The civil infrastructure industry in New Zealand is poised for growth in late 2025 and 2026, driven by major government initiatives and a renewed focus on local and national infrastructure development.
If you’re a school leaver or thinking of changing careers, this is your chance to join a dynamic and rewarding sector and build a career for life, with rewarding pay rates and roles where you can make a real difference.
We caught up with two recruitment agents specialising in civil construction to get their thoughts on key growth areas, in-demand roles, and the skills needed to thrive in this evolving industry.
Key growth areas in civil construction
Director of Christchurch-based RB Recruitment Ben Sexton says career opportunities in civil construction are set to increase this year thanks to several high-profile infrastructure projects and government policy changes.
“The civil construction sector is poised for growth, with major opportunities emerging from the government’s Roads of National Significance and Local Water Done Well initiatives.”
Ben says another driver is the introduction of tailored, site-specific solutions for managing traffic around road work sites.
The new approach is based on managing risk rather than following restrictive site layouts, and it’s being phased in as a requirement by government agencies, councils and contracting companies. It will create demand for skilled professionals with imagination and initiative, who can manage traffic effectively to ensure safety and compliance on complex projects.
There is also an increasing focus on maintaining aging local water infrastructure and supporting urban development, which will also lift demand for civil construction roles – particularly in regions like Queenstown, Tauranga and Rolleston, he says.
“Major housing developments, such as those in Auckland and Rolleston, will drive demand for infrastructure upgrades.”
Wellington-based Recruitment Consultant Brianna Keogh from RobLawMax says the civil construction sector can see “light at the end of the tunnel” this year after a period of rising project and material costs, ongoing labour supply issues and weather-related incidents.
“We should see a falling OCR [Official Cash Rate], meaning lower interest rates for borrowers at the banks, which makes cashflow more accessible.
“The government will deliver a clearer pipeline of work across the region and changes to the Resource Management Act, clarity around water reforms, plus fast-track legislation and reforms will all help.”
Brianna says New Zealand’s infrastructure has a long way to go to meet the requirements of its ever-growing population, making civil infrastructure jobs a safe bet for a secure career.
“We are likely to see the biggest areas of growth within the major land development and earthwork sector, the water infrastructure sector and climate change resilience.”
In-demand roles and geographical trends
Ben says the types of skills required will vary across regions, depending on the kinds and numbers of projects involved.
Nationally, demand for traffic management roles will increase, in particular temporary traffic management designers and planners, and site traffic management supervisors, he says.
Urban centres such as Auckland, Tauranga and Wellington are experiencing strong demand for traffic management staff, pipeline construction workers, heavy machinery operators, and skilled labourers due to high-density housing projects and associated infrastructure needs.
Other roles Ben is seeing localised demand for are excavator operators, Class Four licenced drivers, labourers and qualified drainlayers in Queenstown, plus excavator operators, Class Two and Four licenced drivers, labourers, and traffic management staff in Dunedin.
Brianna says in general she is seeing an increase in the need for skilled estimators, which is a positive sign that contractors are focused on trying to win work. Other roles in demand include certified pipeline construction and maintenance workers, skilled piling specialists, lineworkers and ground engineers – roles career seekers should be training for considering the amount of work coming up.
Skills employers are looking for
Ben says the shift to risk-based traffic management will require specialised training to understand the new approach and early adopters who upskill in this area will be highly sought after.
Brianna says employers are generally looking for candidates with practical on-site experience, adaptability and a willingness to learn and keep developing themselves.
“Understanding and using a variety of software and GPS systems, report writing skills, and adaptability are highly valued.”
She says the industry is committed to developing the next generation of skilled workers.
“We are hoping to see significant investment in training to develop the next generation of a skilled civil construction workforce, so that they can deliver New Zealand’s infrastructure.”
Why choose a career in civil infrastructure construction?
For school leavers and career changers, civil construction offers a pathway to meaningful work, job security, and opportunities for professional development. Whether you’re operating heavy machinery, designing infrastructure solutions or managing traffic on a busy site to keep everyone safe, your work will directly contribute to building a better New Zealand.
Ben says he is optimistic about options for career seekers in civil construction during 2025, describing the industry as a “thriving sector with abundant opportunities”.
“For both new entrants and experienced professionals, the evolving landscape of traffic management and civil construction represents an exciting time to contribute to New Zealand’s future.”
Check out our Career Roadmap to explore different career pathways in civil infrastructure or our handy guide to creating a skills-based CV to help you put your best foot forward when applying for roles.
Want to get started in infrastructure with a job right now? Get in touch with the RB Recruitment team, contact the RobLawMax team or ask your local civil contractor if they have a job for you.
