Environmental Technical Officer

Environment Southland; Invercargill City; On-site; NZD 79,000 - 83,000; Full time

Job summary

Environment Southland in Invercargill invites applications for an Environmental Technical Officer on a fixed-term basis to cover parental leave. The role supports the Environmental Monitoring Team with data collection and processing to ISO9001:2008 standards, across air quality, bio-monitoring, groundwater and hydrology.

The position focuses on monitoring, data handling, and administrative support, with field duties and potential involvement in 24-hour flood warning.

Qualifications

• Degree in Environmental Science, Environmental Management or similar.
• 2–3 years' experience in environmental data collection and processing.
• Strong numeracy and analytical abilities.

Responsibilities

• Assist in implementing scientific monitoring and investigations.
• Support monitoring programmes' operation and continuous improvement.
• Provide technical and admin support to project leads.
• Participate in Flood Warning service as required.

Skills

Data collection

Analytical skills

GIS

Communication skills

Education

Environmental Science degree

Tools

Excel

SQL

Job description

We are now we're looking for an Environmental Technical Officer to join our team on a fixed term basis to cover parental leave.

Fixed Term ending 19 November 2027

If you would like to be part of a team that is highly motivated and goal driven, then you may be the person we are looking for!

You will work closely with the other members of the environmental data team collecting information to ISO9001:2008 standards from many environmental aspects including air quality, bio-monitoring, groundwater and surface water hydrology from many stunning places.

About the role:

The Environmental Technical Officer contributes to the overall performance of the Environmental Monitoring Team by providing administrative and technical support in environmental data collection and processing.

This role focuses on:

• Assisting in the implementation of scientific monitoring and investigations;
• Supporting continuous improvement and effective operation of environmental monitoring programmes;
• Providing technical and administrative support to project leads; and,
• Participate in the 24-hour Flood Warning service, as required.

What you'll bring:

• Demonstrated knowledge to fulfil requirements of the key accountabilities specified for this position.
• A relevant degree qualification Environmental Science, Environmental Management or similar.
• A minimum of 2-3 years' experience in environmental data collection and processing.
• Good numeracy and analytical skills.
• Good computing skills using spreadsheets, GIS and applying statistical methods. Be technically adept with new technology.
• An understanding of environmental database systems.
• Highly accurate and keen eye for detail.
• Full current driver's license (and the ability to drive a manual vehicle)
• Ability to work in an office and field-based environment. Be willing to work outdoors in all weather conditions.
• A reasonable degree of physical fitness and swimming ability is required.
• Accurate methodical approach and attention to detail.
• Excellent communication skills - both written and verbal.
• Honesty, integrity and commitment to preserving confidentiality, i.e. can be trusted with confidential information.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and initiative.
• Excellent communication and customer service skills with the ability to interact with Councillors and staff at all levels within the organization.
• Able to work effectively as part of a team, but without close supervision.

This is a job where you can expect the unexpected - your \"inside office days\" will be interrupted by floods, droughts and even the odd outbreak of sunshine as you undertake routine and emergency monitoring.

Why Choose Environment Southland?

We have a lifestyle that is second to none, with easy access to beaches, rivers, lakes, ski fields, national parks and first‑class sports facilities. We pride ourselves on the support we give our team to ensure a good work‑life balance is a priority. And with affordable real estate, short commutes and a great range of schools on offer there is something here for everyone!

Your cover letter will be a key part of our assessment process, so please highlight how your experience relates to the key skills required for this role.

An initial offer of remuneration will be made within the range $78,570. - $82,935.

Applications close: 13 September 2026

Working at Environment Southland requires all of our staff to uphold the council's Te Tiriti o Waitangi responsibilities as part of their day-to-day role. This might be through the appropriate delivery of functions through various legislation where Te Tiriti o Waitangi or partnering with mana whenua is required or upholding the commitments that our elected councillors have made to Ngāi Tahu ki Murihiku through the Charter of Understanding.