Thinking about a career in Civil Engineering?

Do you want to earn while you learn?

If so, here's your opportunity!

South Taranaki District Council is looking for a Roading Cadet to join our Roading team while you study towards a New Zealand Diploma in Civil Engineering. This is a paid role where you'll learn on the job and build the skills you need for a long-term career in civil engineering.

What you'll be doing - you'll work alongside experienced engineers and technical staff, helping to look after the roads and infrastructure that keep South Taranaki moving. Your days will be varied and hands-on, and may include:

• Site visits, inspections, and learning how roading projects run day-to-day
• Helping collect data and measurements (and turning that into useful information)
• Assisting with plans and designs (with support and guidance)
• Supporting maintenance and improvement projects across the district
• Working with contractors, suppliers, and other teams to get great outcomes

We'll support you to complete your diploma while you build practical skills in a local government environment. You'll see how roading services are delivered from planning, to construction, to ongoing maintenance—so what you learn in class makes sense on site. This cadetship is a strong stepping stone into engineering and infrastructure roles.

About you - you don't need years of experience. If you're keen to learn, you'll do well here. You'll ideally have:

• A genuine interest in civil engineering, roading, or infrastructure
• A practical, hands-on approach and enjoyment of problem-solving
• Good communication and organisation skills, with attention to detail
• Basic computer skills (you'll be using systems to record and report information)
• The ability to work independently and as part of a team
• A proactive attitude to learning, plus strong customer service
• A commitment to health and safety—on site and in the office

About South Taranaki - our mission is to make our communities even better places, and the work you'll do helps make that happen. South Taranaki offers an awesome lifestyle with easy access to the outdoors, great local communities, and more affordable housing options—whether you're into town, village, or rural living.

About the Council - we're a values-driven organisation that's proud of the work we do for our community. You'll join a supportive team with a practical "can do" mindset, where you'll be encouraged to grow your skills and ask questions.

We offer benefits like access to a sick leave bank and a retention incentive after four years. Most importantly, you'll be in a team that supports your development and gives you real opportunities to build a career.

Applicants for this position must be legally entitled to work in New Zealand, therefore must have NZ residency or hold a valid NZ work visa. In terms of residence class visa applications, priority will be given where the applicant is in New Zealand.

The salary range for this position is from $60,075 to $80,100. Salary progressions are based on satisfactory performance and the successful completion of papers towards the Diploma. This will be discussed with shortlisted applicants during the interview process.

If this role sounds like you, apply via our website at www.southtaranaki.com. You can view the job description and background information there. Please include a cover letter telling us why you're interested and what you'll bring to the team, along with your most recent CV.

Applications close at 4pm on Friday, 8 May 2026 or when a suitable candidate has been appointed to the role.