Careers

As part of our Geotechnical Engineering team, you will work closely with civil and structural engineers, surveyors, planners and environmental specialists. You will play a key role in delivering high‑quality outcomes for our clients while mentoring and leading junior and intermediate staff.

About the role

This senior position involves both technical delivery and leadership responsibilities, including:

• leading and delivering geotechnical design and investigations across a range of projects, including residential, commercial and infrastructure developments
• providing technical oversight, quality assurance and peer review across geotechnical projects
• managing projects from investigation and concept design through to construction, including client liaison and construction monitoring
• undertaking and overseeing geotechnical assessments, including foundation design, retaining structures and pile design
• supporting and mentoring graduate and intermediate engineers
• collaborating closely with multidisciplinary teams, clients, contractors and regulators
• contributing to business development and maintaining strong client relationships.

About you

You will be a highly capable and motivated geotechnical engineer with the following skills and experience:

• a recognised tertiary qualification in engineering geology, geotechnical or civil engineering, preferably from New Zealand
• Chartered Professional Engineer (CPEng) or Professional Engineering Geologist (PEngGeol) status
• 10+ years’ relevant New Zealand experience in geotechnical engineering
• strong experience in geotechnical investigation, analysis and design, including retaining walls, foundations and pile design
• experience in project management, including technical delivery, client liaison and construction observation
• a strong understanding of New Zealand geotechnical practice, standards and guidelines
• proven ability to lead projects and support the development of junior staff
• excellent written and verbal communication skills with strong attention to detail
• a collaborative approach and confidence working directly with clients, contractors and multidisciplinary teams.

What we offer

• The opportunity to work within a long-established and highly respected South Island consultancy delivering a diverse range of engineering projects.
• Competitive remuneration and a strong commitment to maintaining a healthy work–life balance.
• A collaborative, multidisciplinary working environment with strong technical support.

Why Davis Ogilvie is a great place to work

Our people are key to the success of our business. We have a distinctive team culture built around a non‑hierarchical structure and a leaders‑as‑coaches philosophy. Our Principals and Directors work alongside teams in an open‑plan environment, fostering accessibility, collaboration and professional growth. We also maintain a strong social culture, with regular events and activities that support connection across the business.

We are highly skilled technical experts who are passionate about what we do. We are a friendly, supportive, diverse and inclusive team, with a strong focus on creating a positive work environment. Our work spans a wide range of projects, from residential and commercial developments through to large‑scale roading and infrastructure projects.

While this role is Christchurch based, we have five offices that work closely together on projects throughout the South Island. This provides the opportunity to collaborate with colleagues across our other locations on a wide variety of regional projects.

In addition to working with a team of great people, you can also expect the following benefits:

• Flexibility – Whether you’re juggling parent life or carrying out further study (in our team we have both), we will accommodate life into the work‑life equation.
• Professional Development – We encourage our staff to keep learning and growing. We will cover the cost of Engineering NZ subscriptions and provide opportunity for meeting CPD requirements with a range of inhouse and external courses throughout the year.
• Wellbeing – We offer subsidised health insurance through Southern Cross, access to our online wellbeing programme, regular mental health and wellness presentations, fresh fruit delivered to our office, paid entry into various sports events and 24/7 EAP services
• Environmental – We care about the environment. We’re a carbon zero company with a focus on minimising our impact as much as possible.
• Facilities – A spacious lunchroom with park views and a balcony. There is plenty of bike parking, shower facilities and standing desks available. Hagley Park is right across the road for your lunchtime fresh air or exercise
• Fun – We like each other so much we organise extra activities to do together. Social functions, charity events, dinners, quiz nights and our annual ski day is always a hit.
• History – We have been established in Christchurch for over 90 years and are locally owned and operated. You will work side by side with the company directors and other staff with an abundance of knowledge and experience.

Davis Ogilvie has been established in Christchurch for over 90 years and is locally owned and operated. You will work alongside company Directors and colleagues with a wealth of knowledge and experience.