AI Solutions Specialist

Role overview

Selwyn District Council is seeking a practical, delivery-minded AI Solutions Specialist for its Digital team. This is a hands-on technical position focused on creating, deploying, and running AI solutions across the organisation from early concept through to secure, reliable production use at scale.

You will work closely with the Data Lead, Analytics Engineer, and Data & AI Manager to ensure solutions are built on trusted data, managed with the right controls, and designed for long-term use. This role is centered on engineering delivery rather than advisory work — the expectation is that you will turn AI ideas into working solutions.

Key responsibilities

• Develop Copilot Studio agents, including custom connectors, Power Automate integrations, and thoughtfully designed multi-step conversations.
• Create AI solutions in Azure AI Foundry, using approaches such as RAG, prompt flow orchestration, and Azure OpenAI Service deployment.
• Deploy and support self-hosted AI models within Selwyn District Council’s Azure environment where data residency or cost needs make that necessary.
• Put AI governance controls in place, complete risk reviews, and ensure solutions align with the Council’s AI Policy and Responsible AI Governance Framework.
• Work with the data platform team so AI workloads connect cleanly to approved data sources and do not introduce unmanaged data movement.
• Help build organisational capability by supporting staff to use AI tools safely and appropriately.

What the role requires

• Recent, proven experience building AI solutions inside the Microsoft Azure ecosystem.
• Practical experience creating Copilot Studio agents beyond basic setup, including custom connectors and managing knowledge sources.
• Hands-on use of Azure AI Foundry or Azure AI Studio, including model deployment and RAG implementation.
• Strong Python skills for AI application development, including the Azure AI SDK and orchestration tools/frameworks.
• Good knowledge of AI security, prompt injection threats, and privacy protections for sensitive data.
• Ability to produce clear technical documentation and architecture diagrams as part of normal delivery.
• A relevant tertiary qualification in computer science, software engineering, or equivalent practical experience.

What you can expect

• Supportive work-life balance with flexibility.
• Career coaching and ongoing development opportunities.
• Life insurance coverage.
• Wellbeing leave and volunteer leave.
• Three days of paid leave between Christmas and New Year.
• Two weeks of paid Partners Leave.
• Sick leave available from day one.
• Continued KiwiSaver contributions during savings suspension.
• Discounts with local and national businesses.

About Selwyn District Council

Selwyn is New Zealand’s fastest-growing district, known for its strong communities, high quality of life, and growing economy. The Council works alongside residents to deliver services and facilities that support community growth and wellbeing.

The head office is in Rolleston, about 25 km from Christchurch, offering a family-friendly lifestyle, good local amenities, and easy access to Canterbury’s ski fields, rivers, and hills.

Values and commitment

• Be a good human.
• Be brave and think differently.
• Work better together and make things happen for Selwyn.

The Council honours Te Tiriti o Waitangi and is committed to working with its Treaty partner to meet its obligations under Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

Additional information

This position is based onsite in Rolleston, Canterbury, New Zealand and is a full-time role. The job description does not state a salary, number of vacancies, or start date. No internship duration applies.

If you are ready to help build AI solutions that create real community impact, this role offers the chance to shape how technology is used across the Council.