Apprentice Water Serviceperson – Wastewater | Northwest

Downer is hiring in Auckland’s wastewater division, inviting applications for an Apprentice Water Serviceperson – Wastewater. The role is based onsite in Albany, within the Northwest Auckland area, and is a full-time position that sits with Downer’s Complex Assets Water team. It’s a good fit for someone who enjoys practical, hands-on work and wants to start a career in wastewater maintenance alongside an experienced crew.

The opportunity comes with solid training, the support of a structured development path and the chance to gain real, frontline experience repairing and maintaining wastewater infrastructure. Downer highlights five years of guaranteed work with Watercare, which can offer stability as you learn the ropes and grow your skills in this essential utility sector.

The package includes practical benefits designed to support you as you build your career, from training and upskilling opportunities to financial and wellbeing supports, including allowances and access to healthcare and employee networks. The company emphasises a welcoming, inclusive environment with a range of wellbeing and scholarship options to help you and your family. If you like the idea of getting your hands dirty while delivering a crucial service to communities, this could be a strong match.

Boots on the ground in the Northwest Auckland wastewater network

In this hands-on role, you’ll be part of a crew that carries out routine and reactive maintenance across Auckland’s wastewater networks. You’ll work side by side with an experienced team to maintain and repair wastewater assets, respond to faults and service requests, and handle reinstatement and general network upkeep.

This is a genuinely practical position where you’ll be dealing with wastewater assets every day. Boots-on-the-ground problem solving is part of the job, and you’ll need a willingness to get involved in tasks that might be messy or physically demanding. The work involves collaborating with customers, contractors and the broader Downer team, delivering tasks safely and to a high standard, and being prepared for standby and call-out requirements as needed.

What you bring to the role

Downer is looking for someone with a hands-on background and a mindset geared toward learning and safety. The following are the core attributes they’re seeking.

• A genuine interest in building a career in wastewater and in developing practical skills on site
• Strong practical problem-solving abilities coupled with a clear safety focus
• A reliable, proactive attitude that prioritises teamwork
• Good communication skills and confidence when dealing with members of the public
• Basic digital literacy to capture job information using a mobile device
• A current Full Drivers Licence, with Class 2 and RTW endorsements being a bonus

Pay, benefits and practical details

The role includes attractive allowances and overtime pay at time and a half after eight hours worked. It’s an onsite, full-time role based in Albany, Northwest Auckland, with the stability of five years of guaranteed work with Watercare backing the position.

Downer extends a broad benefits package designed to support growth and wellbeing. Expect access to training and upskilling opportunities, career development support, and a range of benefits such as free counselling for you and your immediate whānau, Marram healthcare benefits, and discounted holiday homes. There are also whānau scholarships and employee networks, plus discounts and cashback via Perks@Downer. Standby and call-out requirements may apply as part of the operations cadence.

Tips for applicants

Resume tip: Put your hands-on experience right up front. If you’ve worked in civil, infrastructure or any other physical, field-based role, lead with what you did there and show how you tackled practical tasks, maintained safety and kept a steady, team-focused approach.

Proof of must-haves: When you describe your experience, back it up with concrete examples of problem solving and safety practices on site. Mention any instances where you worked with customers or contractors to complete a job, and highlight your ability to communicate clearly in those situations.

Interview prep: Be ready to talk about days when you physically worked with wastewater assets, the kinds of faults you addressed, and how you managed reinstatement or repairs. Have a short, clear story about how you used a mobile device to record field information and keep the team updated. If you have standby or call-out experience, share how you handled those duties.

Smart question to ask: Inquire about the training plan and how progression works within the wastewater track, plus what standby patterns look like and how the team collaborates with customers and contractors on site.