Meridian Energy

Company Description:

Dam Safety Intelligence (DSI) is a dedicated group of engineers, scientists and geologists delivering dam management expertise to dam owners in New Zealand and internationally. We partner with our clients to manage risk and provide assurance of asset safety and longevity. We’re a high-performing business in a strong phase of growth and have many exciting years ahead of us as we continue to expand our client base and service offerings. 

We’re a subsidiary of Meridian Energy, New Zealand’s largest generator of energy from 100% renewable sources – wind, water, and sun.  At DSI, we place high value on relationships and understanding our clients’ needs to find solutions fit for them. We work for a range of small to highly advanced dam owners locally in NZ and internationally in Australia, Fiji, Philippines, North America, and Europe. 

What you’ll be doing

As a Principal Engineer you will provide specialist dam safety advice, technical review, site inspections, dam monitoring data management, and other dam safety services. You will report directly to Dam Safety Intelligence (DSI)’s Technical Director, and together with the team of Principals, provide high levels of professional and technical leadership within DSI and to DSI’s clients.

You’ll be responsible for providing accurate and timely dam safety advice, and interpreting dam safety information to provide factual and risk-informed advice to clients.

You’ll have the opportunity to become a Dam Safety Recognised Engineer, certifying and auditing dam owner’s Dam Safety Assurance Programmes as part of the NZ Dam Safety Regulations.

You’ll also be a coach and mentor to our team, sharing your knowledge and encouraging others to grow and develop.

What you’ll bring

You have a relevant qualification in Engineering (likely civil, mechanical, or geotechnical) and professional experience that demonstrates consistent growth and development.  It would be great if you have Chartered Professional Engineer (CPEng) status or international equivalent with the intention of working toward CPEng.

You’ll have a good understanding of the dams industry within NZ and what mechanisms are best used to manage risks and drive value.

Having a high level of inter-personal and presentation skills, demonstrate a high level of initiative, along with a strongly analytical and interpretative mind is important for this role. Report writing and verbal communication skills are essential.

Other skills and experiences include:

• Specialist to expert level dam safety and/or dam engineering experience (e.g. dam design, dam construction, dam failure modes, dam safety assurance programmes, dam safety reviews, dam risk assessment, advisory, training, dam remediation engineering projects).
• Excellent collaboration, communication and influencing skills.
• Well-connected in the dam safety management community within NZ and overseas, and well-versed in relevant guidelines, standards, and practice.

Why DSI?

We collaborate, we create and innovate, and we take ownership.

We have a great working environment, with plenty of opportunities for professional development, and an effective organisation to work for. DSI offers a diverse and inclusive culture, with benefits that are all about making life better Including a commitment to flexible work, which is a hall mark of how we work.

 What we can offer you!

We value work/life balance, so our WFH and flexible work options (where possible) make things easier for you and your whānau. We also offer:

• an attractive and competitive salary package that’s reviewed annually, performance-incentive plus discounts from a number of partnerships
• Southern Cross Healthcare - Wellbeing one insurance, funded scheme for eligible employees to give you that extra peace of mind 
• enhanced leave provisions: three company paid days (over the holiday period), enhanced parental leave and options to buy up to 12 days additional leave
• life, trauma and income protection insurance (which we hope you won’t need!)
• enhanced KiwiSaver contributions
• access to the Meridian employee share scheme
• excellent learning and development opportunities, we want you to be the best version of yourself and will help you get there!
• award winning wellbeing programme that provides support whenever and wherever you need it
• employee discounts off your power with Meridian, every bit counts
• a one-off $400 payment to support your work from home set-up (if needed)

All in all, we’re an awesome place to work. If you think you’re an awesome fit not only for this role but for DSI, apply today and tell us why!

To view the full Position Description please click here (link to PDF) – we’re not necessarily looking for someone who ticks all the boxes (an elusive unicorn), so if you think you have what it takes but don't meet every requirement in the PD, we strongly encourage you to apply!  

If you have any general enquiries please contact [email protected] and one of our team will get back to you. We're committed to becoming more accessible and providing support if needed, please get in touch via email or phone if there are any parts of our process you would like assistance with (process found here meridianenergy.co.nz/careers), we’re more than happy to help.  

Advertising closes on 23 March 2025 (please note this is subject to change).