Senior Environmental Scientist

Aecom; New Zealand; On-site; NZD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

AECOM in Hamilton is seeking a Senior Environmental Scientist to join the Contaminated Land team on diverse, technically challenging projects across New Zealand. You’ll lead field investigations, coordinate sampling programs and contribute to risk and technical reports.

You’ll work with seasoned environmental professionals, have opportunities to move into project management and client development, and benefit from a structured training programme to grow your capability.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or postgraduate degree in Environmental Science, Geology or related Earth Science.
• Ideally 5+ years’ experience in contaminated land, environmental site assessment (PSI/DSI) and/or remediation.
• Strong practical field skills, including sampling and monitoring of soil, groundwater, surface water and vapour/gas.
• Ability to plan, coordinate and deliver high-quality technical work with minimal supervision.
• Experience moving comfortably between large multidisciplinary projects and smaller, focused commissions.
• Proactive, solutions-focused attitude and the curiosity to keep learning.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the confidence to work with clients and colleagues at all levels.
• Willingness to travel across New Zealand — a full NZ driver licence is essential.
• Experience with Excel is expected; familiarity with ArcGIS and ProUCL would be advantageous

Responsibilities

• Plan and deliver contaminated land investigations, including PSI/DSI, sampling programmes and fieldwork.
• Undertake and oversee soil, groundwater, surface water and vapour/gas sampling and monitoring.
• Interpret field and laboratory data and prepare technical assessments, risk assessments and reports.
• Manage field teams, subcontractors and laboratories to deliver investigations safely, efficiently and to programme.
• Contribute to project scopes, methodologies, fee estimates, proposals and tenders.
• Take responsibility for technical delivery, work directly with clients and provide guidance to graduates and early-career environmental scientists.

Skills

Strong communication

Collaboration

Travel willingness

Project delivery

Education

Bachelor’s or postgraduate degree in Environmental Science, Geology or related Earth Science

Tools

Excel

ArcGIS

ProUCL

Job description

Job Description

Ready to take your contaminated land career to the next level?

Join AECOM’s established Contaminated Land team in Hamilton as a Senior Environmental Scientist and work alongside some of the industry’s leading environmental professionals on projects that are varied and technically challenging.

From major multi-disciplinary transport alliances and closed landfill assessments through to preliminary and detailed site investigations, you’ll have the opportunity to broaden your technical expertise while working across a diverse project portfolio.

You’ll be part of a collaborative team with access to AECOM’s local and international technical leaders, giving you the support, expertise and opportunities to keep developing your career.

And this role isn’t just about the technical work. As you grow, you’ll have opportunities to move into project management, client relationship development and business development, including a structured training programme to help you build your project management capability.

What you’ll be doing

• Plan and deliver contaminated land investigations, including PSI/DSI, sampling programmes and fieldwork.
• Undertake and oversee soil, groundwater, surface water and vapour/gas sampling and monitoring.
• Interpret field and laboratory data and prepare technical assessments, risk assessments and reports.
• Manage field teams, subcontractors and laboratories to deliver investigations safely, efficiently and to programme.
• Contribute to project scopes, methodologies, fee estimates, proposals and tenders.
• Take responsibility for technical delivery, work directly with clients and provide guidance to graduates and early-career environmental scientists.

Qualifications

What you’ll bring

• A Bachelor’s or postgraduate degree in Environmental Science, Geology or a related Earth Science or Science discipline.
• Ideally 5+ years’ experience in contaminated land, environmental site assessment (PSI/DSI) and/or remediation.
• Strong practical field skills, including sampling and monitoring of soil, groundwater, surface water and vapour/gas.
• The ability to plan, coordinate and deliver high-quality technical work with minimal supervision.
• Experience moving comfortably between large multidisciplinary projects and smaller, focused commissions.
• A proactive, solutions-focused “can-do” attitude and the curiosity to keep learning.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the confidence to work with clients and colleagues at all levels.
• A willingness to travel across New Zealand — a full NZ driver licence is essential.
• Experience with Excel is expected; familiarity with ArcGIS and ProUCL would be advantageous

Additional Information

Why AECOM?

This is an opportunity to join a team where you can build on your technical expertise, broaden your project experience and shape the next stage of your career.

You’ll work on interesting projects, learn from experienced environmental specialists and have the backing of a global organisation with opportunities to develop your career both in New Zealand and internationally.

Ready to push the limits of what’s possible?

We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds. If you require any adjustments during the hiring process, please let us know.

Applications are reviewed as they come in, and the role may close earlier than expected, so if this opportunity sounds like you, we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.

Learn more about life at AECOM: LinkedIn, Facebook , Instagram, X, YouTube - explore our AECOM voices, employee stories, latest projects, and much more!

At AECOM, we are committed to maintaining a secure and trustworthy recruitment process and take any fraudulent hiring activity seriously. To support this commitment, all newly hired employees are required to attend an in-person Day 1 onboarding at an AECOM office location as a condition of employment.

About AECOM

AECOM is proud to offer comprehensive benefits to meet the diverse needs of our employees.

• medical
• dental
• vision
• life
• AD&D
• disability benefits
• paid time off
• leaves of absences
• voluntary benefits
• perks
• flexible work options
• well-being resources
• employee assistance program
• business travel insurance
• service recognition awards
• retirement savings plan
• employee stock purchase plan

AECOM is the global infrastructure leader, committed to delivering a better world. As a trusted professional services firm powered by deep technical abilities, we solve our clients’ complex challenges in water, environment, energy, transportation and buildings. Our teams partner with public- and private-sector clients to create innovative, sustainable and resilient solutions throughout the project lifecycle - from advisory, planning, design and engineering to program and construction management. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm that had revenue of $16.1 billion in fiscal year 2025. Learn more at aecom.com.

What makes AECOM a great place to work

You will be part of a global team that champions your growth and career ambitions. Work on groundbreaking projects - both in your local community and on a global scale - that are transforming our industry and shaping the future. With cutting-edge technology and a network of experts, you’ll have the resources to make a real impact. Our award-winning training and development programs are designed to expand your technical expertise and leadership skills, helping you build the career you’ve always envisioned. Here, you’ll find a welcoming workplace built on respect, collaboration and community - where you have the freedom to grow in a world of opportunity.

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we believe in your potential and are here to help you achieve it. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.