Water Operations Supervisor - Ohakea
- Keep critical Defence infrastructure operating at its best
- Combine technical expertise with team leadership
- Unique role with real responsibility and visible impact
For over 30 years, PAE has partnered with the New Zealand Defence Force, delivering facilities and asset management services that keep critical environments working and moving. It's a relationship we're incredibly proud of as it reflects the trust placed in us to deliver, every single day.
As a proudly iwi-owned organisation, we recognise our role as kaitiaki - guardians of the environments and communities we support and we are committed to building strong, respectful partnerships grounded in manaakitanga.
We are seeking a Water Operations Supervisor to lead our Water and Plumbing team at RNZAF Base Ohakea.
This is a unique opportunity to take ownership of critical Three Waters infrastructure that supports one of New Zealand's key Air Force bases. Leading a team of skilled water operators and plumbers, you'll play a vital role in ensuring the reliable delivery of drinking water, wastewater and plumbing services that keep the base operating safely and effectively.
Whether you're an experienced supervisor looking for your next challenge or a senior plumber, treatment operator or water professional ready to step into your first leadership role, this is an opportunity to grow your career while making a genuine impact.
About the role
As Operations Supervisor, you'll provide leadership, technical guidance and operational oversight to our Plumbing and Water Operations team.
You'll be responsible for ensuring maintenance activities are delivered safely, efficiently and in accordance with legislative requirements, industry standards and contractual obligations. You'll oversee planned and reactive maintenance, support treatment operations, drive continuous improvement and help ensure critical infrastructure continues to perform at its best.
This is a hands-on leadership role combining people leadership, technical expertise and operational accountability.
What you'll be responsible for
- Leading, mentoring and developing the Water and Plumbing team
- Overseeing the delivery of planned and reactive plumbing maintenance
- Supporting the operation and maintenance of water, wastewater and stormwater infrastructure
- Monitoring water quality and compliance requirements
- Managing contractors, materials and resources to support efficient service delivery
- Supporting treatment plant operations and network performance
- Driving a strong safety culture across all activities
- Maintaining accurate operational records and reporting
- Building positive working relationships with NZDF stakeholders and customers
- Identifying opportunities for continuous improvement and operational excellence
What we're looking for
- A plumbing trade qualification and/or water operations certification
- Experience leading teams within plumbing, water infrastructure or related industries
- Strong knowledge of Three Waters infrastructure and maintenance practices
- Understanding of relevant legislation, standards and compliance requirements
- A practical leadership style with a strong focus on safety, quality and customer outcomes
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
- Strong planning, organisation and problem-solving capability
- A current NZ Driver Licence
- The ability to obtain and maintain NZDF site clearances
We recognise that great leaders don't always come with a supervisor title. If you're a senior plumbing, water or treatment professional ready to take the next step in your career, we'd love to hear from you.
Why this role
- Opportunity to step into a leadership role within a unique Defence environment
- Lead critical infrastructure that supports operational capability
- Work with a skilled team delivering essential services that matter
- Enjoy variety, autonomy and genuine responsibility
- Join a business that empowers its people to make decisions and drive outcomes
To learn more about this opportunity or to request a position description, please contact the People and Culture team at people@pae.co.nz.
Please note that we do not accept applications via email. All applications must be submitted through SEEK or the PAE Careers Page.
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