Asset Operator / Maintainer – BEC

Asset Operator / Maintainer – BEC

Industrial plant. Practical problem-solving. Work that keeps energy moving.

Based in Christchurch

Pioneer Energy Renewables is looking for an experienced mechanical or electrical tradesperson to operate and maintain plant at the Christchurch City Council Biosolids Energy Centre.

This is a hands-on role for someone who enjoys understanding how equipment works, identifying problems and keeping industrial plant operating safely and reliably.

You’ll combine day-to-day plant operation with inspections, preventative maintenance, corrective work, fault response and operational recordkeeping. The Biosolids Energy Centre will be your primary focus, with operational or maintenance assistance provided to other assigned Pioneer assets when required.

The Role

Reporting to the Supervisor – Operator WEC, you’ll help operate and maintain our assigned thermal energy and renewable generation assets safely, reliably and efficiently.

You’ll monitor equipment condition and performance, complete planned and corrective maintenance, respond to faults and coordinate approved contractors and suppliers.

You’ll also build constructive working relationships with Christchurch City Council, Ngāi Tahu, contractors, suppliers and Pioneer’s wider operations and asset teams.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Operating thermal plant and supporting a reliable energy supply.

• Completing routine plant inspections and operational checks.

• Carrying out planned, preventative and minor corrective maintenance.

• Responding to plant faults, incidents, outages and emergencies.

• Monitoring plant condition, integrity, efficiency and performance.

• Recording maintenance, inspections, downtime, fuel use and operational performance.

• Ensuring plant is safely isolated during maintenance work.

• Coordinating approved contractor and supplier activities.

• Supporting planned shutdowns and outage management.

• Managing stock, critical spares, consumables, parts and equipment.

• Maintaining accurate asset, compliance and maintenance records.

• Supporting smaller capital works and plant improvement projects.

• Identifying practical improvements to plant safety, reliability and efficiency.

• Participating in an on-call roster and responding to emergency situations when required.

Safety is central to the position. You’ll identify and manage hazards, ensure contractors and visitors are appropriately inducted, and complete work in accordance with Pioneer’s health, safety and environmental requirements.

About You

You’ll be an experienced tradesperson who is comfortable working with complex industrial plant. You approach maintenance methodically, identify issues early and take practical ownership of your work. You’ll also know when a problem requires specialist support and be confident coordinating contractors to get the right result.

You’ll bring:

• A relevant mechanical or electrical trade qualification.

• At least five years’ experience in a mechanical, electrical or engineering role involving industrial plant.

• Experience using asset or maintenance management systems.

• Knowledge of planned and preventative maintenance methods.

• Strong fault-finding and practical problem-solving skills.

• The ability to read and interpret schematic diagrams.

• Sound computer skills and accurate recordkeeping.

• The ability to plan work and coordinate contractors and suppliers.

• A practical understanding of safe working practices.

• A current full New Zealand Class 1 driver licence.

Experience with SCADA control systems, steam plant, gas treatment and distribution, industrial heat pumps, thermal energy systems or hydro generation would be useful.

A steam qualification, such as FCED, Enchem Level 2–4 or Third Marine Steam, would also be an advantage. Many of the site-specific competencies required for the position can be developed through internal and on-the-job training.

About Us

Pioneer Energy Renewables operates and maintains more than $400 million of renewable energy assets, including hydroelectric power schemes, wind farms, thermal energy schemes and a wood fuel business. We have people, plant and assets from Auckland to Bluff, with our head office in Alexandra, Central Otago.

We are part of Pioneer Energy Group, which is majority owned by Central Lakes Trust and supported by a strategic equity partnership with Tōtara Energy LP. Together, our shareholders are committed to long-term, community-focused and sustainable investment in New Zealand’s renewable energy future. Our values guide how we work: we care for each other, embrace kaitiakitanga, take ownership, focus on what matters and work as one team.

Why Pioneer?

We’re on a journey to build high-performing teams across Pioneer, with a strong focus on leadership, trust, accountability and working well together. As Asset Operator / Maintainer – BEC, you’ll play an important part in that by taking ownership of plant performance, contributing practical ideas and working with others to keep our assets operating safely and reliably.

We offer competitive remuneration, opportunities for learning and development, flexible working options where appropriate, health, life and trauma insurance, wellness initiatives, Employee Assistance Programmes, flu vaccinations and volunteering opportunities.

How to Apply

If you’re an experienced mechanical or electrical tradesperson who enjoys working with industrial plant, solving practical problems and taking ownership of your work, we’d like to hear from you. To be considered, you must:

• Be eligible to work in New Zealand.

• Hold a current New Zealand driver licence.

• Be able to travel around New Zealand from time to time.

• Pass a pre-employment drug and alcohol test.

To view the full position description and apply, please apply via our online recruitment portal. View the job description on our portal, here.

Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and interviews may be held throughout the advertising period. Applications close 11 December 2026.

For questions about the role, please email HR@pioneerenergy.co.nz.