Principal Scientist

Instream Consulting; Canterbury; On-site; NZD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Dog-friendly office

Health checks

Annual flu shots

Bike commuter scheme

Professional development

Team socials

Job summary

Instream Consulting is a NZ ecology firm seeking a Principal Scientist to develop new client relationships, mentor a growing team, and contribute high-level technical leadership. With a small, dedicated group, you will help scale the business while delivering robust ecological and water-quality insights.

The role blends client management, technical excellence, and people development, reflecting Instream's values and growth trajectory as they expand from four to nine staff and beyond.

Qualifications

• A role model with a positive, can-do attitude.
• A pro-active communicator who listens and speaks up when necessary.
• You are a strong leader/manager, with a track record of developing talent.
• A proven developer of new workstreams.
• You are a recognised expert in your field.

Responsibilities

• Develop new client relationships and nurture existing ones.
• Mentor and develop the team to grow capability.
• Contribute technical leadership on high‑level projects.
• Drive business development and pursue new workstreams.
• Represent Instream in client engagements and negotiations.

Skills

Leadership

Client relationships

Business development

Project management

Mentoring

Communication

Technical expertise

Job description

Instreamis a small team of talented ecologists and we're looking for a Principal Scientist to help us broker deals for the environment. We need someone to develop new client relationships, nurture the team, and help with the high-level technical bits too. Why now? Our team is growing - more than doubling from four to nine staff in the last two years. With growth, our team needs experienced heads to help fill the role of mentor, expert, and business developer.

The successful candidate will have at least 10 years' experience working closely with clients and managing projects, while also contributing their technical expertise to other projects. Absolute must-haves include:

• A role model with a positive, can-do attitude.
• A pro-active communicator who listens and speaks up when necessary.
• You are a strong leader/manager, with a track record of developing talent.
• A proven developer of new workstreams.
• You are a recognised expert in your field.

What does Instream do?

We provide ecology and water quality consulting services to a range of clients from the private and public sector. One day we're handling eels in the Ōtākaro and the next we're coordinating waterway restoration between a property developer and local government. Project and client diversity keeps our advice balanced and our work varied and interesting. We are serious about making a positive difference to our natural environment, and our clients are too.

Why work for Instream?

We are a well-respected team of skilled and experienced ecologists. The work we do reflects our core values of Practicality, Integrity, Excellence, Fairness, and Making a Difference. Our small (but mighty) size means everyone has a voice and they are listened to. That means sometimes saying 'no' to work that doesn't sit well with our values. We are not an ecology add-on to a multi-national! We may be small, but our remuneration is competitive with larger companies.

What is Instream's vision for our people?

In five years' time we will be a team of 15-20 science and support staff, with a leadership group that has clearly defined roles and responsibilities. At this size, we can allocate roles such as marketing and business development effectively, allowing people to focus rather than balancing competing demands. The team will have a diverse range of skills, and there will be continued opportunities for growth. Alongside strong scientific capability, we excel at project management, business operations and science communication. People enjoy working here because they feel valued, supported, and are involved in meaningful projects, making Instream an attractive place for talented people to join.

What benefits are available?

Free annual health checks Dog-friendly office Free annual flu vaccinations Work ride employer (salary sacrifice scheme for bike commuters) Mole checks Secure bike storage Commitment to professional development (e.g., courses & conferences) Regularly socialise with other local ecologists Open to other employee-tailored benefits.