Engineering & Project Management Graduates - Emerging Professionals Programme (Feb 2027)

Engineering and project management graduate opportunities

Based in Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch

Receive mentoring and training from industry experts

Permanent opportunities starting February 2027

Our

Emerging Professionals Programme | Te Reanga Pito Mata

runs over 24 months, comprising three 8-month rotations within your chosen specialisation.

It brings together top emerging talent from across Aotearoa with NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) professionals.

Through your work, you'll have the chance to improve and enhance the transport network across Aotearoa.

This is a unique opportunity to advance your career within our organisation and help deliver our customer promise—a land transport system connecting people, products, and places for a thriving Aotearoa.

Te Whiwhinga mahi | The opportunity –

Engineering and Project Management

Our

Transport Services group

aims to deliver excellent outcomes now and create a better future.

We aspire to be the kaitiaki of the transport system—collaborating with partners, for people, land, and future generations.

We manage approximately 11,000 km of state highway network across New Zealand, including infrastructure such as pavements, drainage, structures, geotechnical assets, and other corridor-related assets.

Engineering

You will have the opportunity to work across various engineering disciplines, including asset management, programme development, network operation and maintenance, asset renewals, minor improvements, and major capital projects—all ensuring work meets NZTA standards and specifications.

Project Management

You will assist in delivering the forward work plan for capital transport projects and support NZTA's vision of an efficient, integrated, safe, responsive, and sustainable transport system to create great journeys across Aotearoa and keep New Zealand moving.

Ko koe tenei | About you

To succeed, you will bring :

An engineering (civil, construction, or environmental) or project management qualification (qualified within the last 3 years and early in your career), with an interest in pursuing a career in these fields.

Strong personal and cultural values that drive your performance and commitment.

The ability to collaborate and engage with diverse groups of people.

A desire to learn and acquire new skills and knowledge.

Natural curiosity about how things work and how to improve them.

A proactive attitude.

You should demonstrate knowledge of, or a willingness to learn about, Te Ao Maori, Tikanga, and Te Reo Maori, as well as an understanding of te Tiriti o Waitangi (the Treaty of Waitangi) and its application in the public sector.

He aha nga huanga moku | What are the benefits for you?

Supportive and experienced leaders committed to your success

Flexible working arrangements, including hybrid home and office work

Opportunities for growth through training and development

Five weeks of annual leave plus other benefits

Ko wai matou | About us

At NZTA, our people are our strength.

The organisation's success depends on our dedicated staff.

We focus on the future, recognising that new technologies and evolving customer expectations will shape the transport system of tomorrow.

If this opportunity excites you, please submit your CV and cover letter explaining your suitability for the role.

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