Chief Advisor Water Services

About The Organisation

The Ministry of Education plays a critical role in shaping an education system that delivers excellent and equitable outcomes for all ākonga across Aotearoa New Zealand.

Through its School Property group, the Ministry is responsible for planning, investing in and maintaining a large and diverse portfolio of school property, ensuring it is safe, compliant, sustainable and fit for purpose.

Working in the public service means contributing to outcomes that matter, supporting the Crown’s responsibilities under Te Tiriti o Waitangi, and delivering long‑term value for communities across the country.

The Role

The Chief Advisor, Water Services is a senior technical leadership role responsible for ensuring safe, compliant and high‑performing water services across the Ministry’s school property portfolio.

Leading the Ministry’s Water Services technical team, you will provide expert advice, strategic direction and quality assurance across drinking water, wastewater and stormwater systems. The role supports both School Property and corporate functions and plays a key role in major programmes of work, including the Safe Water in Schools Programme.

You will be the technical authority for water services, developing and maintaining policies, standards, guidance and assurance frameworks that ensure Ministry investment delivers safety, compliance, reliability, sustainability and value for money. The role also champions evidence‑based design and effective asset management to support long‑term system performance.

Key Responsibilities Include

• Providing executive‑level advice to School Property leadership on water services strategy, risks and performance
• Leading the development and maintenance of water services policies, design guidance, standards, specifications and tools
• Acting as technical lead for school and Ministry‑led programmes of work, including formal reviews and assurance
• Monitoring water services risks and regulatory compliance and reporting to senior leaders
• Supporting planning, design, upgrades, operations, maintenance and monitoring across water services assets
• Building capability across internal property teams and strengthening relationships with councils, regulators, Crown water entities and industry bodies

This role requires strong judgement, influence and the ability to navigate complexity within a public sector environment, while working collaboratively across disciplines and with external partners.

Role Requirements

To be successful in this role, you will bring:

• A Bachelor of Engineering or equivalent, specialising in civil and or water services engineering
• Chartered Professional Engineer (CPEng) status or equivalent
• Extensive technical experience, typically 10+ years, in water services treatment and network infrastructure within a New Zealand context
• Experience across the design, construction, operation and maintenance of small drinking water and on‑site wastewater systems
• Strong knowledge of relevant engineering standards, legislation and regulatory requirements
• Proven ability to lead complex issues, influence senior stakeholders and provide clear, evidence‑based advice
• Experience developing policies, standards, guidance and quality assurance frameworks
• Excellent communication skills and a commitment to building capability in others

An understanding of Māori‑Crown relationships and a commitment to working in partnership in line with public service expectations is important in this role.

What’s in it for You?

• Opportunity to shape nationally significant water services outcomes across New Zealand schools
• Senior technical leadership role with high visibility and influence
• Flexible location and supportive public service environment
• Work that directly contributes to the health, safety and wellbeing of communities
• All inquiries and applications to Archway Recruitment are treated in the strictest confidence. For a confidential discussion and to find out more about this opportunity please contact ***email_hidden*** or phone 027 311 8764.