Intermediate Groundwater Modeller

New Zealand Institute for Earth Science Limited; Canterbury; On-site; NZD 109,000 - 122,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous leave entitlements

Job summary

Earth Sciences New Zealand is seeking an experienced Intermediate Groundwater Modeller to apply numerical modelling to water management challenges across Aotearoa. You will work with leading scientists on research and consultancy projects, developing groundwater and surface water models and contributing to decision making and policy-relevant insights.

You’ll collaborate across teams, build data processing workflows, publish findings, and help grow the organisation's research capability.

Qualifications

• PhD or 3+ years in groundwater modelling/related research.
• Proven experience with industry-standard groundwater modelling software.
• Experience developing groundwater flow and integrated surface water-groundwater models.

Responsibilities

• Develop and apply numerical groundwater and hydrological models for research, consultancy and decision support.
• Investigate groundwater systems, groundwater-surface water interactions and climate-change impacts on water quality and availability.
• Create data processing workflows and model integration tools to improve efficiency.
• Collaborate with scientists, clients and stakeholders to deliver high-quality projects and publish findings.
• Contribute to scientific excellence through conferences, peer reviews and funding proposals.

Skills

Python

GIS applications

Uncertainty analysis

Data processing tools

Mathematical/analytical skills

Education

PhD in groundwater modelling or related field, or 3+ years experience

Tools

PEST

PEST++

Groundwater modelling software

Job description

At Earth Sciences New Zealand, we're bringing together exceptional science, technology and people to address the environmental, climate and natural hazard challenges facing Aotearoa New Zealand. As a collaborative and purpose-driven organisation, we're committed to delivering science that creates meaningful impact for communities, industry and the environment, while partnering with Māori, supporting Pacific resilience, and shaping a more sustainable future for generations to come.

What We're Looking For

We're seeking an experienced Intermediate Groundwater Modeller who is passionate about applying science to help solve some of Aotearoa New Zealand's most important water management challenges and opportunities. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to nationally significant research and consultancy projects, using numerical modelling to better understand groundwater and surface water systems and support evidence-based decision making. Working alongside leading scientists and technical experts, you'll help deliver solutions that support sustainable water resource management, environmental protection, climate resilience, and community wellbeing. You'll be someone who enjoys combining scientific thinking with practical problem-solving, can work confidently with complex datasets and modelling tools, and values collaboration, innovation, and continuous learning. Just as importantly, you'll be committed to delivering trusted science that makes a real-world impact.

What You'll Do

Develop and apply numerical groundwater and hydrological models to support research, consultancy projects, and evidence-based water management decisions. Investigate groundwater systems, groundwater-surface water interactions, and the impacts of land use and climate change on water quality and availability. Build and refine conceptual and mathematical models, undertake uncertainty analysis, and apply advanced modelling techniques to solve complex environmental challenges. Develop coding solutions, data processing workflows, and model integration tools that enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of scientific modelling activities. Collaborate with scientists, project teams, clients, and stakeholders to deliver high-quality projects, provide technical advice, and support the growth of Earth Sciences New Zealand's research and consultancy capability. Contribute to scientific excellence through publishing research, presenting findings at conferences and seminars, participating in peer reviews, and supporting the development of new research and funding opportunities.

What you'll bring

• PhD in groundwater modelling, hydrogeology, hydrology, environmental modelling, or a related field, or at least three years' equivalent experience undertaking groundwater modelling and applied research at a comparable level.
• Proven experience using industry-standard groundwater modelling software for water resource assessment, with a strong understanding of hydrogeological principles, groundwater-surface water interactions, inverse modelling, and uncertainty analysis.
• Demonstrated ability to develop groundwater flow models, including integrated surface water-groundwater models, coupled nutrient transport models, and associated analytical workflows.
• Strong combination of mathematical, coding and technical skills, including experience developing tools for data processing, model integration and analysis, with proficiency in Python and experience using GIS applications and spatial datasets.
• Experience applying parameter estimation and uncertainty analysis techniques using tools such as PEST or PEST++, alongside strong mathematical, analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, a demonstrated record of scientific publication or technical reporting, and the ability to build effective relationships with colleagues, clients, research partners and stakeholders.
• Bonus points if you have experience in geostatistics, geophysics, groundwater quality modelling, research funding proposals, or working within environmental research, consulting, or water management organisations.

What we offer

• Varied, challenging and meaningful work with talented colleagues in an organisation dedicated to earth science.
• A high performing organisation with a focus on employee development and wellbeing.
• Generous leave entitlements and employee benefits.
• Flexible working options, including flexible start and finish times. We are happy to discuss flexibility for this position during the recruitment process.

A permanent, full-time position (38 hours per week).

Our preference is for this position to be based in Lower Hutt, Wellington, Wairakei, Taupo or Christchurch, but we are open to considering Auckland depending on circumstances.

A salary range of $109,000 to $121,710 or more, depending on the successful candidate's skills, experience, and qualifications.

Applications close on Tuesday, 17 November 2026.

We know that talented people—especially those from under-represented or neurodiverse communities—sometimes hesitate to apply unless they meet every single requirement in a job description. If this role aligns with your strengths, lived experience, or interests, we'd love to hear from you and we're committed to supporting your growth.

Earth Sciences New Zealand is Aotearoa New Zealand's earth and energy science organisation.

Our science supports resilient communities living in sustainable environments.

We help New Zealanders understand and address climate change, find and use greener energy and better manage the impacts of natural disasters on their homes and communities.

Our people make extraordinary contributions to New Zealand communities. They connect and contribute across the science system in New Zealand and around the world.

We aspire to be the employer of choice in the earth sciences sector. We achieve this by fostering a positive, collaborative culture, delivering high quality, respected science, investing in our people and providing a safe, diverse and inclusive workplace.

Find out more: ESNZ - Careers ESNZ - Website ESNZ - LinkedIn