Electrical Fitter / Substation Switcher
Power up Waipā – Join Waipā Networks as an Electrical Fitter / Substation Switcher
Are you an experienced electrical fitter and switching operator with a strong technical focus and commitment to excellence? Waipā Networks is looking for someone with a proven background in HV equipment, substation maintenance, and switching operations to play a vital role in ensuring the safe and reliable operation of our substation and network assets.
Waipā Networks has historically operated as an 11kV only network, but we are now building an entirely new 33kV network from the ground up. With our first substation nearing commissioning, we’re looking for a skilled and experienced substation operative to lead the way into this exciting new network landscape.
Whether you’re considering a move to the Waipā region or seeking a fresh challenge, joining Waipā Networks as an Electrical Fitter / Substation Switcher will place you at the heart of a dynamic, community-focused network that’s committed to reliability and growth.
Why Waipā Networks?
We own and operate the electricity network serving Cambridge, Te Awamutu, and the surrounding region. We’re 100% owned by the Waipā Networks Trust, serving more than 40,000 customers across a dynamic mix of rural, urban, and industrial landscapes. As our district continues to grow, we are expanding our network and advancing our capabilities to meet increasing demands. Join us and be part of a team dedicated to innovation, community and service excellence.
Waipā Networks’ key benefits:
- Excellent career development
- Competitive remuneration
- Tool-of-trade vehicle to support you in delivering excellence across our network
- The ability to purchase additional annual leave
- Fully covered health insurance cover for you and your family
- Fully covered life insurance cover, equivalent to twice your base annual salary
- Supportive and collaborative team environment that values work-life balance.
The role of an Electrical Fitter / Substation Switcher
You’ll play a pivotal role in the safety, reliability, and advancement of our new substation and wider network operations. You’ll be responsible for executing safe switching operations, rigorous testing, and thorough maintenance of HV equipment to uphold the highest standards of network performance. Your expertise will be essential in managing both routine and complex switching procedures, ensuring safe and consistent power delivery across our expanding 11kv and 33kV network.
Beyond technical operations, you’ll have the opportunity to share your expertise by supporting the development of substation switching capabilities within the team. The role involves training, coaching, and mentoring colleagues, helping to build substation switching as a core competency within Waipā Networks. You’ll be instrumental in sharing best practices, reinforcing safety protocols, and supporting the development of your peers’ technical skills.
Key responsibilities:
- Perform substation switching to support both planned and unplanned work, ensuring compliance with all safety standards
- Conduct routine checks, maintenance, and testing of HV assets, including reclosers, Voltage Regulators and RMU’s, to maintain consistent operational performance
- Build skills within the team by providing training on substation switching, and best practices for network reliability.
About you
You will have:
- EWRB registration with a current practicing licence and an NZQA Level 4 Certificate in Electricity Supply (Level 5 preferred but not essential)
- A minimum of 5 years as a qualified electrician, ideally within high voltage electricity distribution
- Expertise in substation switching, HV equipment maintenance, and pre-commissioning of new assets
- Experience in training and mentoring team members to develop skills and support a safe, reliable workplace
- A strong commitment to health and safety, always prioritising best practices, and consistently uphold the highest standards of integrity.
Application process
We run a structured recruitment process, including pre-employment vetting. To apply, you must have the right to work permanently in New Zealand without restrictions and be currently in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Join us at Waipā Networks and be a part of something remarkable.
