The oil and gas sector in New Zealand contributes significantly to the economy, offering stable and well-paying job opportunities across various fields such as engineering, geology, project management, and technical operations.
Working in this industry provides exposure to a wide range of roles, from exploration and drilling to refining and environmental management. Professionals can develop specialized skills and advance their careers both locally and internationally.
New Zealand’s oil and gas industry incorporates advanced technologies for exploration, safety, and environmental management. Employees have the chance to work with cutting-edge systems and gain valuable technical expertise.
The sector places a strong emphasis on health, safety, and environmental standards. Workers benefit from world-class safety practices while contributing to responsible resource management.
Many positions within the New Zealand oil and gas industry are based in regions with excellent quality of life. Employees can enjoy a balance between challenging professional work and access to New Zealand’s natural beauty and lifestyle.
New Zealand’s oil and gas sector offers international professionals a strong platform to build a rewarding career while gaining experience in a globally connected industry. Skills developed here are highly transferable, opening doors to opportunities worldwide.
From offshore exploration to advanced energy technologies, New Zealand’s industry thrives on innovation. International candidates can contribute to projects that balance resource development with sustainability, all within a distinctive geological and cultural setting.
New Zealand is recognized for its strict safety protocols and environmental care. For international workers, this means professional growth in a workplace that values responsibility, integrity, and world-class standards.
Choosing New Zealand means more than just a job. International professionals enjoy a safe, welcoming environment, a strong sense of community, and easy access to the country’s stunning landscapes and outdoor lifestyle.
The country actively welcomes skilled workers from abroad. International candidates can benefit from clear immigration pathways, multicultural workplaces, and employer support for settling into a new environment.
New Zealand produces light, high-quality crude oil, primarily from offshore fields. Most of this crude is exported due to its premium quality, which is in demand internationally.
Natural gas is a key part of New Zealand’s energy supply, used for electricity generation, industrial heating, and as feedstock for petrochemical production.
Condensate is a light hydrocarbon liquid often produced alongside natural gas. In New Zealand, it is refined locally or exported, contributing to energy and petrochemical industries.
LPG, a byproduct of natural gas processing, is widely used in households, agriculture, and transport. It plays an important role in providing energy to areas not connected to the natural gas grid.
Job Profile |
Avg. Salary (NZD/year) |
Approx. Salary (USD/year) |
Approx. Salary (INR/year) |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Petroleum Engineer |
150,000 NZD |
91,500 USD |
₹76.5 Lakh |
|
Drilling Engineer |
140,000 NZD |
85,400 USD |
₹71.4 Lakh |
|
Reservoir Engineer |
135,000 NZD |
82,400 USD |
₹68.8 Lakh |
|
Geologist / Geoscientist |
120,000 NZD |
73,200 USD |
₹61.2 Lakh |
|
Production Engineer |
125,000 NZD |
76,200 USD |
₹63.7 Lakh |
|
Offshore Installation Manager |
180,000 NZD |
109,800 USD |
₹91.8 Lakh |
|
Project Manager (Oil & Gas) |
160,000 NZD |
97,600 USD |
₹81.6 Lakh |
|
HSE Manager (Health & Safety) |
120,000 NZD |
73,200 USD |
₹61.2 Lakh |
|
Subsea Engineer |
145,000 NZD |
88,450 USD |
₹73.9 Lakh |
|
Mechanical Engineer |
110,000 NZD |
67,100 USD |
₹56.1 Lakh |
|
Chemical/Process Engineer |
115,000 NZD |
70,150 USD |
₹58.6 Lakh |
|
Electrical Engineer |
105,000 NZD |
64,100 USD |
₹53.6 Lakh |
|
Instrumentation Engineer |
