Senior Construction Engineer -- Hybrid, Safety‑Driven Infra Lead

Queenstown Lakes District Council – Queenstown, South Island Live, work and play in Aotearoa New Zealand’s most spectacular setting. No two days at Queenstown Lakes District Council are the same. Every day we provide services, facilities and programmes essential to the health and wellbeing of our people and environment, while stepping up to the challenges and opportunities that come with being New Zealand’s fastest growing territorial authority. We’re proud to be QLDC. Our people are motivated by a shared purpose driven by care, connection and community. All our roles are at the heart of a dynamic and diverse set of communities where you will be making a genuine difference every day. Join us. We’re looking for an experienced Senior Construction Engineer to join our Property & Infrastructure directorate in a permanent full-time opportunity. We offer hybrid and flexible work and a genuine commitment to your career and development. What you’ll be doing / He aha te mahi The Senior Construction Engineer is to take the lead quality assurance role in ensuring construction works are undertaken in a manner consistent with the requirements of the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015. The Senior Construction Engineer will also monitor construction, providing assurance to the Infrastructure Delivery and Engineering Manager and the Engineering Manager that all construction works are being carried out in accordance with the QLDC Code of Practice, relevant standards, specifications and quality expectations as outlined within the Field Assurance Framework. The role will involve: Champion a strong health, safety and wellbeing culture, ensuring all works comply with legislation, QLDC policies, and safe work practices. Provide on-site construction monitoring, conducting regular inspections to assess progress, quality, safety, and compliance with approved designs and standards. Maintain thorough construction monitoring documentation, including site reports, audit findings, minutes, and photographic evidence. Review construction plans, specifications, contract documents and safety plans to ensure technical accuracy and alignment with council requirements. Identify, manage and escalation construction risks, recommending practical and cost-effective solutions and value-engineering opportunities. Support procurement activities, including contractor pre-qualification and tender evaluation, ensuring contractors meet QLDC standards. Build positive, proactive relationships with contractors and internal teams, facilitating clear communication and collaborative problem-solving. Provide timely reporting on construction compliance, progress and issues, ensuring transparency with project managers, stakeholders and operations teams. What you’ll bring to the role / Ko wai to Pukeka You’ll bring a Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent relevant experience) and at least 8 years’ experience in infrastructure project delivery, particularly in construction oversight. You’ll demonstrate strong Health & Safety leadership aligned with the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015, and have the motivation, initiative and innovation to work confidently and autonomously. You’ll excel at building trusted relationships with contractors, communicate clearly in both written and verbal formats, show strong attention to detail and customer focus, and bring well-developed negotiation skills to support successful project outcomes. To best succeed in this role, you’ll have: A Bachelor’s-level tertiary qualification is required; however, equivalent relevant work experience will also be considered. 8+ years minimum relevant experience with infrastructure project delivery, with focus on construction oversight. Health and Safety leadership demonstrated by adhering to the requirements of the Health and Safety at WorkAct 2015, including monitoring and reporting of onsite health and safety statistics. Highly motivated, achievement-orientated and innovative professional who is comfortable working in an autonomous manner. Proven ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with contractors and gain their trust and respect. Good written and verbal communication skills with attention to detail and a strong customer ethos alongside demonstrated negotiation skills. What we offer / Ko a matou whakaratoka We are proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package that supports your health, wellbeing, and professional growth, including: Southern Cross Wellbeing One Plan (Full time, permanent only) Discounted membership to our health and fitness facilities Genuine commitment to your training and career development Applications close: 25th August 2026. Please note we will review and process applications as they come through; we encourage your early application. For any questions, please contact Christian Wingate, Engineering Manager, at ***************@qldc.govt.nz. #J-18808-Ljbffr