How to Enter
The most common way to become a Water Engineer is to undertake a four-year Bachelor of Engineering or a three-year Bachelor of Engineering Technology degree, and specialise in Civil, Environmental and Natural Resources Engineering.
Aside from the above qualifications, New Zealand employers also look for the following personal requirements in ideal candidates:
Skilled at interpreting and analysing data
Practical and logical
Great at problem-solving
Conscious of Health and Safety
Great at planning and organising self and others
Creative and innovative, with good design skills
Able to work well under pressure
Can work independently and in a team
Typical Responsibilities
Water Engineers may do some or all of the following:
Consulting with clients, government officials and other construction and engineering professionals
Evaluating the suitability of proposed work
Designing structures such as dams and wharves
Identifying whether structures will be able to withstand natural and other forces
Preparing reports, working drawings and specifications
Estimating cost of construction and development
Analysing and reducing environmental impact of proposed construction and developments
Acquiring approval from relevant authorities and building permits
Progression
Experienced Water Engineers can progress towards managerial or Project Management roles. Alternatively, professionals can also specialise in work in other areas of Engineering and Construction, including Construction Management, Health and Safety, Planning and Estimation.
Salary Range
Entry: 45K – 75K per annum (NZD)
Senior: 75K – 120K per annum (NZD)
