Land development now underpinning job activity

Civil jobs still booming – land development not SCIRT work now underpinning job activity

Over recent years New Zealand has established a strong reputation for civil work. There’s certainly been an abundance of work and high demand for skilled civil professionals which, according to recruiting professionals, remains the case even though the nature of the work is changing.

“The SCIRT (Stronger Christchurch Infrastructure Rebuild Team) civil workload is starting to slow down, and is expected to conclude by the end of 2016, but civil projects resulting from the expanding residential and commercial construction sectors across the country are taking its place. We’ll also see growth in demand due to pending Government infrastructure projects,” says Jason Walker, Managing Director of Hays in New Zealand.

“Land developments, especially on the outskirts of major cities, now underpin the civil market. Add the strengthening of existing buildings and large infrastructure projects such as new roads and bridges and civil remains a very active market in New Zealand,” he said.

According to the latest Hays Quarterly Report of skills in demand, demand ranges from Quantity Surveyors to Transportation Engineers.

“We’re seeing high demand for qualified Quantity Surveyors with relevant experience,” says Jason. “There are a lot of entry-level candidates, but an acute shortage of candidates with experience.

“Estimators with New Zealand experience are also sought. Many Estimators move into other roles, adding to the candidate shortage. For this same reason, we’re also seeing a shortage of Senior Estimators in the market. Project Engineers are sought too for civil projects, and with better weather conditions comes more need for these candidates,” he said.

Demand is equally high for engineers, with a particular focus at the intermediate level. As Jason explains, “A reduction in the number of students studying civil engineering several years ago has led to today’s shortage at the intermediate level.

“For example, Civil Engineers are needed at the intermediate to senior level. Candidates with design and infrastructure experience in highways, roading, three waters and land development projects are needed in Christchurch, Wellington and Auckland.

“Geotechnical Engineers are needed too at the intermediate to senior level to manage ongoing earthwork, foundation design and investigation across the county. Christchurch work is still associated with the residential insurance sector and new build design as part of the Christchurch redevelopment plan.

“M&E Building Services Engineers are also sought. This is due to national fit-out and refurbishment work across New Zealand linked with commercial office space and government related projects and seismic building strengthening work.

“Land Surveyors are needed due to national land development and infrastructure project work for housing developments, subdivision work and also private developers. We’ve also seen the demand for Transportation Engineers increase with a lot of new projects resulting from subdivisions in the North Island.

“Structural Revit Drafters are in strong demand as projects are nearing sign off, while Intermediate Structural Seismic Engineers with New Zealand experience are also sought.”

Jason says that civil trades and labour is also needed, especially ticketed Machine Operators and NZ Registered Drain Layers. “This demand will increase given the amount of subdivision work underway, large roading projects and the upcoming commencement of the earth works season,” he says.

Jason notes recruiters are seeing higher demand for candidates with 3D software skills as this has become an industry standard, but there is a shortage of candidates in this area.

To see the full list of skills in demand and trends for your industry, please visit www.hays.net.nz/report

Hays, the world’s leading recruiting experts in qualified, professional and skilled people.

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