Senior Bio Information Analyst - UAV & Environmental Tech

Auckland Council; Auckland; On-site; NZD 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

EAP services

Oranga Day

Discounted Leisure Centre membership

Job summary

Auckland Council’s Environmental Services division is seeking a Senior Bio Information Analyst to lead the UAV and environmental data capability within the Bio Information Team. The role integrates ecology, geospatial analysis, and emerging technologies to transform environmental data into actionable insights for biodiversity protection and ecological monitoring.

The role requires significant experience in environmental information and spatial analysis, with leadership to guide technical advice

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in environmental discipline, natural sciences or computer science with 7+ years’ relevant experience.
• Strong knowledge of natural sciences, especially New Zealand ecology, and experience with environmental information.
• Proven ability to develop and implement information, database, geospatial or data-support solutions.
• Advanced ArcGIS/spatial mapping, database design/management, and proficiency with ecological analysis software.

Responsibilities

• Support and enhance Auckland Council's Environmental Services UAV programme, including delegated Senior Remote Pilot responsibilities.
• Deliver expert GIS, spatial analysis and environmental information management advice across a range of environmental initiatives.
• Undertake and support UAV-based ecological surveys, mapping and environmental monitoring activities.
• Mentor and support UAV pilots, contributing to capability development and best-practice operations across the department.
• Identify and implement innovative digital, imagery and data solutions that improve environmental outcomes and organisational capability.

Job description

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• Lead Auckland Council's environmental UAV programme and support best-practice aerial data collection
• Combine ecology, geospatial analysis and emerging technologies to drive better environmental outcomes
• Mentor pilots, champion innovation and shape the future of environmental data capability

Auckland Council's Environmental Services department has an opportunity for a Senior Bio Information Analyst to join Bio Information Team.

With a passion and understanding of ecosystem services, to take on both spatial analysis and Senior Remote Pilot duties, including those delegated from our Chief Pilot, this role sits at the intersection of ecology, geospatial technology, UAV operations and environmental innovation.

You'll play a key role in how environmental information is captured, analysed and transformed into insights that support biodiversity protection, ecological monitoring and environmental decision-making across Tāmaki Makaurau.

We are CAA certified and maintain a high standard of UAV best practice in our ecological survey, including thermal night flights; you’ll be comfortable leading by example, and helping maintain the high standards expected within our CAA-certified programme

As a senior member of the team, you'll also contribute to our Enabling Tools programme, identifying opportunities to use emerging technologies, automation and digital solutions to improve environmental outcomes and organisational capability along with mentoring pilots across the department.

Please note: The official title for this position is Senior Bio Information Analyst. We've included UAV & Environmental Tech in the advertised title to reflect the primary focus areas of this vacancy.

Day-to-day you could expect to:

• Support and enhance Auckland Council's Environmental Services UAV programme, including delegated Senior Remote Pilot responsibilities.
• Deliver expert GIS, spatial analysis and environmental information management advice across a range of environmental initiatives.
• Undertake and support UAV-based ecological surveys, mapping and environmental monitoring activities.
• Mentor and support UAV pilots, contributing to capability development and best-practice operations across the department.
• Identify and implement innovative digital, imagery and data solutions that improve environmental outcomes and organisational capability.

This role requires significant experience in environmental information, spatial analysis, GIS or a related natural science field, alongside the confidence to provide technical leadership and specialist advice.

We're looking for someone who enjoys working where ecology and technology come together, someone who can go beyond simply managing data. You'll be naturally curious, solutions-focused and motivated by finding new ways to collect, analyse and apply environmental information.

Ideally, you'll have experience operating UAVs to best-practice standards and be certified to 102, along with experience in IoT and image processing.

Our must-haves:

• A relevant Bachelor’s degree in an environmental discipline, natural sciences or computer science, together with 7+ years’ relevant professional experience.
• Strong knowledge of natural sciences, ideally New Zealand ecology, and experience working with environmental information.
• Proven experience developing and implementing information, database, geospatial or data-support solutions.
• Advanced capability in ESRI ArcGIS/spatial mapping and/or database design and management, with strong Microsoft Office skills and experience using relevant ecological analysis software.
• A full NZ driver’s licence, along with the communication, initiative, relationship‑building and resilience to operate confidently in a complex, collaborative environment.

Nice to haves:

• A Master’s degree in a relevant discipline.
• Experience with ecological surveys and assessing the significance of natural areas.
• Knowledge of SQL database design and functionality in an environmental management context.
• Experience specifically across biodiversity, biosecurity or geological information.
• Experience mentoring other analysts or leading technical work, projects or information initiatives.

Most importantly, we’re looking for someone with the drive to make environmental information useful. You’ll need to be comfortable taking ownership, solving problems where there isn’t always an obvious answer, influencing others and confidently providing advice to both technical and non-technical audiences.

You’ll also bring an appreciation of Te Ao Māori and tikanga, and a willingness to continue developing your confidence and capability in te reo Māori and our Treaty responsiveness journey.

Auckland Council is the largest local government council across Oceania, serving over 1.7 million people and contributing towards making Tāmaki Makaurau a world‑class city.

We offer a range of employee benefits and proudly support flexible working options where possible.

• You’ll have access to a range of fantastic Auckland Council benefits, EAP services, an Oranga Day and discounted Leisure Centre membership and a range of other partnership discounts! View a snapshot of some of our employee benefits here :

We are a diverse organisation – we value diversity in our thinking, and we can only achieve that with a diverse team!

Ehara taku toa, he takitahi, he toa takitini - My success is not mine alone, but the success of many.

Applications close: Wednesday 7th October

This role is deemed safety sensitive and in line with Auckland Council policy, you will be required to complete pre‑employment drug and alcohol testing.

Please note: Qualification Checks will be conducted along with other relevant pre‑employment checks required for employment with Auckland Council.

Our employer Kiwisaver contribution is additional to base salary offered.

Auckland Council is committed to protecting your privacy in accordance with the Privacy Act 2020. We collect personal information directly from you and, where relevant for the purpose of assessing you for employment, and employing you as part of the transport reform process, from third parties such as referees, previous employers (including Auckland Transport) recruitment agencies, and background checking providers.

By applying for this role, you consent to Council obtaining a reference from your current employer, including information about any active conduct investigations and current performance management processes, if you are the preferred candidate. Reference checks will only be undertaken at the preferred candidate stage. Any non-active performance or conduct matters may also be discussed with referees as part of the reference checking process.

If you do not consent to this information being provided, Council may be unable to properly assess your application and your application will not progress further. If you wish to withhold your consent, or to access or correct your personal information, please contact the Privacy Officer at [e-mail].

Auckland Council is an equal opportunity employer (EOE) and we are committed to providing a working environment that embraces and values diversity and inclusion. If you have any support or access requirements, we encourage you to advise us at the time of application to assist you through the recruitment process.