100,000 NZD |
61,000 USD |
₹51.0 Lakh |
|
Marine Engineer |
120,000 NZD |
73,200 USD |
₹61.2 Lakh |
|
Field Operator |
90,000 NZD |
54,900 USD |
₹45.9 Lakh |
|
Rig Manager |
150,000 NZD |
91,500 USD |
₹76.5 Lakh |
|
Pipeline Engineer |
125,000 NZD |
76,200 USD |
₹63.7 Lakh |
|
Environmental Advisor |
95,000 NZD |
57,950 USD |
₹48.5 Lakh |
|
Procurement/Supply Chain Lead |
110,000 NZD |
67,100 USD |
₹56.1 Lakh |
|
Welder/Fabricator (Oil & Gas) |
85,000 NZD |
51,850 USD |
₹43.3 Lakh |
Eligibility Factor |
Requirements for International Applicants |
|---|---|
|
Educational Qualification |
Bachelor’s or Master’s in Engineering (Petroleum, Mechanical, Civil, Chemical, Electrical), Geosciences, HSE, or related fields depending on the role. Trade certifications for technicians/welders. |
|
Work Experience |
2–10 years of relevant oil & gas industry experience preferred. Senior roles may require 10+ years. |
|
Professional Certifications |
Offshore Safety (BOSIET/OPITO), HSE Certifications (NEBOSH/IOSH), Engineering Registration (IPENZ/Chartered Engineer NZ) where applicable. |
|
Work Visa / Permit |
Skilled Migrant Category Visa, Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV), or Work-to-Residence visa sponsored by an employer. |
|
Language Requirement |
English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL may be required if not from an English-speaking country). |
|
Medical & Fitness |
Must pass offshore medicals, fitness-for-work, and drug/alcohol tests as per industry standards. |
|
Background Checks |
Police clearance certificate and employment references required. |
|
Licensing (if applicable) |
Engineers may need to register with Engineering New Zealand; trade workers may require NZQA skill recognition. |
|
Employer Sponsorship |
Most roles require an accredited New Zealand employer to sponsor the visa. |
|
Adaptability & Relocation |
Willingness to relocate to oil & gas hubs like Taranaki and adapt to offshore/onshore rotational work. |
Job Profile |
General Roles & Responsibilities |
|---|---|
|
Petroleum Engineer |
Design and optimize methods for extracting oil & gas, analyze reservoir performance, and enhance production efficiency. |
|
Drilling Engineer |
Plan, design, and supervise drilling operations while ensuring safety, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. |
|
Reservoir Engineer |
Evaluate reservoir performance, estimate reserves, and develop strategies for maximizing recovery. |
|
Geologist / Geoscientist |
Conduct geological surveys, analyze rock formations, and support exploration and drilling activities. |
|
Production Engineer |
Oversee day-to-day production, troubleshoot issues, and implement methods to improve output. |
|
Offshore Installation Manager |
Lead offshore operations, manage crew, ensure safety compliance, and oversee production systems. |
|
Project Manager (Oil & Gas) |
Plan, execute, and deliver oil & gas projects on time and within budget, coordinating multidisciplinary teams. |
|
HSE Manager |
Ensure compliance with health, safety, and environmental standards; conduct audits and implement safety policies. |
|
Subsea Engineer |
Design, install, and maintain subsea systems including pipelines, risers, and wellheads. |
|
Mechanical Engineer |
Maintain and design mechanical equipment such as pumps, compressors, and rotating machinery. |
|
Chemical / Process Engineer |
Optimize refining and processing operations, monitor chemical processes, and ensure product quality. |
|
Electrical Engineer |
Design and maintain electrical systems, ensure power reliability, and support offshore/onshore facilities. |
|
Instrumentation Engineer |
Develop and maintain control systems, sensors, and instrumentation for monitoring production. |
|
Marine Engineer |
Manage ship engines and offshore marine equipment, ensuring vessel safety and compliance. |
|
Field Operator |
Operate and monitor production equipment, carry out routine checks, and ensure smooth field operations. |
|
Rig Manager |
