Crew Lead Water
Are you an experienced water industry professional ready to step into a leadership role while staying hands-on in the field?
A role that combines leadership with hands-on field work
Be part of building the team and, provide essential water services
Permanent, full time role based at Rongotai
We're looking for a Crew Lead Water to lead and support our water maintenance crews, ensuring the reliable delivery of safe drinking water to our communities. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who enjoys solving problems, mentoring others, and taking ownership of complex maintenance and operational work.
The opportunity
As a Crew Lead Water, you'll spend around 80% of your time working alongside your crew in the field, providing technical leadership, coaching, and support while delivering planned and reactive maintenance activities across the water network. You'll play a key role in maintaining water quality, minimising service disruptions, responding to incidents, and ensuring work is completed safely, efficiently, and to a high standard. You'll work with your team leader to help build a high-performing team culture through mentoring, development, and day-to-day leadership.
Lead, motivate, coach and develop field crews
Deliver reactive, planned and upgrade works across the water network
Provide technical leadership on complex maintenance activities
Coordinate resources, materials, contractors and plant requirements
Participate in the on-call roster
Champion health, safety and environmental best practice
Conduct quality checks and support continuous improvement
Maintain positive relationships with customers, stakeholders and the public
Support emergency and incident response activities when required
What’s in it for you?
Opportunities for ongoing training, development and career progression
The ability for extra earning through overtime and on call work
Company benefits depend on employer (Fulton Hogan or Tiaki Wai)
A commitment to your health, safety, and wellbeing
A busy, challenging, and fulfilling job making an impact for generations to come
About you
You'll be a highly capable water industry professional who enjoys leading by example and working alongside your team.
To be successful in this role you will bring:
New Zealand Certificate in Infrastructure Works (Pipeline Construction and Maintenance) Level 3 (Drinking Water or Stormwater/Wastewater strand), working toward Level 4, or significant equivalent industry experience (10+ experience in the water industry)
Full NZ Class 1 and Class 2 driver licences
Experience operating and maintaining water supply systems
Proven leadership or supervisory experience
Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills
Ability to read and interpret plans
Knowledge of current health, safety and environmental practices
Strong communication and relationship-building skills
Confidence using technology, including work management systems, GIS and mobile devices
About us
Tiaki Wai works in partnership with Fulton Hogan (An Alliance) to improve three water services across the Wellington Region. The value of water (a precious taonga) sits at our organisational heart. Our people are passionate about providing waters services for our communities and environment which is reflective in our values.
The Alliance outcomes are delivered through a combined workforce between Tiaki Wai and Fulton Hogan, which enables shared resourcing and innovative solutions for the regions water networks.
To view a copy of the position description: click here
Applications close 20 August 2026. We will be reviewing and progressing applications as they’re received, so don’t delay – apply today!
How to apply:
To apply for the role, click on the “apply” button or visit the Tiaki Wai Careers site. You will be asked to upload a CV, cover letter, and answer a few short questions about your skills and experience.
All applicants will be required to undergo Pre employment checks: MOJ, NZTA, ACC and Pre employment medical including drug and alcohol testing prior to commencing employment. You must also be legally entitled to work long-term in New Zealand.
- Department
- Network Maintenance (Alliance)
- Role
- Service Delivery
- Locations
- Rongotai Depot
Rongotai Depot
Staff benefits
1. Inclusive Culture: It is important to us that people love our culture. We embrace a workplace where diversity is celebrated, and inclusivity is at our core. Our team is united by passion, dedication, and a shared care for water and our community.
2. Safety and Support: We provide an Employee Assistance Scheme for crucial personal support, along with wellbeing and lifestyle education delivered through our Wellbe Team, ensuring you feel supported in and out of the workplace.
3. Health is Wealth: We prioritise your health with an annual voluntary health "warrant of fitness," immunisations, and flu vaccinations. Moreover, enjoy annual subsidised vision testing and contributions toward glasses to ensure clear vision.
4. Work-Life Balance: Where possible there is access to flexible work practices. And take advantage of our annual leave, reaching five weeks after three years of service, and 10 days sick leave from starting with us. In addition, take one paid day a year for your personal Wellbeing. We also offer parental leave and partner entitlements to support you during significant life moments.
5. Comprehensive Benefits: We have partnered with providers for discounted Southern Cross medical insurance, periodic vision and hearing tests, and eyewear subsidies. You can also access discounts at a range of retailers via Boost. Gain access to top-notch gear, machinery, PPE, and tools, fostering a safe work environment if you are “on the tools”. We also offer a staff referral bonus paid when a person is recruited for a senior front line position, and we may offer relocation support if you need to move into the district to work here.
6. Professional Growth: Grow your skills with a range of development opportunities. Boosting your personal and work career.
7. Community Connection: You can take one paid day a year to participate in voluntary work on a water-related activity. And maybe join our active Waiata group and be part of a community that works together, sings, and thrives together.
