Intermediate Ecologist

Pattle Delamore Partners; Auckland; Hybrid; NZD 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Income protection

Parental leave top up

Extra annual leave

Hybrid working culture

Professional development support

Diversity & inclusion focus

Mentoring and guidance

Job summary

Pattle Delamore Partners (PDP) is seeking an Ecologist to deliver ecology services from our Auckland office within the Water Resources group. The role emphasizes terrestrial ecology (botany and wetlands) with occasional aquatic work, collaborating with a multidisciplinary team across air, water, and geology.

The successful candidate will bring a Master or Honours in ecology, 2–4 years of NZ experience, strong plant ecology knowledge, and solid reporting skills.

Qualifications

• Honours or Masters degree in ecology or equivalent environmental science
• 2–4 years of professional experience in NZ environmental consulting or Local Government
• Strong botanical and plant ecology knowledge
• Basic knowledge of freshwater ecology and terrestrial fauna
• Excellent written and verbal communication and technical reporting skills
• Familiar with MfE Wetland delineation protocols (2020) and vegetation survey methodologies
• Familiarisation with environmental legislation
• Strong organisational skills and ability to self-manage workloads
• Self-starter with initiative and problem-solving orientation
• Willingness to travel nationally for field work and multi-site work (overnight stays)
• Possess a valid, clean driver’s licence

Responsibilities

• Desktop assessments of ecological features using geospatial tools
• Desktop ecological constraint and opportunity assessments
• Undertake wetland delineation and vegetation surveys
• Undertake field surveys of terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems, including flora, fauna, habitats and ecological values
• Author technical reports, including ecological effects assessments and mitigation hierarchy applications
• Prepare ecological management and monitoring plans (e.g., riparian and terrestrial planting plans)
• Analyze data using spreadsheets and statistical software (e.g., R)
• Interpret data against standards to assess environmental effects and apply company policies on health, safety, quality, administration and procedures

Skills

Experience 2-4 yrs

Botanical knowledge

Freshwater & terrestrial fauna

Technical writing

MfE wetland protocols

Environmental legislation

Organization

Self-motivation

Problem solving

Willingness to travel

Driver's license

Education

Honours or Masters in ecology

Job description

Job Description

Pattle Delamore Partners (PDP) is a leading environmental and engineering consultancy with a strong presence across Aotearoa New Zealand. For over 40 years, we have partnered with clients, iwi, and communities to solve complex challenges across air, land, and water, delivering practical solutions that stand the test of time.

As our projects grow, so does the need for talented people - join us and help shape the future of New Zealand’s environment.

We are seeking a highly motivated and skilled Ecologist to join our team. The role is responsible for the delivery of PDP’s ecology services in our Auckland office. This role is within the Water Resources group and enables the incumbent to apply their knowledge to a range of terrestrial and freshwater ecology investigations. This role will primarily focus on terrestrial ecology (botany and wetlands) with aquatic ecology and water quality work also included when required. The role sits directly alongside a range of other disciplines including groundwater, water and air quality scientists, geohydrologists, environmental and geotechnical engineers, contaminated land specialists and planners. Within this multidisciplinary team, there is a strong support network for the incumbent to develop and deliver successful and highly rewarding projects for our clients.

What you’ll do

• Desktop assessments of ecological features using geospatial tools;
• Desktop ecological constraint and opportunity assessments;
• Undertake wetland delineation and vegetation surveys;
• Undertake field surveys of terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems, including flora, fauna, habitats and ecological values;
• Author technical reports, including ecological effects assessments and application of the mitigation hierarchy to manage potential effects;
• Preparation of ecological management and monitoring plans (e.g., riparian and terrestrial planting plans, restoration plans);
• Analyse data using spreadsheets and statistical software packages (e.g., R);
• Compare data to published standards and guidelines and interpret information to determine environmental effects; and
• Apply company policies in health and safety, quality, administration and technical procedures.

What you’ll bring

• An Honours or Masters degree in ecology, or an equivalent environmental science qualification.
• A minimum of two - four years of professional experience, preferably in a NZ environmental consulting or Local Government environment.
• Strong botanical and plant ecology knowledge and experience;
• Basic knowledge of freshwater ecology and terrestrial fauna;
• Excellent written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills, including sound technical reporting skills;
• Be familiar with the use of the Ministry for the Environment (MfE) Wetland delineation protocols (2020) and vegetation survey methodologies;
• Familiarisation with relevant environmental legislation (e.g., national policy statements and environmental standards for freshwater and indigenous biodiversity);
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to self-manage workloads;
• A self-starter who has initiative, an enquiring mind and a genuine interest in PDP’s business;
• Practical problem-solving skills and a solutions-focused approach;
• Willingness and ability to travel nationally for field work and multi-site work, including overnight stays;
• Possess valid, clean driver’s licence.

What we offer

• A comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, income protection, salary top up for parental leave and the ability to purchase extra annual leave.
• Flexible/hybrid working culture, facilitating a healthy work-life balance.
• Professional development opportunities, including support for ongoing training and education, and fully subsidised membership fees.
• The chance to work on challenging projects that make a difference to our environment.
• A vibrant environment, committed to fostering a workplace that embraces diversity and inclusion.
• Guidance and mentoring to develop professional skills.

About PDP

PDP is one of Aotearoa New Zealand's leading environmental science, engineering and advisory consultancies.

Guided by our purpose, Today Shapes Tomorrow, we care deeply about delivering solutions for our clients and communities that meet today’s needs, while providing for the future.