Graduate Civil Engineer - Christchurch

About Us:

Fraser Thomas Ltd is a well-established, multi-disciplinary consulting firm with a strong reputation across engineering, surveying, and resource management. Our team brings together expertise in civil, environmental, geotechnical, and structural engineering, alongside land development, surveying, and contaminated land services.

We deliver integrated, end-to-end solutions-supporting projects from initial feasibility through to detailed design and construction. Our collaborative approach, combined with established relationships with national and international partners, enables us to deliver efficient, practical outcomes across a wide range of sectors.

With offices in Auckland, Tauranga, Hawke’s Bay, Blenheim, Nelson, and Christchurch, we offer both local insight and national capability.

For more information on us, please refer to our website www.fraserthomas.co.nz.

About the role:

This is a full-time position based in our Riccarton office, offering the opportunity to contribute to a varied range of land development and civil infrastructure projects while working closely with our experienced engineering team.

At Fraser Thomas, you’ll have the opportunity to build your civil engineering experience across the full project lifecycle, from feasibility and due diligence through to design, construction and project completion. You’ll work alongside experienced engineers and project teams on a varied range of land development and civil infrastructure projects.

This role is suited to a Graduate Civil Engineer looking to develop their technical skills within a supportive consultancy environment. You’ll be encouraged to take on increasing responsibility while working closely with experienced engineers who can provide guidance, mentoring and practical support as you develop your capability.

You’ll be involved in civil design and documentation across areas including stormwater, wastewater, water supply, roading and earthworks, gaining exposure to different project types and design challenges.

Key responsibilities will include

• Supporting civil engineering design from concept through to construction
• Preparing engineering calculations, drawings, specifications and technical documentation
• Assisting with stormwater, wastewater, water supply, earthworks and roading design
• Developing your understanding of relevant engineering standards and council requirements
• Assisting with construction observation and contract administration
• Working with clients, contractors, councils and internal project teams
• Supporting project programming, technical reviews and coordination of engineering deliverables
• This is an opportunity to learn from experienced engineers, build your technical capability and gain broad project experience while developing your career in civil engineering.
• About you:

Qualifications and experience required

• Bachelor of Engineering (Civil or related discipline)
• 1–3 years’ experience in civil engineering, preferably within a New Zealand consultancy environment
• Working knowledge of Autodesk AutoCAD and Civil 3D
• A developing understanding of civil design, construction methodologies and relevant New Zealand engineering standards
• Ability to interpret and analyse technical information, including plans, designs and client requirements
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• A willingness to learn, develop technical skills and work collaboratively with experienced engineers and project teams
• Full New Zealand driver’s license
• New Zealand residency or citizenship

Personal attributes

Adaptable and able to respond effectively to changing project priorities and workloads

Collaborative team player with a positive and proactive approach

Practical mindset with a strong willingness to learn and further develop technical capability

Focused on delivering work to time, budget, and required quality standards

Preferred candidates may be asked to complete a technical assessment as part of the selection process.

This role is suited to a Graduate Civil Engineer with a minimum of one year’s relevant experience working in a New Zealand civil engineering consultancy; applicants currently completing their fourth year of study without relevant consultancy experience will not meet the requirements for this position.

Why Join Fraser Thomas

Real-world impact – Work on projects that provide critical infrastructure and deliver tangible value to communities

Structured mentoring – Direct support from senior engineers invested in your development

Flexible career pathway – Develop your role around your strengths and interests

Multi-disciplinary exposure – Work alongside surveyors and engineers from multiple disciplines across multiple offices

* Strong pipeline of work – A varied range of projects across urban development and infrastructure sectors