Senior Ecologist – Whirika – Queenstown Lakes District

Whirika; Queenstown; On-site; NZD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Whirika seeks a Senior Ecologist to deliver ecological work across the Queenstown Lakes area, expanding terrestrial and botanical capabilities and connecting with clients and iwi projects.

The ideal candidate is experienced or demonstrates equivalent skills in solving environmental challenges, works independently with strong time management, and contributes to projects across Otago and nationally, with a focus on te ao Māori perspectives.

Qualifications

• Ecological expertise in freshwater ecology, terrestrial fauna, or pest ecology.
• Excellent project management and organisational skills with minimal day-to-day oversight.
• Experience in ecological consultancy or demonstrated equivalent skill set.

Responsibilities

• Deliver ecological work in the Queenstown Lakes area.
• Identify opportunities to expand and diversify our offerings and connections.
• Collaborate with the wider Whirika team and contribute to Otago and national projects.

Job description

Senior Ecologist – Queenstown Lakes District

Nei te mihi ki a koutou o te ao, o nga hau e wha ahakoa ki whea. Kō Whirika mātou. He kamupene e mahi ana i te taiao, mo te whenua, mo te hapori, mo ngā iwi katoa hoki. Tihei mauriora.

Ko te whirika o te taura takata
Ahakoa uaina e te ua
Whitikina e te rā
Te taukaea o te aroha
Ka mau ake tonu e

Te mahi / About the role

Whirika is seeking a Senior Ecologist to deliver and generate ecological work in the Queenstown Lakes area.

We are looking for someone who will add subject matter diversity to our primarily terrestrial and botanical expertise, and who will identify and create opportunities for us to expand and diversify our offerings and connections in and around Queenstown.

A successful and established consultant, or someone who can demonstrate equivalent relevant skills of understanding and solving challenging environmental and ecological problems, and who seeks novel solutions, would be ideal.

This person will (at least initially) be our only person based in the Queenstown Lakes area, operating remotely from our existing bases in Dunedin, Nelson, and Tauranga. They must be experienced and independent with excellent time management and communication skills who will nevertheless be an integral part of our wider team, and contribute to the delivery of work throughout Otago and nationally.

Whirika strives to support iwi- and community-led ecological, environmental, and sustainability initiatives, and experience of working in this context is highly desirable.

Salary range: $90,000 – $130,000 pa, commensurate with experience and skills.

Applications may be considered as they are received, and the role may close early if a suitable candidate is appointed.

Ko te tangata pai ake / Our ideal candidate will:

• Have demonstrated ecological expertise in at least one of freshwater ecology, terrestrial fauna, or pest ecology and control, combined with a broad knowledge of ecological management, and be experienced in using this expertise to create environmentally sustainable solutions.
• Have excellent project management and organisational skills and be able to operate efficiently and effectively with little day-to-day oversight.
• Operate well within a team, including supporting the work and development of colleagues.
• Have existing professional connections within the Queenstown Lakes area.
• Be available to contribute to the delivery of projects based in coastal Otago and elsewhere in Aotearoa.
• Be energetic and motivated to create innovative solutions to environmental challenges, and to do so by working collaboratively and with an awareness of te ao Māori perspectives.
• Be experienced in ecological consultancy, or have strong evidence of having demonstrated an equivalent skill set in a relevant setting.

Ko wai mātou / About Whirika

Whirika is derived from the word ‘whiri’ – the plaited foundation of a kete used to combine different strands together. It represents the role we play in projects and the type of work we strive to deliver – collaborative, strong and interwoven.

Whirika is a Certified B Corporation delivering integrated environmental solutions across Aotearoa. We collaborate with organisations, governments, iwi, and communities to co-create innovative, culturally grounded, and sustainable outcomes.

Our team provides tailored support across the full sustainability spectrum – including energy management, emissions reduction, biodiversity and ecosystem restoration, waste minimisation, GIS and modelling, community planning, catchment management, and sustainable business practices – working across disciplines to deliver cohesive, holistic solutions.

Our team of 20 is predominantly based in Ōtepoti Dunedin, with others located in Tauranga and Whakatū Nelson.

Applications close at 12pm on 16 October 2026.

Start date: 23 November 2026 or by negotiation.