Position
Senior Civil Engineer Wanaka
Job Type
Full time
Date Posted
March 18, 2026

We are seeking a Senior Civil Engineer to join our new Central Otago team to play a key role in delivering our high quality civil engineering services to the local market.

Having successfully delivered on several Central Otago projects over recent years, and with a strong pipeline of work within the region, we’re now intending to open a local office in Wanaka and are looking for a senior civil engineer to join our team.

Who you are…

  • You’re an enthusiastic and motivated civil engineer who enjoys delivering practical infrastructure solutions and working closely with clients, contractors and local authorities.
  • You thrive in a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment and enjoy contributing to projects that range from small residential developments through to commercial sites and larger infrastructure projects.
  • You’re confident managing your own workload and enjoy working in a dynamic, energetic consulting environment where initiative, technical capability and strong communication skills are valued.

Your purpose…

You will play an important role in both the delivery of civil engineering projects within our Wanaka office and contribute to the development of our local presence. Working within a multidisciplinary team of civil, structural, geotechnical and environmental engineers, surveyors and planners, you will contribute to the design and delivery of a wide range of projects throughout the South Island, with a particular focus on the unique growth and landscape of the Upper Clutha.

You will apply your technical expertise across infrastructure design including roading, water supply, stormwater and wastewater systems, while building strong working relationships with clients, contractors and local authorities throughout the project lifecycle.

This is a key technical role requiring sound engineering judgement, strong communication skills and the ability to manage projects and deliver practical solutions for clients.

Your daily adventures will include…

  • delivering civil engineering design across infrastructure, 3-waters and land development projects
  • preparing technical reports, design documentation, and engineering assessments
  • undertaking design for roading, water supply, stormwater and wastewater infrastructure
  • carrying out construction administration and observation
  • collaborating closely with our local team including survey and engineering managers to deliver integrated land development solutions
  • engaging with clients, contractors and local authorities throughout project delivery
  • applying 3D design tools and modelling software to support engineering solutions
  • managing your own projects and workload to deliver high-quality outcomes for clients.

To be successful in this role you will ideally…

  • have a minimum of five years’ experience in infrastructure design or land development and hold a relevant tertiary qualification
  • be a Chartered Professional Engineer, or working toward chartership
  • be experienced with 3D design using Autodesk Civil3D
  • have experience with stormwater and water modelling software such as SSA, EPANET, or HEC-HMS
  • have a strong understanding of relevant New Zealand standards and engineering codes of practice. An understanding of the local QLDC Land Development and Subdivision Codes of Practice would be advantageous
  • demonstrate strong English communication skills, both written and verbal
  • be able to manage your time effectively and take ownership of your workload and projects
  • bring a positive, fun and outgoing personality to a collaborative team environment.

What we offer…

We offer the opportunity to work within a long-established and highly respected South Island consultancy delivering a diverse range of engineering projects. You will be supported by experienced professionals across multiple disciplines while enjoying a high level of autonomy in your role.

We offer excellent remuneration and a strong commitment to maintaining a healthy work–life balance.

Why DO is a great place for you to work…

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

We’re highly skilled, technical experts who are passionate about what we do. We’re also a friendly, supportive, diverse and inclusive team with high priority on creating a positive work environment. We work on a wide range of projects from residential and commercial developments to large scale roading and infrastructure projects.

While this role is Wanaka based, our five offices who work closely together on projects throughout the South Island. This will give you the opportunity to work with colleagues from our other offices on exciting projects within the other regions too.

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

  • 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, paid entry into various sports events and 24/7 EAP services.
  • Environmental – We care about the environment. We are a carbon positive company with a focus on minimising our impact as much as possible, and regular tree planting and other environmental initiatives.
  • Communities – We care about the communities where we live and work. Supporting them is important to us, and we do this through hands-on involvement, raising awareness, and supporting causes that make a difference to New Zealanders’ lives.
  • History – Davis Ogilvie has been established in Christchurch for over 90 years and is locally owned and operated. You will work side by side with the company directors and other staff with an abundance of knowledge and experience.