Intermediate Groundwater Modeller

Earth Sciences New Zealand; Christchurch; Hybrid; NZD 109,000 - 122,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working options

Generous leave entitlements

Employee benefits

Job summary

Earth Sciences New Zealand seeks an experienced Intermediate Groundwater Modeller to apply numerical modelling to national water management challenges. You will work with leading scientists on research and consultancy projects, delivering robust, evidence-based solutions for ecosystems and communities.

The role emphasizes collaboration, ongoing learning, and publishing findings, with a focus on groundwater-flow and surface-water interactions, uncertainty analysis, and practical problem solving.

Qualifications

• PhD in groundwater modelling, hydrogeology, hydrology, environmental modelling, or three years' equivalent groundwater modelling experience.
• Strong experience with industry-standard groundwater modelling software and understanding of hydrogeological principles.
• Experience developing groundwater flow models including integrated surface water-groundwater and nutrient transport workflows.
• Proficiency in Python and GIS; ability to create data processing and model integration tools.
• Experience with parameter estimation and uncertainty analysis (PEST/PEST++).
• Excellent written and verbal communication and ability to collaborate with partners and stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Develop and apply numerical groundwater and hydrological models for research and consultancy projects.
• Investigate groundwater systems and impacts of land use and climate change on water quality and availability.
• Build conceptual and mathematical models, perform uncertainty analysis, and apply advanced modelling techniques.
• Develop coding solutions, data processing workflows and model integration tools to improve modelling efficiency.
• Collaborate with scientists, project teams, clients and stakeholders to deliver high-quality projects.
• Contribute to scientific publication and funding opportunities.

Skills

Python

GIS

groundwater modelling

Education

PhD in groundwater modelling or related field

Tools

PEST

PEST++

GIS 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.

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.

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.

View the full position description for this role here - https://www.gns.cri.nz/careers/. Please contact [e-mail] with any questions or queries.

Applications close on Tuesday, 17 November 2026