Data Engineer

Job Description

Job Title: Data Engineer

Role type: Full time preferred, fixed term May – November 2026

Location: Wellington City

Salary band & range: BTIS – E $93,214 to $ 122,227 depending on skills and experience

About the Role - Kōrero mō te Tūranga

As a Data Engineer, you will design and define the data structures that hold the Ministry's information, working closely with business stakeholders to understand datasets and analytic requirements. From these insights, you will develop both logical and physical data models and lead the sourcing and transformation of data into Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI's) systems using automated and reliable methods. You will work with a broad and interesting range of datasets spanning the primary sector, including Emissions Trading, International Trade and Biosecurity data.

This role suits someone early in their data engineering career or an up-and-coming engineer who can learn quickly and work with minimal supervision. You'll apply your skills in Microsoft SQL Server 2019, SQL Server Integration Services, Python, REST API integration, Git source control, and routine data load monitoring. Day-to-day tasks include ingesting new datasets, retrieving data from REST APIs and Salesforce, supporting two key Data Engineering projects, and investigating issues such as overnight load failures or vendor-related problems.

You'll be part of a supportive team that values strong communication, curiosity, and problem solving especially when triaging data pipeline issues or collaborating with others to ensure high-quality data delivery.

You'll also have the chance to work hands-on with data from across MPI, including datasets relating to emissions trading, border travel declarations, and geospatial data via ArcGIS. The diversity and relevance of MPI's data make this an engaging and rewarding opportunity for someone eager to grow their technical skills and quality data delivery.

About You - Mōu

You will bring a solid foundation in data engineering and building BI solutions using Microsoft SQL Server and SQL Server Integration Services. Your background may be in data engineering or a similar technical discipline, with experience in integration development and working across end-to-end data pipelines. You have a strong eye for detail, a commitment to quality, and an understanding of BI-specific release and change management practices. Experience from the private sector is equally valuable, and confidence navigating information security processes would be an added advantage.

You bring sound judgement, analytical thinking, and a willingness to take ownership of your work. Your technical capability is matched by your communication skills and your ability to work within complex environments to deliver reliable, well-designed data outcomes, quality data solutions, and the ability to engage effectively with a range of stakeholders.

You will stand out if you have:

• A tertiary qualification or comparable experience in a field aligned with information or data management.
• Experience with Microsoft SQL Server, SSIS, and SQL Server Data Tools.
• Experience with data engineering frameworks and ETL processes.
• Experience managing customers face-to-face and liaising with all levels of management.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills to explain, persuade, and influence.
• The ability to work collaboratively with an analytical, detail focused approach.
• Experience delivering data solutions in a complex enterprise environment.
• Experience with SDLC, agile methodologies, and CI/CD deployment practices.
• Experience producing written data engineering solution designs, including analysis, options, and recommendations.

You do not need to meet all of the role requirements to apply. We offer a breadth of development and learning opportunities and will welcome an application if you think you could make a great fit.

About the Team - Mō tō mātou Rōpū

We are the Data Engineering team within the Analytics and Data Services group in Data and Information. Our team leads the management and delivery of MPI's Analytics, Business Intelligence, and Data Warehousing programme, supporting business groups across the organisation to realise the value of their data. We enable this through an ongoing and sustainable programme of work focused on warehousing, data integration, and business intelligence solutions that ensure consistent, reliable, and accessible data for decision making.

We are a friendly and highly supportive Wellington based team of ten, known for our willingness to help each other and collaborate to find answers. Our team culture is grounded in openness, trust, and shared problem solving, creating an environment where people feel comfortable asking questions and contributing to collective success.

About MPI - Mō te Manatū Ahu Matua

The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) partners with New Zealand's food and fibre sector to be the world's most trusted provider of high-value food and primary products.

Benefits of working at MPI - Ngā hua o te mahi i te Manatū Ahu Matua

• Career development and internal opportunities across the branch and organisation
• Access to free professional confidential counselling
• Professional membership reimbursement

Are you ready to make a difference? - Kua rite koe mō tēnei mahi whaitake?
We are committed to being a good partner under Te Tiriti o Waitangi which includes working closely with iwi, hapū, whānau and hāpori.

We aspire to reflect the diverse communities we serve, so we welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, and identities. As an organisation, we are committed to making Manatū Ahu Matua Ministry for Primary Industries a great place to work for all.

In your cover letter we'd like to know about you, your values; your interest and motivations for this role; the abilities, strengths, personal attributes, and diverse perspectives you will bring to the role and this organisation, which may have also been gained outside of the workforce.

To view the position description and/or apply online, please click “APPLY FOR THIS JOB” or visit the MPI Careers Site. To apply, you must hold the right to work in New Zealand or be eligible to obtain it – click here to find out more about work visa eligibility and options.

Applications close at midnight 2 March 2026

If you have any questions about the role, please email

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