Whakatakoto te tūāpapa | Laying the foundation

At Contact Energy, we're proud to generate renewable electricity from some of New Zealand's most iconic energy assets, including our hydro stations along the mighty Clutha River. Our Clutha hydro scheme plays a vital role in powering homes, businesses and communities across Aotearoa, helping deliver reliable, renewable energy while supporting New Zealand's transition to a low carbon future. From the dramatic landscapes of Central Otago to the critical infrastructure that sits within them, our people are at the heart of keeping this essential part of New Zealand running.

Working at Clyde means being part of a close knit team responsible for maintaining and enhancing assets that have a direct impact on the country's energy future. It's a place where technical expertise, innovation and teamwork come together every day. At Contact, you'll have the opportunity to grow your skills, contribute to meaningful work and be part of a culture that values safety, collaboration and looking after one another while helping shape a better energy future for generations to come.

Te āhua o te tūranga | The nature of the role

Picture yourself starting the day surrounded by some of New Zealand's most impressive hydro generation assets, knowing the work you do helps keep renewable energy flowing to homes and businesses across the country. Based in Clyde (but covering our Roxburgh team when required), this permanent Hydro Generation Technician (Mechanical) role is all about maintaining and operating critical plant and equipment, ensuring reliability, flexibility and safety remain at the heart of everything we do. From hands on maintenance through to safely isolating and operating plant, you'll play a pivotal role in keeping our hydro generation assets performing at their best.

No two days are quite the same. You might be troubleshooting a complex mechanical issue, collaborating with colleagues to improve maintenance strategies, supporting plant operations during peak demand, or contributing ideas that improve long term asset performance. It's a role that offers plenty of variety, meaningful responsibility and the chance to work alongside highly skilled people who are passionate about what they do. If you're someone who enjoys solving problems, takes pride in quality work and wants to contribute to a more sustainable future, you'll feel right at home here.

Ko wai koe | About you

You'll likely bring a trade qualification in Mechanical Engineering, a trade certificate, or equivalent experience, alongside a background in maintenance, plant operations or heavy industry. Experience working with power generation assets, heavy rotating equipment, hydro technology or similar industrial environments would be highly valued, as would relevant plant operating certificates. These are the foundations that will help you hit the ground running.

Just as importantly, we're looking for someone who enjoys working with others and approaches challenges with curiosity and practicality. You're a strong communicator who can build trusted relationships, tackle complex problems with confidence and remain calm when things don't go to plan. Experience in condition monitoring, systematic maintenance strategies, inventory management or contractor supervision would be a bonus rather than a requirement. If you're excited by the opportunity but don't tick every box, we'd still love to hear from you. We know great people come from a range of backgrounds, and potential matters just as much as experience.

At Contact, it really is good to be home. We support our people with wellbeing benefits that make a genuine difference, including flexible working where possible, strong health and wellbeing support, and access to confidential professional therapy for you and your whānau. You’ll also have access to free flu vaccinations, skin checks, onsite health support and learning through Contact University.

On top of a competitive salary, we offer KiwiSaver contributions, wellbeing payments to support your home setup, help with energy and broadband costs if you’re a Contact customer, plus access to discounts and free financial advice. We’re also proud to give back through community leave and partnerships across Aotearoa, creating a workplace where people feel supported, connected and able to do their best work

Applications close 5pm Friday the 31st of July

Here at Contact Energy (Te Mata Hiko), we know our strength lies in developing a sense of belonging - one that helps us attract and retain people with a broad range of perspectives and experiences.

We’re committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to bring their whole selves to work. Our goal is to reflect the diversity of our customers and communities to help build a better Aotearoa New Zealand.

We have a rich community of talented people that we support to thrive at Contact.

Our inclusive hiring process is designed to embrace the diversity of Aotearoa New Zealand, ensuring a wide range of perspectives are included in our decision-making and helping reduce bias along the way.

The wellbeing of our kaimahi is super important to us.

We use employee insights to offer a range of initiatives and resources to support physical, mental, financial and emotional wellbeing – including flexible working arrangements, employee network groups and a market-leading parental leave policy.

At Te Mata Hiko, we want everyone to thrive. We welcome applicants far and wide - of every age, stage, background, and pride. Join us and be part of a team that values your passion and attitude just as much as your experience and skills.

Please note, only candidates with the right to live and work in New Zealand will be considered for this role.

Research shows that while men apply to jobs where they meet 60% of the criteria, women and those in underrepresented groups tend to only apply if they tick every box. We're not about box ticking, so if you think you have what it takes but don't meet everything stated above, please still get in touch. We'd love to kōrero.

Te Mata Hiko (Contact Energy) does not accept any CVs received from recruitment agencies where a formal engagement has not been confirmed and agreed to with our Talent team. In the event that unsolicited CVs are submitted by recruitment agencies, Te Mata Hiko (Contact Energy) reserves the right to contact these candidates directly and consider them for current/future vacancies without any financial obligation to the recruitment agency in question. This will also apply to any CVs sent directly to line managers.