Ecologist – Whirika – Ōtepoti Dunedin

Whirika; Dunedin; On-site; NZD 70,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Whirika is seeking an enthusiastic Ecologist to support Biodiversity and Restoration work based in Ōtepoti Dunedin. The role covers ecological monitoring, field surveys, data management, reporting, desktop studies and GIS mapping.

Ideally you will have broad knowledge of New Zealand ecology and a relevant degree, with postgraduate qualification preferred. Willingness to travel across Aotearoa for projects is desirable. Start date negotiable.

Qualifications

• Broad knowledge of Aotearoa’s ecology and related subject areas.
• Degree in a relevant field, with postgraduate qualification preferred.
• Willingness to apply ecological principles to consultancy projects.

Responsibilities

• Deliver ecological monitoring and surveys for biodiversity projects.
• Manage data, perform reporting and desktop studies as required.
• Undertake GIS-based ecological mapping and background research.
• Contribute to team guidance and project delivery across Otago and wider Aotearoa.
• Collaborate with clients and iwi/community-led initiatives where appropriate.

Skills

Ecology knowledge

GIS mapping

Data management

Project management

Team collaboration

Education

Degree in a relevant field

Postgraduate qualification

Job description

Nei te mihi ki a koutou o te ao, o nga hau e wha ahakoa ki whea. Kō Whirika mātou. He kamupene e mahi ana i te taiao, mo te whenua, mo te hapori, mo ngā iwi katoa hoki. Tihei mauriora.

Ko te whirika o te taura takata
Ahakoa uaina e te ua
Whitikina e te rā
Te taukaea o te aroha
Ka mau ake tonu e

Ko te mahi / About the role

Whirika is seeking an enthusiastic Ecologist to support the Biodiversity and Restoration work we deliver based in Ōtepoti Dunedin.

We want someone with broad ecological knowledge and interests, ideally with a degree of subject matter expertise within this, who is keen to deliver ecological monitoring and survey work and associated data management and reporting, desktop studies and background research, GIS-based ecological mapping, and generally contribute to our great team.

Although most of the work will be in Otago, a willingness to work elsewhere in Aotearoa, generally for up to a week at a time as projects require, is desirable.

This role is an ideal opportunity for someone to share their energy and knowledge while being supported to grow their ecological skills and gain experience in consultancy.

As well as delivering effective and valued solutions for our commercial clients, Whirika strives to support iwi- and community-led ecological, environmental, and sustainability initiatives, and experience of working in this context is highly desirable.

Likely salary range at appointment: $70,000- 85,000 pa, commensurate with experience and skills.

Applications may be considered as they are received, and the role may close early if a suitable candidate is appointed.

Ko te tangata pai ake / Our ideal candidate will:

• Have a broad knowledge of and interest in Aotearoa’s ecology, and ideally more in-depth knowledge of a field within this.
• Have a degree and likely a post-graduate qualification in a relevant field.
• Want to use their knowledge, skills and energy to deliver great results for our broad range of clients.
• Have strong project management and organisational skills and be able to reliably deliver tasks with appropriate support.
• Operate well within a team, especially in learning from and undertaking tasks to support the work of colleagues.
• Be available to contribute to the delivery of projects based in coastal Otago and elsewhere in Aotearoa.
• Be interested in a career in ecological consultancy.

Ko wai mātou / About Whirika

Whirika is derived from the word ‘whiri’ – the plaited foundation of a kete used to combine different strands together. It represents the role we play in projects and the type of work we strive to deliver – collaborative, strong and interwoven.

Whirika is a Certified B Corporation delivering integrated environmental solutions across Aotearoa. We collaborate with organisations, governments, iwi, and communities to co-create innovative, culturally grounded, and sustainable outcomes. Our team provides tailored support across the full sustainability spectrum – including energy management, emissions reduction, biodiversity and ecosystem restoration, waste minimisation, GIS and modelling, community planning, catchment management, and sustainable business practices – working across disciplines to deliver cohesive, holistic solutions.

Our team of 20 is predominantly based in Ōtepoti Dunedin, with others located in Tauranga and Whakatū Nelson.

Applications close at 12pm on 16 October 2026.

Start date: 23 November 2026 or by negotiation.