Operations & Maintenance Technician
Love problem-solving, machinery and the outdoors? Help keep a major irrigation scheme running in this unique part-time role
**Te kowhiringa | The Opportunity**
This isn't your standard maintenance role. We're looking for a practical, adaptable and self-motivated Operations & Maintenance Service Technician to help keep the Rangitata irrigation scheme operating at its best. **This is specifically weekend work that requires 24 our monitoring of the scheme and system.**
From monitoring river conditions and managing water flows, to maintaining mechanical equipment, responding to faults and supporting SCADA systems, this role offers genuine variety and responsibility. You'll play a key part in ensuring reliable water supply to local farms and communities while working across one of the region's critical rural infrastructure networks.
This is a part-time position primarily covering weekends, on-call support and leave coverage. It's ideally suited to someone who enjoys independent work, being outdoors, solving problems in real time and taking ownership of essential operations.
No two days look the same, one day you could be coordinating river harvest activities and managing contractors, the next troubleshooting equipment, monitoring telemetry systems or working directly with shareholders to manage water supply needs.
If you enjoy hands-on work, rural environments and roles where your decisions genuinely matter, this is an opportunity worth exploring.
**Mou koe | About You**
You'll be someone who enjoys practical work, can think on your feet and takes pride in keeping systems running smoothly. You'll be comfortable working independently, making informed decisions and responding calmly when issues arise.
You will bring:
**Essential**- Full driver licence
- Strong communication and relationship-building skills
- Ability to work independently and use initiative
- High level of responsibility and risk awareness
- Good verbal and written communication skills
- Strong problem-solving capability
- Willingness to participate in after-hours and on-call support
- Experience in irrigation, water reticulation or rural water supply systems
- Mechanical fitting, pumps or maintenance experience
- Knowledge of electrical control systems or SCADA telemetry
- Farming or irrigation scheme experience
- Experience working with contractors, suppliers or stakeholders
- Trade qualifications or relevant operational maintenance experience
**Why Join Us?**
This is a rare opportunity to step into a highly specialised role where you'll gain exposure to large-scale irrigation operations, critical infrastructure and advanced monitoring systems - all while enjoying flexibility and autonomy in your work.
You'll join a supportive team that values practical thinking, reliability and continuous improvement, with opportunities to learn new skills and develop across multiple disciplines.
**Ko wai matou | Our Organisation**
Downer's Energy & Utilities business unit is an integrated trans-Tasman team, providing services and solutions that connect communities to essential networks and infrastructure. We design, build, operate and maintain today's critical assets and networks, delivering complete services across the water, electricity, telecommunications, industrial and power generation sectors.Our expertise spans in-house technical smarts, specialist engineering, integrated OEM partners, and dedicated crews of qualified tradespeople.
Downer Group is an employer that acknowledges and embraces the importance of our people's diverse experiences, talents, and cultures. As an inclusive employer, we welcome applications from everyone.
**Me pehea ki te tono | How to Apply**
If this sounds like the opportunity for you, please submit your application online via the advertisement - email applications will not be accepted.