Exploring careers inthe water sector
Why work in water?
Whetheryou’repassionateaboutpublicandcommunityhealthandwellbeing,climatechange orprotectingtheenvironment,ajobinthewatersectorisagreatwaytomakeadifference.
Thecriticalroleofwatertreatment,supply,andmanagementinourcommunitiesmeansthere isaconstantdemandforwaterprofessionals,makingitasecurecareerchoicethatmeans therewillalwaysbeaneedforwaterprofessionals Ajobinwaterisawaytoensureyour futurejobsecurity
What are the opportunities?
Thewatersectorisincrediblybroad,offeringnumerousopportunitiestospecialisein differentareasandoccupations
Thesearejustsomeofthem:
Workingwithmachinery–pumps,filtration,CCTVcameras,electricalswitchboards
Workinginthefieldonpipes,pumpstationsortreatmentplants
Healthandenvironmentalprotection
Assetmanagement
MātaurangaMāoripractice
Engineeringdesign
Management
Supportfunctions(Finance,HR,andIT)
Governance
It'sadiverseandgrowingfield Whileit'simpossibletocaptureallthecareerpathways withinthesectorhere,whenyoustarttoexploreyoumightbesurprisedbywhat'soutthere!
What does the future look like?
The sector is always evolving In an ever-changing world, water remains at the forefront of our survival. Here’s some emerging areas in the sector that could provide you with job opportunities
Climate change adaption – drought mitigation, flood management, water quality monitoring
Emerging contaminants – pharmaceuticals, personal care products
Water resource management – water allocation and trading systems, integrated catchment management
Improving water allocation strategies – irrigation, planning, community engagement
Technology advancements – smart water metering, digital twin modelling
Māori engagement and cultural considerations – Te Awa Tupua (River Guardianship) and Co governance models
International public health – water is covered by the UN Strategic Development Goal 6 which supports access to clear water and sanitation in communities around the world.
Plant Operators
Water and wastewater plant operators run and take care of the machines and systems that clean our drinking water and treat wastewater so it can safely go back into the environment. They play an important role in keeping communities healthy, and their work helps make sure we always have clean water at school, at home, and in nature
It is the whole job that I like. I love the diversity of the job, but mainly it's the people that we work with.
Tama Te Whata Water Treatment Specialist, Kāpiti Coast District Council
Water Treatment Plant Operator:
Monitors and controls equipment that purifies and clarifies water ensuring it is safe to drink
Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator: Ensures that wastewater is treated properly before it is released back into the environment
Process Technician: Keeps the machinery running smoothly and performs routine maintenance.
These jobs are great for people who like working with machines and solving problems.
Business Support
Business support professionals keep the water sector running smoothly behind the scenes. They handle administrative tasks, manage finances, and communicate with the public.
Planner: Helps make development happen and consults with communities to find solutions.
Customer Service Representative: Answers questions from the public about water services.
Contracts Manager: Manages contracts and makes sure projects are completed.
If you enjoy organising things and helping people, these roles might be perfect for you
Payscale
Trades
Tradespeople use their hands-on skills to build and fix things. In the water sector, they ensure that the infrastructure works properly.
Doing what we do will make this environment and the place, the city that we live in safer
Mason Wilkie
Site Supervisor/Foreman,
Silverlining
Contracting
Plumber:
Installs and repairs pipes that supply water to homes and businesses
Electrician:
Works on electrical systems in water treatment plants and other facilities.
Maintenance Worker
Keeps equipment and facilities in good working order.
These careers are ideal for those who enjoy practical, hands-on work.
Scientists
Scientists in the water sector study water to ensure it’s safe and clean. They also look for ways to protect our water resources.
Apply for jobs that you may not know anything about. Because before I started here, I did not know that much about water microbiology, but I applied anyway and it turned out great.
Eva Wolfova Microbiologist, Watercare Laboratory Services
Public Health Officer:
Investigate and monitor, assess disease outbreaks, and environmental hazards such as pollution.
Environmental Scientist:
Examines how water use impacts the environment and looks for ways to reduce pollution.
Chemist:
Analyses water samples to check for contaminants.
For those who love science and nature, these jobs are both challenging and rewarding.
$55k
$76k-$129k
$163k Lower Most common Upper
Construction Workers
Construction workers build and maintain the infrastructure that delivers drinking water to and wastewater from our homes and businesses.
“I started as a labourer, did a bit of an apprenticeship when I was younger, and ever since then I just carried on — I would never look back.”
Construction Labourer
Works on building projects, digging trenches, and laying pipes.
Heavy Equipment Operator
Operates machinery like bulldozers and excavators
Project Manager:
Oversees construction projects to make sure they are completed on time and within budget.
If you enjoy building things and working outdoors, a career in construction might be a great fit.
Nick Shaw Supervisor, Brian Perry Civils
Engineers
Engineers in the water sector design and build systems like pipes, pumps, treatment plants, and dams to make sure clean water gets to people and dirty water is safely cleaned before going back into nature. They use science, math, and technology to solve problems like water shortages, pollution, and flooding.
"A lot of people think doctors are the ones that can save the biggest amount of lives, but no – as a drinking water engineer, you can save so many lives yourself."
Gabriela Campos-Cardwell Senior Planning Engineer, Watercare
Civil Engineer
Designs water treatment plants, pipelines, and other infrastructure.
Environmental Engineer
Develops systems to reduce pollution and improve water quality.
Mechanical Engineer
Designs and maintains the machines and systems used in water treatment plants.
Engineering careers are perfect for those who love solving complex problems and designing innovative solutions.
Environmental Planner
A Water Environmental Planner's role focuses on the management and protection of water resources, ensuring sustainable use and quality. They analyse water supply and demand, assess environmental impacts, and develop strategies for water management, including drought preparedness and pollution control This involves working with diverse stakeholders, including water companies, engineers, and the public, to implement effective water resource plans and providing a holistic framework to achieve sustainable outcomes.
These roles require a diverse skill set with a range of responsibilities - drought management, water quality assessment, resource conservation, compliance, reporting, planning, data analysis, policy, environmental impact, project management and stakeholder engagement.
Being in this field means that I can really fundamentally help the waters that I grew up next to... that my Te Puna shared a love for over the last thousand years.
Tina Porou Environmental Planner, Poipoia
Finding Your Path
No matter what your interests or skills are, there’s likely a job in the water sector that’s a great fit for you Whether you enjoy science, hands-on work, helping people, or designing new systems, the water sector offers a wide range of opportunities to explore. As you think about your future career, consider the important role water plays in our lives and the many exciting ways you can be part of this vital industry!
Kaoratewai, kaoratewhenua, kaorangātāngata.
Ifthewaterishealthy, thelandishealthy, thepeoplearehealthy.
