Sustainability Specialist - Renewable Construction

Company Description

Meridian is the largest producer of renewable electricity in Aotearoa, and we strive to deliver clean energy for a fairer and healthier world. We only generate electricity from 100% renewable resources – wind, water, and sun, because we believe that’s the best way forward for our planet and our communities. We’re doing what we can to help Aotearoa reduce their carbon emissions and support others in our generation communities to do the same. We also retail electricity to more than 365,000 homes, businesses, and farms across New Zealand through our Meridian and Powershop brands.  

At Meridian, we have a pipeline of renewable electricity projects underway to help New Zealand maintain its security of supply and meet its climate change goals. In 2023 we set ourselves a target of building seven new large-scale renewable generation or storage projects by 2030. We call this our 7x7 goal, and we’re right on track to achieving it. We recently commissioned our $450m Harapaki Wind Farm and have a number of other Wind Farm, solar array and Battery Energy Storage system (BESS) projects in various stages of development around the country. 

Mō te tūranga | What you’ll be doing

We are seeking a skilled Sustainability Specialist with experience in development projects to join our Renewable Construction Team and support the Environmental & Sustainability Design Manager.

This team builds new energy assets (solar, wind, and battery) to help decarbonize New Zealand and handles design, contract tendering, site construction, commissioning, and handover.Other accountabilities include:

• Project managing Sustainability and some Environmental scopes of work in relation to development planning and design;
• Leading infrastructure projects for Environmental and Sustainability design & planning aspects, under guidance from the Environmental and Sustainability Design Manager and supported by specialist consultants;
• Undertaking carbon calculations and assessments and management of LCAs;
• Oversight & support to site teams for Environmental & Sustainability compliance including regular site visits; and
• Coordination and management of all stakeholders; Iwi / Tangata Whenua, civil societies, and local authorities.

Wellington or Christchurch location is preferred; however, we will consider Auckland for the right person.

Ngā pukenga kei a koe mō tenei tūranga | What you’ll bring

• A deep understanding of the Environmental and Sustainability construction sector within NZ.
• Proven track record of successfully managing sustainability aspects of construction projects.
• Environmental and / or Sustainability degree
• Enthusiastic and driven to push for the best possible Environmental & Sustainability outcomes.
• Experience in construction site works and relevant sustainability frameworks.

He aha koe i hono mai ai ki a mātou? | Why join us?   

At Meridian, we value all people. We embrace different ways of thinking, living and working, because we believe diversity benefits us all. It makes our capabilities even stronger. We encourage all our people to feel comfortable bringing their whole selves to work and we’re proud to have a diverse and inclusive workplace. So, no matter who you are, you’ll find it a great place to work.

We value and live by three ‘How to Be’s’: ‘be gutsy’, working together by ‘being in the waka’ and doing the right thing by ‘being a good human’. We work hard and value the importance of connection and fun, whether this be through daily quizzes, morning teas, birthday and cultural celebrations both in person and virtually!

Sustainability sits firmly in our DNA both socially and environmentally. We proudly support KidsCan and the Kākāpō Recovery and work side-by-side with our generation communities to empower and support projects where needed. There are many opportunities to volunteer to any of our partnerships throughout the year.

Ngā painga ki a mātou | What we can offer   

We value work/life balance so our WFH and flexible work options (where possible) make things easier for you and your whānau. We also offer:

• an attractive and competitive salary package that’s reviewed annually, performance-incentive plus discounts from a number of partnerships
• enhanced leave provisions: three company paid days (over the holiday period), enhanced parental leave and options to buy up to 12 days additional leave
• life, trauma and income protection insurance (which we hope you won’t need!)
• enhanced KiwiSaver contributions
• access to the Meridian employee share scheme
• excellent learning and development opportunities, we want you to be the best version of yourself and will help you get there!
• award winning wellbeing programme that provides support whenever and wherever you need it
• employee discounts off your power with Meridian, every bit counts
• a one-off $400 payment to support your work from home set-up (if needed)

Tono mai ināianei tonu | Apply now 

All in all, we’re an awesome place to work. If this sounds like you and you want to bring your energy and use your power to make a difference (pun intended), then apply today and tell us why!

If you’ve any questions, or would like the full Position Description, please email [email protected] and one of our team will get back to you. We're committed to becoming more accessible and providing support if needed, please get in touch via email or phone if there are any parts of our process you would like assistance with (process found here meridianenergy.co.nz/careers), we’re more than happy to help.

Advertising closes on 23 March 2025 (please note this is subject to change)