Data Scientist

We have an exciting opportunity for a Data Scientist to join our Environment Quality team. This is a permanent full time role at the Taranaki Regional Council.

Mō mātou | About us

We are an enthusiastic bunch of people at Taranaki Regional Council, helping the region continue to be an enviable place to live, play and do business.

Our mission is to work for a thriving Taranaki by promoting the sustainable use, development and protection of our natural and physical resources, and advocating for the region’s best interests.

Mō te tūnga | About the role

The position of Data Scientist involves the design and development of automated tools that enable our environmental datasets to be processed, analysed, interpreted and reported on in a technically robust, comprehensive and time efficient manner.

Data analytics and environmental reporting is a critical part of our business. With rapid developments in new technology and science we are constantly looking for efficiencies and ways to continue to provide reliable and robust science to the Council and our wider community.

This varied and interesting role will have you working in close collaboration with Environmental Scientists and Data Analysts in the area of data analytics and will contribute to, and often lead, the development of innovative methods to meet the analytical challenges associated with large (and growing) environmental datasets and workflows. This data is used to support the wider Environment Quality group in the delivery of state of the environment and consent compliance monitoring programmes, help inform regional policy development and implementation work, support natural hazard monitoring and response and provides local communities with up to date information on what’s happening in their environment.

About you

Working with time-series data management platforms and other environmental data systems are key to success in this role. You will have a proven background in data science, experience working with R, Python or similar scripting languages and be comfortable working with large datasets.

An awareness of the National Environmental Monitoring Standards (NEMS), the Resource Management Act 1991 (RMA) and the National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management 2020 (NPS-FM) and relevant regulations would be an advantage.

Successful candidates will require a qualification in an environmental science, data science, statistics, or proven practical experience in a relevant role. A speciality or experience in environmental data management would be advantageous, but not essential, as we’ll provide training and development to get you up to speed.

We like to set people up for success so you'll be a leading applicant if you have:

• An affinity with numbers, statistical methods and data management skills, with a high level of accuracy and attention to detail

• An ability to collate and analyse data and information, and communicate this in an engaging and informative way

• Experience using R, Python or similar programming languages

• An ability to manage multiple projects, remaining flexible and agile in your approach so that you’re able to respond to emerging issues and changing demands

• A collaborative approach, working with our team of Environmental Data Officers, Data Analysts and Scientists to undertake quality data analysis and reporting

• Knowledge and experience using Microsoft Office suite, database and information systems. Prior exposure to Hilltop, Iris, and ESRI GIS will be viewed favourably

What’s on offer?

Taranaki Regional Council is a fantastic place to work! We have a great Environmental Data team within our Environment Quality department. We do offer job training opportunities as well as the programmes to assist further career development.  We have an active social club, flexible working options, long service leave days, and many other perks.  However, the best part is working alongside fantastic people who are truly dedicated to the Taranaki region.

Interested? Here’s how to apply

Apply using the link below. Fill out your application form and add your CV and cover letter. Find out more about the role below on the Position Description link, or contact Tamsin Moala, People and Wellness Coordinator on (06) 765 7127.

Applications close on Tuesday 16 August 2022 and must be made directly through our website - www.trc.govt.nz.

Please note we reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we have received sufficient applications. Please submit your applications as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

The Council is committed to the concept of equal employment opportunities.