No problem!
Many jobs in the water sector don't require formal training or will accept training from similar fields. You can apply for roles based on your skill set and either be trained on the job, supported to gain the necessary qualifications or undertake a cadetship or apprenticeship.
Employers are usually looking for good team players, responsible and trustworthy individuals, and those keen to learn. If you can show these traits on your CV, you ' re in a good position for work in the sector.
Many employers offer on-the-job training, including health and safety training specific to your role. A driver's licence may be required, and some roles also require a Class 2 driver's licence. Often you will be given support to gain this.
Did you know that drinking water and wastewater operators can earn anywhere from $60,000 to $125,000 a year. Engineers normally earn from $80,000 to over $150,000 a year.
What does the future look like?
The sector is always evolving. 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.
Considering a career change?
Your expertise, whatever it might be, could be useful in the water sector. We have former chefs, defence personnel, plumbers, electricians, scientists, hairdressers, actors, company directors, project managers and many more among the water industry ranks.
Still at school but looking for options?
If you ' re just out of school, you could start by looking on the Tāhatu website to assist you with your career choices. Talking to family or friends who work in the sector is also a good idea. Job opportunities often come through word of mouth
Check out some of our great career videos on the Water New Zealand website - Schools and Communities page. These showcase a range of different water careers and how people got into the sector.
Job websites such as SEEK and LinkedIn are also useful to see what jobs are available.
If you are a plumber or drainlayer, depending on your role and your employer's requirements, you may need additional training Working on a reticulated water supply is similar to but also quite different from household trades.
Why work in water?
Whether you ’ re passionate about public and community health and wellbeing, climate change or protecting the environment, a job in the water sector is a great way to make a difference.
The critical role of water treatment, supply, and management in our communities means there is a constant demand for water professionals, making it a secure career choice that means there will always be a need for water professionals. A job in water is a way to ensure your future job security.
What are the opportunities?
Thewatersectorisincrediblybroad, offeringnumerousopportunitiesto specialiseindifferentareasandoccupations.
Thesearejustsomeofthem:
Workingwithmachinery–pumps, filtration,CCTVcameras,electrical switchboards
Workinginthefieldonpipes,pump stationsortreatmentplants
Healthandenvironmentalprotection
Assetmanagement
MātaurangaMāoripractice
Engineeringdesign
Management
Supportfunctions(Finance,HR,andIT)
Governance
It'sadiverseandgrowingfield.Whileit's impossibletocaptureallthecareer pathwayswithinthesectorhere,whenyou starttoexploreyoumightbesurprisedby what'soutthere!
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.
If you want to explore if a job in water is for you why not try one of our digital badges? For a reasonable price they will give you a broad introduction to the sector and introduce you to some of the key roles.
Scan the QR code to find out more.
enquiries@waternz.org.nz
waternz.org.nz