Supervise rig operations, manage drilling crew, and ensure compliance with operational and safety standards. |
|
Pipeline Engineer |
Design, construct, and maintain pipelines for oil & gas transportation, ensuring safety and reliability. |
|
Environmental Advisor |
Monitor environmental impacts, ensure compliance with environmental regulations, and implement sustainability measures. |
|
Procurement / Supply Chain Lead |
Manage sourcing of equipment, vendor negotiations, logistics, and supply chain efficiency. |
|
Welder / Fabricator |
Perform welding and fabrication work on pipelines, rigs, and structural components as per safety and quality standards. |
Job Profile |
General Eligibility Requirements |
|---|---|
|
Petroleum Engineer |
Bachelor’s in Petroleum/Mechanical/Chemical Engineering; 3–5 yrs exp; strong reservoir & production knowledge. |
|
Drilling Engineer |
Engineering degree; 3–7 yrs drilling exp; OPITO/BOSIET certification preferred. |
|
Reservoir Engineer |
Degree in Petroleum/Geoscience; 3–5 yrs exp in reservoir simulation & modeling. |
|
Geologist / Geoscientist |
Degree in Geology/Geophysics; exploration exp; familiarity with seismic data interpretation. |
|
Production Engineer |
Degree in Petroleum/Chemical/Mechanical Eng.; 2–5 yrs production ops exp. |
|
Offshore Installation Manager |
10+ yrs offshore exp; leadership experience; BOSIET & offshore medical certification. |
|
Project Manager (Oil & Gas) |
Degree in Engineering/Project Mgmt; PMP certification preferred; 8–10 yrs exp in oil & gas projects. |
|
HSE Manager |
NEBOSH/IOSH certification; 5–8 yrs exp in safety management; strong knowledge of NZ HSE laws. |
|
Subsea Engineer |
Engineering degree; subsea systems exp; offshore training certifications required. |
|
Mechanical Engineer |
Bachelor’s in Mechanical Eng.; 2–5 yrs exp in rotating equipment & plant maintenance. |
|
Chemical / Process Engineer |
Degree in Chemical Eng.; refinery or process optimization exp; HAZOP knowledge preferred. |
|
Electrical Engineer |
Degree in Electrical Eng.; 2–5 yrs exp; knowledge of offshore/onshore electrical systems. |
|
Instrumentation Engineer |
Degree/Diploma in Instrumentation/Electronics Eng.; exp with control systems & SCADA. |
|
Marine Engineer |
Marine Engineering degree; seafaring license; offshore marine equipment knowledge. |
|
Field Operator |
Technical diploma/Certificate; 2+ yrs field ops exp; safety & equipment handling training. |
|
Rig Manager |
8–10 yrs rig exp; proven leadership; IWCF (Well Control) certification preferred. |
|
Pipeline Engineer |
Civil/Mechanical Eng. degree; pipeline design & maintenance exp; knowledge of NZ pipeline codes. |
|
Environmental Advisor |
Degree in Environmental Science/Engineering; 2–5 yrs exp; knowledge of NZ environmental laws. |
|
Procurement / Supply Chain Lead |
Degree in Supply Chain/Business/Engineering; 5+ yrs procurement exp in oil & gas projects. |
|
Welder / Fabricator |
Trade certificate (Welding/Fabrication); 2+ yrs exp; ASME/API welding standards knowledge. |
Job Profile |
Experience Required |
|---|---|
|
Petroleum Engineer |
3–5 years in petroleum engineering, reservoir management, or production optimization. |
|
Drilling Engineer |
3–7 years in drilling operations, offshore/onshore rigs, and well design. |
|
Reservoir Engineer |
3–5 years in reservoir simulation, modeling, and performance analysis. |
|
Geologist / Geoscientist |
2–5 years in geological surveys, seismic data analysis, and exploration projects. |
|
Production Engineer |
2–5 years in production operations, troubleshooting, and process optimization. |
|
Offshore Installation Manager |
10–15 years in offshore oil & gas operations with 5+ years in leadership roles. |
|
Project Manager (Oil & Gas) |
8–12 years in project execution, planning, and team management in oil & gas. |
|
HSE Manager |
5–8 years in HSE management, audits, and compliance within energy projects. |
|
Subsea Engineer |
5–7 years in subsea systems design, installation, and maintenance. |
