Advanced Technical Officer in Civil Engineering

• Lead advanced civil & geotechnical technical support
• Work across teaching, research & field operations
• Collaborative team with strong technical expertise

Ngā kōrero mō te tūranga – About the role

We are seeking a highly experienced and proactive Advanced Technical Officer to support teaching, research, and commercial activities in Civil Engineering within the School of Engineering. This is a senior, hands-on role where your technical expertise will underpin the successful delivery of laboratory and field-based programmes.

You will play a key role in enabling high-quality teaching and research by providing specialist support across civil and geotechnical engineering activities. This includes leading the setup, calibration, and operation of complex instrumentation, supporting fieldwork planning and execution, and ensuring laboratory operations run efficiently and safely.

In addition to technical delivery, you will contribute to the coordination of laboratory and field activities, provide expert advice to staff and students, and support the continuous improvement of systems and processes. You will also take on key responsibilities in health and safety, including acting as a Laboratory Safety Supervisor and supporting compliance across laboratory and field environments.

Salary will be in the range of $87,624 to $100,214 per year based on skills, knowledge and experience brought to the position. This is a full-time role (37.5 hours per week), based on our Hillcrest Campus.

For more information on the role please see the position description. For a confidential conversation about the role, please contact Sophia Rodrigues, Technical Team Leader - MECC, at [email protected]. All applications must be submitted through the online portal, emailed applications will not be accepted.

Ko wai koe? – Who are you?

You are an experienced technical professional with strong expertise in civil or geotechnical engineering environments. You bring a deep understanding of laboratory and field techniques, along with proven capability in operating, calibrating, and maintaining a wide range of specialised equipment.

You are confident supporting complex teaching and research activities, including fieldwork planning and logistics, in line with health and safety requirements. Your ability to troubleshoot technical issues, manage competing priorities, and provide clear, practical advice makes you a trusted resource for both staff and students.

You will also bring:

• Extensive experience with civil engineering laboratory and field instrumentation
• Strong analytical, data management, and problem-solving skills
• Proven ability to coordinate activities and manage mutliple tasks efficiently
• A high level of health and safety awareness, including risk assessment and compliance
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills
• A relevant tertiary qualification (civil engineering preferred)
• A full New Zealand driver’s licence

Experience with UAV surveying, environmental monitoring systems, or specialist certifications (e.g. First Aid, forklift, 4WD) would be an advantage.

You are detail-oriented, adaptable, and committed to maintaining high standards. You enjoy working as part of a team and take pride in supporting student learning and research excellence.

Ko wai mātou? – Who are we? 

The Division of STEM comprises three Schools (Computing and Mathematical Sciences, Engineering and Science) and several research units, including the Artificial Intelligence Institute and commercial units.

The School of Engineering (Te Kura Mata-Ao) offers accredited BE(Hons) degrees across multiple disciplines including Civil Engineering, alongside postgraduate and doctoral programmes. Research strengths include construction, infrastructure, structural engineering, water, energy, automation, robotics, and advanced materials.

He aha ngā take me tono mai ai koe? – Why should you apply for this position?

We want you to be part of our success!  Our university stands proudly on the world stage as a provider of future-focused, international education and an active player in global research. Our rankings reflect these strengths. Working with us means you’ll enjoy a satisfying work environment with many benefits.

The University of Waikato is distinctive for the diversity of its staff and students and encourages applicants with the relevant capabilities from all backgrounds to apply. Applicants must have the legal right to live and work in NZ in accordance with the NZ Immigration regulations which can be found here. 

Ko te Tangata – For the People

The University of Waikato prides itself on the quality of its engagement with the communities that it serves, the provision of a world-class education and the national and international impact of its research. Our policies are guided by the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi and equal opportunity for all. 

E herea ana te Whare Wānanga ki te kaupapa kia whakaratohia te mea angitū ōrite ki ngā tāngata katoa.

Applications will remain open until the position is filled.

Requisition number: 1003616