Environmental Scientist (Freshwater)

Greater Wellington; Wellington; On-site; NZD 91,000 - 136,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible work policy

Learning & development opportunities

Medical and trauma insurance

Generous annual leave

Tangihanga leave

Job summary

Greater Wellington in Wellington or Masterton is seeking an Environmental Scientist (Freshwater) to join the Knowledge Water Ecosystems team. The role focuses on freshwater quality, data interpretation and delivering robust scientific insights for council planning.

The position is permanent and full-time, based in our offices in Wellington or Masterton, with flexible working options. A postgraduate qualification in freshwater science and at least two years of relevant experience are required.

Qualifications

• Post-graduate qualification in freshwater science
• At least two years' experience in freshwater science or related field
• Beneficial: ability to assess wastewater impact on receiving environments
• Solid understanding of NZ resource management legislation
• Strong written skills for investigations, analysis & reporting
• Proven ability to present science to diverse audiences
• Knowledge of monitoring techniques, QA/QC and environmental data management
• Self-motivated and able to work with minimal supervision
• Ability to work collaboratively with scientists and external partners
• Physically able to work in water-related environments and hold a valid driver's licence

Responsibilities

• Support/lead regional freshwater quality and ecology programmes and related scientific studies.
• Develop processes and guidance for the team and Knowledge function.
• Collaborate with national research organisations to inform regional resource management.
• Oversee Recreational Water Quality programme and communicate information to the public when needed.

Skills

Freshwater experience

Resource management knowledge

Scientific communication

Data interpretation

Public engagement

Education

Post-graduate qualification in freshwater science

Job description

We're looking for a motivated and experienced freshwater scientist to join our Knowledge Water Ecosystems team. You will bring your passion for the environment and a desire to influence improved environmental outcomes related to freshwater. You will also have an eye for detail and enjoy providing insight into environmental data and information. This permanent, full-time position can be based in our modern offices in either Wellington or Masterton.

About the role:

We are looking for a scientist with freshwater expertise who can listen and respond to the needs of Greater Wellington, our region's communities and the environment.

As an Environmental Scientist (Freshwater), you will: -

• Support/lead regional freshwater quality and ecology programmes, as well as targeted scientific studies that assist with our environmental management programmes. You will work alongside highly motivated and experienced scientific staff across multidisciplinary projects to deliver robust science to inform council's collaborative planning process, catchment planning and regional plan development.
• Support Freshwater Scientists in developing process and guidance for the team and Knowledge function.
• Collaborate across the national research sector, working with many of the leading research organisations in New Zealand to deliver the best information to inform resource management in our region.
• Oversee our Recreational Water Quality programme (a core part of the role), working alongside other scientists, monitoring officers, advisors from a variety of teams (including Regulation) and external stakeholders to ensure accurate and timely management of information and risk related. This may include direct communication with the public.

Skills and experience required:

• Relevant post-graduate qualifications in freshwater science
• At least two years' experience in a freshwater science or other related field
• As a core part of this role is managing our Recreational Water Quality programme, the expertise to assess the impact of wastewater on the receiving environment would be beneficial (but not essential) as well as a basic understanding of the linkages between freshwater and coastal water receiving environments
• Sound understanding of resource management legislation in relation to New Zealand
• A high level of written skills, including a demonstrated ability to undertake scientific investigations, analysis, and reporting
• Proven ability to present science to a wide range of audiences, including mana whenua, stakeholders, and community groups
• A working knowledge of scientific monitoring techniques, experimental design, QA/QC and management of environmental data
• Self-motivation and the ability to work without close supervision.
• The ability to work in a friendly and co-operative manner and in close association with other Scientists and external partners as needed.
• Physically able to carry out functions of the position, including working safely and confidently, in and around water as required to deliver our work programmes
• A full and current driver licence.

What we offer:

• Work to suit your life and whānau with our flexible working policy.
• We'll encourage you to grow and prosper with a range of learning and development opportunities, internal secondments and career progression.
• Your wellbeing is our priority - we'll provide medical and trauma insurance support through our employee assistance programme, including Rongoā Māori partner providers, generous annual leave, along with Tangihanga leave and support.
• We want you to have a sense of belonging, where you can reflect your personal and cultural identity in the way that you work.
• Social clubs, staff networks and a friendly and inclusive culture.
• Great working environments across our beautiful region.

Come help treasure and grow our rohe together

Our rohe and its lands, waterways, animals, plants and people can only grow stronger if they are nurtured.

To join our team is to step up and commit to playing an active part in this important mahi. That means restoring nature, connecting people and places, reducing environmental impacts and helping this rohe and its people prosper.

We are part of a collective movement alongside mana whenua and community members whose hopes for the future of this region are just as high as your own.

Our efforts across environmental management, public transport, flood protection, regional parks and water supply are interconnected and integral to treasuring our rohe and growing our future.

All applicants will be required to provide proof of their eligibility to work in New Zealand as we are unable to provide sponsorship for this position.

Applications close:

5.00pm, Wednesday, 30 September 2026. However, we will be shortlisting applications as they come in and will interview as soon as possible to secure the right person.

Greater Wellington is an accredited Living Wage Employer. We're committed to making sure our people, including people in our supply chain, earn enough to meet life's basic needs, support their whānau, and participate fully in their communities.

The total remuneration for this position, including all benefits, is $90,827 to $136,241 per annum, with a midpoint of $113,534. Starting remuneration will depend on the skills and experience of the successful applicant.

Agency applications won't be considered at this time.