2026 Graduate Civil Engineer - Geotechnical (Jan 2026)

Small and mighty, we are the perfect place to launch your career as a professional engineer.  Joining our graduate cohort is more than just a job, it’s an adventure.  Come and experience the warmth of our friendly culture firsthand. 

What you’ll be doing on the daily:

You’ll be doing anything from site investigations and technical design to project management tasks and analysis and interpretation.  One of our graduates told us recently ‘I haven’t done the same thing twice’ and that sums it up really, you’ll find variety here – working outdoors on a site, at the office or sometimes from home.

You’ll work on a wide range of projects too, supported by a diverse team of technical experts. 

About you:

• A passion for sustainable infrastructure and creating communities that thrive.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work through creative solutions to complex challenges.
• Initiative, hunger to learn, and an openness to take on new opportunities.
• A recent graduate with a Bachelor of Civil or Natural Resources Engineering Qualification.

What’s special about us:

We’re a proudly New Zealand owned consultancy of 100 staff with offices in Auckland and Christchurch.  Passionate about great engineering, and technical excellence, we provide a range of solutions to clients in the energy, land and water sectors across Aotearoa and the Pacific.  Our specialist capabilities cover civil, water, geotechnical and environmental engineering disciplines.

We are the sweet spot - large enough to offer incredible career opportunities, and small enough that everyone knows your name. We don’t stand on hierarchy at Riley.  We are a workplace where transparency is valued and collaboration is king.

Did we mention the perks?

• A Graduate Kickstart Payment to help you transition from student to professional.
• A dedicated and supportive development framework to grow and advance your career, as well as paying your professional membership.
• A $750 Wellbeing Allowance and EAP service to keep you feeling your best.
• The ability to purchase up to 4 weeks additional leave.
• A buddy, a graduate cohort that meets monthly, and access to technical experts.
• An active social club with team sports, ski trips, and BBQ’s.
• Additional parental leave, long service leave, and study leave.
• Flu shot, fruit baskets, morning teas, the list goes on!

Think we’re a match? Here’s how to apply!

Please send your CV, covering letter, and a copy of your academic transcript and why you would like to join our team by clicking Apply Now by 31 March 2025.

Want to deep dive? Check out http://www.riley.co.nz/graduates and hear from our current graduates about what it’s like to work with us.