Graduate Civil Geotechnical Engineer - Transport, Nelson
Are you a new graduate with up to 2 years' experience in Geotechnical Engineering, with a Civil Engineering qualification? Do you aspire to develop and grow in a collaborative and supportive environment, then join Stantec’s 2026-2027 Graduate Programme and kickstart your career with us!
Fantastic perks:
- Engineering NZ Accredited: 2-year graduate development programme.
- Competitive Salary: Starting salary for new graduates is NZD74,000 base salary plus benefits such as spot bonuses, banking discounts, and an extra day's leave.
- Insurance: Receive a range of insurances including health cover through Southern Cross Medical Insurance
- Global Network: Connect with our international Developing Professionals Group for training and networking across New Zealand and Australia.
- Professional Support: Get mentored for your Engineering New Zealand Accreditation and personal career development.
- Flexible Work Environment: Enjoy flexible working hours and excellent employee benefits.
What you’ll do?
We are looking for driven Geotechnical Engineering Graduates to join our NZ Transport Engineering team. You will join a team that works on civil engineering projects, not only locally, New Zealand. You will work with a diverse client set from NZTA, local government, industry, and private development. As a graduate, with 0 to 2 years' work experience, you will have many opportunities available to you by joining us at Stantec, including:
A global developing professionals’ network
Firm-wide online specialist knowledge group
Access to global industry leaders through our Practice Leader network
Ability to work on projects across geographies
Mentoring of technical support and encouragement
Based in our Nelson, NZ office, your key responsibilities will include assistance in the delivery of projects including the following:
Carry out site surveys, investigations, and feasibility studies for proposed projects.
Produce calculations, specifications, and drawings to ensure that technical designs provide appropriate solution.
Support specific projects by assisting with planning, co-ordination and report writing.
Assist with communication and development ongoing contacts with clients as required.
Organise tender documents, assist in the evaluation of tenders and administration of contracts.
Application Advice and Tips
· Refer to our CV and Cover Letter advice on Prosple.
· Applications close Saturday 1 August 2026
· Tips on Getting a Job & Working at Stantec:
https://nz.prosple.com/graduate-employers/stantec/advice
About Stantec
We’ve been serving our clients and communities in Aotearoa New Zealand for over 125 years. With almost 900 professionals, our team is based in the main cities and throughout the regions. We collaborate across disciplines and sectors to bring buildings, energy, water, environmental, and transport projects to life.
Our Nelson office of 35 is a well‑established part of our South Island network with a team. There is a strong focus on supporting local and regional clients across the Top of the South. The office has a collaborative, close‑knit culture where graduates work directly alongside experienced engineers and technical specialists, gaining exposure to a broad range of projects and disciplines.
The Transport team delivers work across the full project lifecycle, including planning, investigations, design, and construction support for roading and transport infrastructure. The team works closely with other disciplines within the office, providing an excellent environment for a graduate to develop practical skills, build strong professional relationships, and gain hands‑on experience through site investigations and real‑world projects.
Graduates in the Nelson office are supported through mentoring and on‑the‑job learning, with opportunities to contribute meaningfully to projects from an early stage while developing their technical capability and confidence working with clients and contractors.
Globally, Stantec unites approximately 34,000 employees working in over 450 locations across six continents. Our work from initial project concept and planning through design, construction, and commissioning begins at the intersection of community, creativity, and client relationships.
#stantecnextgen
What You Bring:
You'll need a relevant degree or diploma in Geotechnical/ Civil Engineering, but just as important will be your personal attributes. You'll be as committed as we are to improving the world we live in, seizing the environmental challenges that we all face and coming up with solutions that will benefit generations to come. Our graduates demonstrate personal leadership qualities and thrive in an environment in which they are challenged and expected to take increasing responsibility and accountability for client service, technical delivery, and project outcomes.
Some key qualities that we will look for are:
Strong communication skills, with the confidence to liaise directly with contractors and clients during site investigations and through the design process.
Flexibility and willingness to travel, including undertaking out‑of‑region assignments when opportunities arise.
Exposure to geotechnical and/or structural design is advantageous but not essential; graduates with a strong technical foundation and willingness to learn are encouraged to apply.
A proactive, can‑do attitude, with the initiative to take ownership of tasks and contribute positively to the team.
Eligibility:
Be a recent graduate with up to 2 years' experience in Geotechnical Engineering
Preferably have a full clean current driving licence
Working Rights: Resident, Permanent Resident, Citizen