Structural Engineer at Department of Conservation | Te Papa Atawhai

Taupō, Waikato, New Zealand -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

04 Jun, 26

Salary

145043.0

Posted On

06 Mar, 26

Experience

5 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

CPEng Qualification, Asset Condition Inspections, Maintenance Specification, Upgrade Specification, New Structure Design, Cable-Structure Engineering, AutoCAD Proficiency, Backcountry Experience, Site Selection, Soil Investigation, Surveying, Drawing Production, Construction Monitoring, Communication Skills, Staff Training, Mentoring

Industry

Government Administration

Description

Are you a technically strong structural engineer with a passion for the outdoors? Are you interested in an engineering role with a difference, applying your engineering knowledge in service to visitors to Public Conservation Land? Permanent role; Flexible location – Auckland, Hamilton or Taupo preferred. Our vision: Nature is thriving in Aotearoa | Te Oranga o te Ao Tūroa The Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai (DOC) serves to protect and restore nature across Aotearoa. When nature thrives, we all thrive. Ko tā Te Papa Atawhai he tiaki, he whakarauora anō hoki i te taiao puta noa i Aotearoa. He oranga taiao, he oranga tangata. Mō te tūranga | About the role The Department of Conservation (DOC) manages a unique network of walking tracks, structures and huts that provide access and shelter in New Zealand’s great outdoors. We are looking for a CPEng qualified structural engineer to join our engineering team and look after the northern half of the North Island. Your will apply your expertise to asset condition inspections, specification of maintenance and upgrade work and the design of new structures ranging from boardwalks and viewing platforms to suspension bridges. You will provide general engineering advice and staff asset inspector training and mentoring. We need you to have a broad structural engineering background, preferably with some exposure to cable-structure engineering, AutoCAD proficiency, experience in NZ’s backcountry, a good level of fitness and a willingness to travel. You must be self-motivated and happy working with minimal supervision. Click here for the Role Description Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience We are keen to hear from you if you have the following skills and experience; At least 5 years’ experience as a New Zealand Chartered Professional Structural Engineer. Ability to carry out site selection, soil investigation, surveying, design, drawing production and construction monitoring for a new structure. A high level of fitness and experience in New Zealand’s backcountry. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. An affinity with DOC’s work and how it contributes to New Zealand’s future sustainability. He aha ngā pāinga mōu? | What’s in it for you? DOC places importance on developing a culture where everyone can participate, thrive, and grow. We’re working towards being an organisation that is diverse, equitable and inclusive by default. You can learn more about what we offer here. We support flexible work arrangements for our kaimahi who are working in a wide variety of roles and locations across Aotearoa. Flexible options will be considered based on your role and in discussion with your leader. Tonoa inaiānei | Apply now Apply online with a CV and cover letter that highlights your relevant skills, experience and motivation for joining Te Papa Atawhai. Please also include a short, well curated portfolio (PDF, maximum 30 pages) of personal work samples including hand calculations, hand sketches, construction drawings, reports, and specifications. Please note, we are unable to accept direct or emailed applications and provide feedback to those not shortlisted. If you require any accommodations or adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know. The salary range for this position is $108,082 to $145,043 with the starting salary of the successful applicant being based on their relevant skills and experience. Eligibility to work in New Zealand is mandatory – this includes holding a valid work visa that covers the whole period of employment. Please note we are not engaging with recruitment agencies for this role. Rā whakakapi | Applications close at 11:59 pm on Sunday, 22 March 2026. Depending on the volume of applications received, we may close this advertisement early, so please submit your application as soon as possible. Me he pātai anō, whakapā mai | For further enquiries, please contact Jonathan Calder, Engineering Manager at jcalder@doc.govt.nz. Please note that we have replaced our previous recruitment system with Workday, you will need to create a new Candidate Home account when applying for new roles. The Department of Conservation is a great place to work for anyone who is passionate about nature and the environment. Our people are responsible for caring for our land, water and native species. Spread throughout the country, they ensure that nature can thrive. They perform a huge range of tasks in roles from technical specialists to support staff and frontline rangers. Read more about Our role: About us

Responsibilities

The role involves applying structural engineering expertise to manage the northern half of the North Island's assets, including condition inspections, specifying maintenance/upgrades, and designing new structures like boardwalks and suspension bridges. Additionally, the engineer will provide general engineering advice and train staff asset inspectors.