Principal Asset Engineer

Location: Dunedin

Otago Regional Council (ORC) is seeking a Principal Asset Engineer to play a key leadership role in shaping the long-term management of the region’s flood protection, river management and land drainage infrastructure.

This strategic position within the Assets and Delivery team, leads the development and implementation of asset management systems, infrastructure strategies and long-term investment planning.

Your work will guide how ORC manages critical infrastructure, ensuring decisions are based on robust asset information, clear levels of service and sound investment planning.

Key Responsibilities

·        Lead, implement, and operationalise asset management best practice.

·        Lead and deliver the Engineering group’s inputs to the Long Term Plan, Annual Plan and 30-year Infrastructure Strategy.

·        Lead the development and maintenance of Asset Management Plans.

·        Analyse levels of service, asset performance and infrastructure risk.

·        Translate asset information into investment strategies and project development priorities.

·        Support early-stage project development, feasibility and optioneering.

·        Provide expert technical advice to the Engineering leadership team and mentor and support Asset Engineers within the team.

·        Identify emerging risks and strategic issues affecting river and flood protection infrastructure.

What you’ll bring

We are seeking an experienced infrastructure asset professional with the ability to balance technical considerations with practical infrastructure outcomes.  You will likely have:

·        Bachelor of Engineering or equivalent.

·        Around 10+ years’ experience in infrastructure, civil engineering or asset management environments.

·        Experience developing or implementing asset management systems, plans or infrastructure strategies.

·        Good understanding of engineering standards, asset performance and lifecycle management.

·        Able to analyse complex information and translate it into clear investment decisions and work programmes.

·        Strong stakeholder management and communication skills.

·        A collaborative leadership style with the ability to coach and mentor others.

Why join Otago Regional Council?

·        Influence infrastructure decisions that support safe and resilient communities.

·        The opportunity to help build asset management capability.

·        A supportive and collaborative team environment.

·        Strong training and professional development.

·        Genuine opportunities for career progression and internal promotion.

·        A focus on employee wellbeing and flexible working.

Live and work in Dunedin

This role is based in Dunedin, a vibrant city known for its character, culture and access to incredible outdoor environments.

From mountains and lakes to rugged coastlines, Otago offers an outstanding lifestyle while remaining a stable and affordable place to live.

How to Apply

Click Apply or to find out more, contact Lisa Hulley in confidence on 027 688 8831.

Applications close 29 March 2026, however, we encourage early applications as the role may be filled sooner.

Otago Regional Council has engaged Peak Recruitment to manage the recruitment of this position. Please direct all enquiries and applications to Peak Recruitment.