Scientist - Land and Water

• Are you wanting to do scientific work that is directly related to protecting/monitoring our environment?

• Opportunity to work in a team environment and broaden your skillset across Council departments

• Flexible working policies ie. WFH, training opportunities and support towards inter region relocation

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 main office is based right in the centre of the region, under the mountain, in Stratford. We have 3 beautiful gardens; Pukeiti, Tūpare and Hollard Gardens. Many of our staff work on a daily basis around the region and we are a 35 minute commute from New Plymouth (our staff often car pool). This region allows you to have all the big city benefits whilst maintaining a rural lifestyle given the relatively quick ability to move from one town to the next.

Environment Quality is one of our four directorates at the Taranaki Regional Council. The team collects, monitors, compiles and assesses a range of data related to different aspects of Taranaki’s environment (ie. climate, air, land and water). This work informs both regional and national policy development and implementation, and as a directorate contributes to the delivery of state of environment and compliance monitoring and reporting.

Whakatakanga & Whanonga pono| Mission & Values

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.

We are committed to; public service, a service first approach, improving the quality of our performance, working safely, effective communication and teamwork, Initiative and the right to make mistakes, accountability and results, presentation, respect and care and job satisfaction.

Mō te tūnga | About the role

The position of Scientist- Land & Water is responsible for contributing specialist expertise, knowledge and technical leadership in the areas of soil and water chemistry, and compliance with resource consents across multiple industries in Taranaki. You will use your skills to develop, coordinate and deliver environmental monitoring programmes, research and investigations, and contribute specialist input across a wide range of Council activities.

Collaboration is key in this role and we are looking for someone who has a strong ability to provide technical advice and guidance to multiple stakeholders (internal and external).

You will of course be supported in your work by the Team Leader- Environmental Assurance, Manager- Environmental Assurance and the Director- Environment Quality.

Mōu | About you

You will have a passion for the environment, and interest in working at the interface of science and policy. You will bring both technical knowledge and practical experience in scientific data collection, analysis and reporting, along with a sound understanding of soil and water chemistry. You will work decisively and be confident in meeting deadlines, with accuracy of your work being something you take pride in.

This role requires a relevant qualification in earth sciences. We are open to training and developing skillsets so if you have any queries please do not hesitate to get in contact with us.

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

• Expertise in designing,  implementing and managing environmental monitoring and research programmes relating to land use impacts on receiving freshwater, groundwater and coastal/marine environments

• Knowledge and experience using Microsoft Office suite, database and information systems. Prior exposure to Iris, Hilltop and ESRI GIS, and experience using ‘R’ or similar programming language will be viewed favourably

• Ability to collate scientific data and information and the confidence to communicate it in a way stakeholders understand and are willing to engage with.

• Awareness and understanding of the National Environmental Monitoring Standards (NEMS), the Resource Management Act 1991 (RMA) and the National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management 2020 (NPS-FM).

What’s on offer?

Taranaki Regional Council is a fantastic place to work! We have a great Environmental Assurance team. We are open to supporting you move to our region so definitely apply if you are looking to relocate from around NZ. We also have:

• Active social club (functions, supports socially positive initiatives, sports teams)

• Long service leave days

• Flexible working options (including WFH policies and flexitime)

• Induction programmes for every new employee

• Free car parking on site

• Training opportunities within each role

• A wide range of departments with the possibility to broaden your skillset over time

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. Further details on the role can be found below on the Position Description link, or for any other questions please contact Tamsin Moala, People & Wellness Coordinator on (06) 765 7127.

All applications must be made directly through this website.

There is no closing date for this vacancy.  Applications will remain open until a successful candidate is appointed and we reserve the right to close this vacancy when we have received sufficient, suitable applications. Please submit your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

To apply for this job, you must have the legal right to be able to work in New Zealand as we are currently not accredited to support applicants via the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV).