Water Network Operator Maintainer

Rangitata Diversion Race Management Ltd - Ashburton, South Island Rangitata Diversion Race Management Limited (RDRML) operates one of New Zealand's largest water supply networks. The Rangitata Diversion Race is a 67km race running from the Rangitata River intake at Klondyke to Highbank Power Station on the Rakaia River. Along the way it delivers water to several irrigation schemes, two hydro-electric power stations and the region's stockwater network. Most of the race network is monitored and operated remotely through a bespoke SCADA system. About the role The RDR network operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Our efficient and highly skilled Operations team carries out both the daily operation and the front-line maintenance of the network, working together to make sure water is continually available to our customers' water needs every day of the year. Day to day, this means physical checks and control adjustments around the network, routine instrument readings, planned and reactive maintenance, and coordinating contractors. A critical element of the role is operating our SCADA system to monitor and control flows remotely. Each week, one Operations Team member takes on the additional Duty Operator role. This means managing the daily assignment of water in response to customer requests, setting up SCADA to ensure accurate delivery at each off-take, and responding to system alarms. The Duty Operator is responsible for water management and delivery 24 hours a day for the seven days on duty. We currently run a one week in three roster. This is a crucial part of the Operator Maintainer role. Accuracy matters. Our Operators must ensure not only that water customers receive their allocated water but that we deliver this within our tightly managed water consent limits. You'll be a key point of contact for our water customers, so building effective, professional relationships matters as much as bringing technical competence, along with a solid understanding of the resource consents that allow the network to operate. What you will be doing Operating and monitoring the diversion race and its assets via SCADA to meet water user requirements within consent limits Carrying out physical checks, control adjustments, and instrument readings around the network Undertaking routine and planned maintenance, and responding to unplanned maintenance needs safely and promptly Being part of the 24/7 duty roster. When on-duty; managing daily water assignment and responding to SCADA alarms and any in-field work to ensure water delivery and canal management is maintained Coordinating and managing contractors carrying out work on the network Understanding and maintaining full compliance with RDRML's resource consents Interacting professionally with water customers and other stakeholders Keeping accurate operational and maintenance records, and handling routine administration and communications Working effectively in a tightly knit team where we look after each other and focus on the big picture What we are looking for Physically fit, with a positive, can-do attitude A self-starter who proactively addresses network needs Safety conscious, not prepared to take short-cuts Honest, hard-working, reliable, and a good fit within a small team Comfortable working alone in varied weather conditions and managing a variety of tasks Adaptable and responsive to the changing needs of the network Approachable, friendly, and shows respect to others Good computer skills and generally tech-savvy; able to quickly pick up systems like SCADA Excellent verbal and written communication skills with good attention to detail At least ten years work experience in your current trade or profession A current, full NZ driver's licence, and a competent, safe driver on sealed and unsealed roads A clean police record. Willing to undergo pre-employment and ongoing random drug and alcohol testing (this is a safety-sensitive role) Living in, or willing to relocate to, the Mid Canterbury region Highly desirable Operator Maintainer experience in a water management network Trade background (mechanical, electrical, or instrumentation) Experience operating SCADA systems What we offer A company vehicle, laptop, and mobile phone for work purposes Medical insurance allowance Home broadband allowance Wellbeing and professional development allowance A stable, permanent role with a respected, community-focused organisation, offering a flexible, lifestyle-oriented work environment in a stunning part of New Zealand #J-18808-Ljbffr