoring).

If you're an Engineering student interested in a Rivers Engineering career/Summer Student position, check out this website for more information - Careers | Resilient River Communities - Careers | Resilient River Communities (resilientrivers.nz).