|
Mechanical Engineer |
2–5 years in rotating machinery, plant design, and maintenance. |
|
Chemical / Process Engineer |
2–5 years in refining, chemical processing, or petrochemical operations. |
|
Electrical Engineer |
2–5 years in industrial electrical systems and offshore/onshore facilities. |
|
Instrumentation Engineer |
3–5 years in control systems, automation, and instrumentation. |
|
Marine Engineer |
3–6 years in marine/offshore engineering and vessel operations. |
|
Field Operator |
1–3 years in oilfield operations, production monitoring, and equipment handling. |
|
Rig Manager |
8–10 years in drilling/rig operations, with supervisory experience. |
|
Pipeline Engineer |
4–7 years in pipeline design, construction, and maintenance. |
|
Environmental Advisor |
2–5 years in environmental monitoring, compliance, and impact assessments. |
|
Procurement / Supply Chain Lead |
5–8 years in procurement, logistics, and vendor management in oil & gas. |
|
Welder / Fabricator |
2–4 years in industrial welding/fabrication, preferably with oil & gas projects. |
Company Name |
Headquarters / Base in NZ |
Focus Area |
International Hiring Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
|
OMV New Zealand |
New Plymouth (Taranaki) |
Exploration, production (Māui & Pohokura fields) |
Actively hires engineers, geoscientists, and HSE professionals, including overseas candidates. |
|
Todd Energy |
New Plymouth (Taranaki) |
Exploration, production, gas supply |
Family-owned NZ company; hires technical specialists and project managers, open to skilled migrants. |
|
Beach Energy NZ |
Taranaki Basin (operations office) |
Exploration & production |
Australian-owned company; recruits experienced engineers and field operators internationally. |
|
Greymouth Petroleum |
New Plymouth (Taranaki) |
Exploration, drilling, production |
Independent NZ company; open to international engineers and offshore staff. |
|
Halliburton |
Taranaki operations |
Oilfield services, drilling support |
Multinational service provider; hires globally for drilling, subsea, and field operations. |
|
Schlumberger |
Taranaki operations |
Oilfield services, technology solutions |
Known for international hiring; recruits engineers, geologists, and operators worldwide. |
|
Baker Hughes |
Taranaki support base |
Oilfield services, equipment, subsea systems |
Regularly hires international subsea and drilling engineers. |
|
Petrofac (NZ Projects) |
Based offshore, NZ contracts |
Project management & engineering services |
Engages international staff for major offshore and project work. |
|
Origin Energy (JV) |
Taranaki (Māui field partner) |
Energy exploration & gas projects |
Works via joint ventures; open to hiring skilled expats through partnerships. |
|
Contact Energy |
Wellington (HQ), Taranaki operations |
Gas-fired power, energy supply |
Occasionally recruits engineers and HSE staff with international experience. |
Job Profile |
Avg. Salary (NZD/year) |
General Job Requirements |
General Roles & Responsibilities |
Top Hiring Companies (NZ) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Petroleum Engineer |
150,000 NZD |
Bachelor’s in Petroleum/Mechanical/Chemical Eng.; 3–5 yrs exp |
Design extraction methods, analyze reservoirs, optimize production |
OMV, Todd Energy, Beach Energy |
|
Drilling Engineer |
140,000 NZD |
Eng. degree; 3–7 yrs drilling exp; BOSIET preferred |
Plan/supervise drilling ops, ensure safety & cost efficiency |
Halliburton, Schlumberger, Baker Hughes |
|
Reservoir Engineer |
135,000 NZD |
Petroleum Eng./Geoscience degree; 3–5 yrs exp |
Evaluate reserves, simulate reservoir performance, recovery planning |
OMV, Greymouth Petroleum |
|
Geologist / Geoscientist |
120,000 NZD |
Geology/Geophysics degree; exploration exp |
Conduct surveys, analyze seismic data, support exploration |
OMV, Todd Energy, Schlumberger |
|
Production Engineer |
125,000 NZD |
Petroleum/Chemical Eng.; 2–5 yrs exp |
Manage daily production ops, troubleshoot issues, improve output |
