Technical Development Specialist

He kōrero mō mātou | About Watercare

Ki te ora te wai, ka ora te whenua, ka ora te tangata

When the water is healthy, the land and the people are healthy

Now is an exciting time to join Watercare, we're planning to spend $14 billion over the next 10 years to ensure we can continue to support our growing city in a climate-resilient way. When you average that out, that's an investment of $3.8 million every day!

He whakamārama mō te tūranga mahi | About the role

Watercare’s Laboratory Services team plays a critical role in protecting Auckland’s water quality. We’re seeking a Technical Development Specialist to provide technical ownership across laboratory methods, instrumentation, systems, and technologies that support high-quality, accredited water analysis.

This is a hands‑on technical role for someone who thrives on variety, challenge, and problem‑solving. No two days are the same. One day you may be troubleshooting analytical instrumentation, the next validating a new method, integrating laboratory software, commissioning new equipment, or identifying opportunities to improve laboratory performance and efficiency.

If you're naturally curious, enjoy understanding how things work, and get satisfaction from solving problems that others can't, this role will provide plenty of technical challenge and opportunity for growth.

You'll work across a diverse range of analytical technologies including discrete analysers, flow injection analysers, Ion chromatography, ICP-MS, robotic autosamplers, and classical wet chemistry techniques. This role offers exposure to the full laboratory lifecycle—from method development and validation through to implementation, optimisation, and continuous improvement.

You’ll also play a key role in maintaining and growing the laboratory’s IANZ (ISO 17025) accreditation, applying your technical expertise to real‑world quality and compliance outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, validate, review, and refine analytical methods for water testing
• Research, evaluate, and commission new analytical equipment and associated software
• Configure and maintain LIMS workflows to support laboratory operations and data integrity
• Support ISO 17025 / IANZ accreditation through method validation, audits, and documentation
• Deliver technical training and support to laboratory staff
• Identify and implement improvements to laboratory quality, efficiency, safety, and workflows
• Provide technical advice and problem‑solving support across laboratory operations

Ngā pūkenga e rapu nei mātou | About you

You are a technically capable laboratory professional who enjoys solving problems, improving processes, and working in a quality‑focused environment.

You’ll Bring

• Tertiary qualification in Chemistry or a related discipline
• 5+ years of Practical experience in an analytical laboratory environment
• 3+ years of Demonstrated experience in method validation and documentation
• Strong data analysis, interpretation, and reporting skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• High attention to detail and a commitment to quality and safety

Desirable

• Postgraduate qualification in a relevant discipline
• Experience in a commercial or environmental laboratory
• Experience working with a LIMS (e.g. LabWare)
• Experience as a Key Technical Person under ISO 17025

Ngā hua mōu | What's in it for you

We offer a competitive salary and staff benefits package including:

• Training and development opportunities
• Life and income protection insurance plans
• Generous parental leave
• Employee discounts at a range of large retailers

Me pēhea te tono mai | How to Apply

Come and join our team! If you are looking for an exciting career opportunity with a fantastic team then please apply online today - careers.watercare.co.nz.