Scientist Analyst

Science Analyst - Hydrology

Surface Water Science Team

We are entering an exciting time for water resource management with changes in national direction and Partnership with Papatipu Rūnanga. ECan has been a long trail blazer for local government and faces some of the most significant water resources challenges in the country. 

Maintaining and improving the quantity and quality of our surface water to acknowledge Te Mana o te Wai is central to our role in the organisation. Taking action together to shape a thriving and resilient Canterbury/Toitū te Marae o Tāne, toitū te Marae o Tangaroa, toitū te Iwi.

About the Role | Kōrero mō te tūranga

We have a permanent role within the multi-skilled Hydrology Science Team. As a team, we use innovative scientific approaches and detailed data analysis to provide critical information and advice on surface water quantity issues in Canterbury, supporting resource management decision making. This position will involve conducting analysis and interpretation of flow, climate, abstraction, and land use data, while working collaboratively to connect with our internal and external partners, the community, and stakeholders across the region.

About You │ Mōu

You may be a science or engineering graduate seeking your first step in a large organisation or you might already be working in the field of water resources and need a change. This is an ideal opportunity to build on your relevant tertiary qualifications and/or experience; we are seeking someone with either a bachelor’s degree and 2 years’ experience or a Master’s Degree (or postgrad equivalent).

You will need to:

• have excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to work as part of a team but also confidently on your own

• be passionate about the rivers and streams in our region

• have excellent data analysis skills and confidence with large datasets

• have excellent verbal and written communications skills which are essential to clearly communicate and share relevant information about water quantity data and water management to a variety of audiences.

• can explore the variety of effects in environmental conditions, climate change, and differing land use pressures across the region, so prior understanding of these issues is essential

• have a desire to learn and grow in coding languages such as python and R

You may have:

• understanding the planning framework (including new national policy direction) and the setting of flow regimes using relationships between flows, allocation and environmental outcomes

• skills and expertise in hydrological modelling

• experience with coding languages such as python and R

About Environment Canterbury │ Kaunihera Taiao ki Waitaha

Environment Canterbury is leading regional governance in one of New Zealand's largest, most diverse, and naturally stunning regions, using a citizen-centred approach to reflect Environment Canterbury’s ongoing commitment to respond to our community’s aspirations.

Our values of Manaakitanga/People First, Whanaungatanga/Collaboration, Māiatanga/Can Do, Pononga/Integrity, Kaitiakitanga/Stewardship define us as an organisation and are integral in how we work as a team.

For more information about us and the work that we do, please click here.

Benefits of working at Environment Canterbury │ Ngā hua o te Mahi i te Kaunihera Taiao ki Waitaha

You will love our values-based team culture with a focus on wellbeing, wrapped into an environment that is hard working, supportive, friendly, and fun.

Environment Canterbury offers an inclusive, people-first culture, flexible working, a competitive salary, ongoing professional development, internal opportunities across the organisation, free income protection insurance and life insurance, discounted healthcare premiums, and free annual flu vaccinations.

Join us and be part of a team in which you can expand your experience and enhance your career. For a confidential discussion about this role please contact Hydrology Science Team Leader Suzanne Gabites, Suzanne.gabites@ecan.govt.nz or phone 027 603 0179.