Beach Energy, Todd Energy |
|
Offshore Installation Manager (OIM) |
180,000 NZD |
10–15 yrs offshore exp; BOSIET & medicals |
Lead offshore crew, manage ops, enforce HSE compliance |
OMV, Petrofac, Halliburton |
|
Project Manager (Oil & Gas) |
160,000 NZD |
Eng./Project Mgmt degree; PMP preferred; 8–10 yrs exp |
Deliver projects on time/budget, manage teams & vendors |
Todd Energy, Beach Energy, Petrofac |
|
HSE Manager |
120,000 NZD |
NEBOSH/IOSH certified; 5–8 yrs exp |
Implement safety policies, conduct audits, ensure compliance |
OMV, Contact Energy, Schlumberger |
|
Subsea Engineer |
145,000 NZD |
Eng. degree; 5–7 yrs subsea exp; offshore certs |
Install & maintain subsea equipment, pipeline systems |
Baker Hughes, Halliburton |
|
Mechanical Engineer |
110,000 NZD |
Mechanical Eng. degree; 2–5 yrs exp |
Maintain pumps, compressors, rotating equipment |
Todd Energy, Greymouth Petroleum |
|
Chemical/Process Engineer |
115,000 NZD |
Chemical Eng. degree; 2–5 yrs exp |
Optimize processing, monitor refining systems |
Contact Energy, Todd Energy |
|
Electrical Engineer |
105,000 NZD |
Electrical Eng. degree; 2–5 yrs exp |
Maintain offshore/onshore electrical systems |
OMV, Beach Energy |
|
Instrumentation Engineer |
100,000 NZD |
Diploma/Degree in Instrumentation/Electronics; 3–5 yrs exp |
Maintain control systems, SCADA, and sensors |
Halliburton, Schlumberger |
|
Marine Engineer |
120,000 NZD |
Marine Eng. degree; seafaring license |
Operate/maintain offshore marine equipment |
OMV, Petrofac |
|
Field Operator |
90,000 NZD |
Technical diploma; 1–3 yrs exp |
Operate equipment, monitor production, routine checks |
Todd Energy, Beach Energy |
|
Rig Manager |
150,000 NZD |
8–10 yrs rig exp; IWCF (Well Control) cert preferred |
Manage rig crew, oversee drilling ops & safety |
Halliburton, Baker Hughes |
|
Pipeline Engineer |
125,000 NZD |
Civil/Mechanical Eng.; 4–7 yrs pipeline exp |
Design/maintain oil & gas pipelines |
Beach Energy, Greymouth Petroleum |
|
Environmental Advisor |
95,000 NZD |
Environmental Science/Eng. degree; 2–5 yrs exp |
Monitor environmental impacts, ensure compliance |
Contact Energy, Todd Energy |
|
Procurement/Supply Chain Lead |
110,000 NZD |
Supply Chain/Business/Eng. degree; 5+ yrs exp |
Manage sourcing, logistics, vendor contracts |
Todd Energy, Petrofac |
|
Welder/Fabricator |
85,000 NZD |
Trade certificate; 2–4 yrs exp |
Perform welding/fabrication on pipelines, rigs, structures |
Greymouth Petroleum, Offshore Contractors |
Visa Type |
Eligibility |
Duration |
Pathway / Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) |
Job offer from an accredited NZ employer in Oil & Gas; relevant skills & experience |
Up to 3 years (renewable) |
Most common visa for overseas hires; employer sponsorship required |
|
Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa |
Points-based system (based on qualifications, experience, job offer, salary) |
Permanent (with residency) |
Best option for experienced professionals seeking long-term settlement |
|
Work to Residence Visa |
Offer from an accredited employer in a skill-shortage area (e.g., petroleum, engineering, HSE) |
30 months, then apply for residency |
Popular for high-demand technical roles in Oil & Gas |
|
Essential Skills Work Visa (phased out, replaced by AEWV) |
Previously for temporary skilled work (now under AEWV framework) |
N/A |
Applicants should now apply via AEWV instead |
|
Critical Purpose Visitor Visa (Short-Term Work) |
For urgent, short-term Oil & Gas specialists (e.g., shutdowns, emergency roles) |
Short-term (up to 6 months) |
Employer must prove role is critical to NZ operations |
|
Post-Study Work Visa |
For international graduates from NZ institutions in relevant engineering or technical fields |
1–3 years |
Can lead to Oil & Gas job offers, then transition to AEWV or residency |
|
Residence from Work Visa |
After 2+ years on Work to Residence Visa |
Permanent residency |
Ideal for Oil & Gas professionals planning long-term settlement |
