Geotechnical Engineer - Queenstown

About Us

Initia is a specialist geotechnical consultancy built on the belief that delivering value means applying initiative. We take time to understand each project and develop solutions that are practical, well considered, and commercially smart.

Our philosophy is based on delivering excellence and creating lasting relationships that support our clients to achieve great results. This has led us to develop a strong market presence and a loyal client base within the commercial and infrastructure sectors resulting in a mounting forward workload.

This approach has seen us play key roles on projects that matter to communities and industries across New Zealand. Our Queenstown office has continued this success with projects in Queenstown and the greater South Island including:

• Multiple large subdivision developments (200+ lots) across Queenstown and Wānaka
• New commercial/town centre developments
• The seismic upgrade and redevelopment of the Rydges/QT Queenstown hotel
• Solar farms in the upper South Island
• Civil infrastructure projects in Queenstown and Southland
• Terrace housing developments in the Queenstown CBD
• Several new hotel developments
• Logistics and distributions buildings across the lower South Island

For further insights into our projects and team, visit our LinkedIn page https://www.linkedin.com/company/initia-ltd

Our collaborative, people-first culture is anchored by a strong core team whose depth of experience underpins the work we do. With established offices in Auckland and Queenstown, our forward workload reflects the trust our clients place in us.

With the growth of our Project workload across New Zealand, we are recruiting for an Intermediate Geotechnical Engineer to join our Queenstown CBD office.

The Role

You will serve as a critical member of our engineering team, overseeing geotechnical investigations, design, and analyses. This role is ideal for engineering professionals keen to make the next step in their career and take on more complex challenges along with project and client management .

Your role will be varied and technically challenging. Our flat team structure and the dynamic nature of our projects ensure that you will take on multiple responsibilities, with no two days looking exactly the same.  We see this as a great way to build competency across the broad range of skills our discipline demands.

You will demonstrate experience and be developing expertise in the following areas:

• Planning and managing site investigations, testing, and data collection
• Developing ground models and contributing to specifications and drawings
• Geotechnical analysis and assessment of key geotechnical considerations
• Design of structures including retaining walls, slope stabilisation and foundations
• Sound appreciation of geotechnical engineering risk and awareness of commercial risk
• Technical report writing including interpretative and design reports
• Building strong relationships with clients and project partners
• Mentoring and supporting junior staff
• Prepared to innovate and think outside the square and adopt new technologies.

About You

You have a solid technical foundation and the confidence to apply it practically. You are aware of the boundaries of your experience, are not afraid to ask questions, and proactively contribute to solutions by offering input. You value clear communication, collaboration, and using initiative to get the best outcomes.

We are looking for someone with:

• BE(Hons) degree in Civil Engineering.
• 4+ years of experience in a geotechnical engineering consulting environment
• Competent in geotechnical software tools.
• Demonstrated capability in project management and team leadership.
• Excellent communication, both written and verbal - confident working with multiple different stakeholders across project teams
• Valid driver’s license, required for site visits.

Our Culture

At Initia, our “why” is simple: to make people successful – our clients, our project partners, and our team. We are a high-trust, non-corporate business where hierarchy is flat, learning is constant, and people are empowered to make good decisions and ask for help when needed. Mentoring, collaboration, and shared experiences, both in the office and socially, are at the heart of how we build capability and deliver value.

Benefits

We back our people to grow and enjoy their work. Alongside exposure to complex, meaningful projects and access to the knowledge and guidance of a highly experienced team, you’ll have:

• Professional memberships and chartership assessment fees covered
• An unlimited company mobile plan plus a handset allowance
• Private health insurance with Southern Cross
• A company laptop and use of vehicles for site visits
• Structured professional development and in-house mentoring
• An in-house mentor and career coach to help shape your path
• Regular social events, Friday catch ups, and end-of-month briefings that keep us connected and our culture thriving
• Company trips away from time to time for some well-earned R&R and socialising together

Applicants must reside in New Zealand.

Please apply by providing your CV and a cover letter telling us about what makes you different! For a confidential conversation about the role, contact Pip Callec on [021 449 024](tel:021 449 024).