Scientist / Senior Scientist – Hydrology

At the Otago Regional Council (ORC), our mission is 'for our future'. We're here to protect and enhance the environment and enable our communities to do the same. To be sure we can deliver on our responsibilities, we are evolving as an organisation, and we're not overstating when we say we have some really big targets to reach. We need the right people, in the right roles, to help us to get there.

The Opportunity

Reporting to the Science Team Leader Water, this dynamic role leads and develops collaborative and innovative programmes with the Science Leadership team. To be successful in this position you will be a technical environmental specialist within practical hydrology (flow naturalisation) and hydro-ecology (minimum flows). The successful applicant will be appointed to either Scientist or Senior Scientist depending upon their skills and experience.

This is an important role at ORC and in the protection of Otago's environment as you will be providing robust hydrology research and advising on policies and plans for managing and protecting the Otago's natural freshwater resources.

Drawing on your experience, in this position you will demonstrate science impact by disseminating research findings through Council and scientific forums and present at regional and national events. Along with assisting the broader Science team (environmental flows, water quality and ecology, land systems, catchment modelling, air quality, coastal and lakes), you will take a collaborative approach working with other functions across the wider organisation to deliver the best outcomes for our environment and our communities.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Investigating, analysing, evaluating and interpreting and reporting hydrological data and processes in catchment investigations.

• Proposing solutions to address negative environmental impacts and to promote environmental enhancement through water management

• Reporting and presenting on environmental research associated with surface water allocation, environmental flow setting, water quality and freshwater ecology

• Participating in management planning by providing environmental information.

This role needs a proven technical specialist who is willing to adopt a collaborative approach to leading and engaging in innovative applied research with their fellow scientists.

A copy of the full position descriptions and specific role descriptors are attached in the Job Details below.

We recognise and celebrate diversity within Team ORC, and are committed to providing a work environment that supports inclusion and equal opportunities. We actively encourage applications from anyone who will live our values of kākau māhaki | caring, matatika | trustworthy, pono | open and honest, mahi kātahi | collaborative, noho haepapa | accountable, wairua auaha | creative, alongside us, regardless of their background.

To support our diverse and capable team, we're pleased to offer enhanced benefits such as flexible work opportunities, an annual wellbeing programme, competitive remuneration packages, and development opportunities for high performers. We know it's the full package that counts!

About You

Our ideal Scientist candidate will have:

• A relevant tertiary qualification in fields such as Hydrology, Environmental Science, or related Science or Mathematics discipline

• Expertise in practical hydrology (flow naturalisation) and hydro-ecology (minimum flows)

• Hydrology related skills such as processing and analysis of hydrogeological data, monitoring flows, GIS and spatial analysis methods, and hydrology modelling are desirable

• Relevant experience working in water quantity, water allocation and water management

• An understanding of land use effects on water quantity

• An understanding of resource management issues and practices

Our ideal Senior Scientist will have:

• A PhD or relevant postgraduate research qualification

• More than five (5) years' relevant technical and applied research experience

• National research networks in hydrology

• Has mentored and led scientists

• Peer recognition of contribution to regional and national sector

• Confidence in programme design

• Proficient in analysis and visualisation of data for publication using R, SAS or similar.

We think Otago's a pretty special place. It covers a vast area - the third largest local government region in New Zealand. Those who call Otago home enjoy access to mountains, coastal lowlands, dramatic rivers and wild beaches. Our environment here is part of who we are, and at ORC, we work each day to look after it.

If you share this passion and can align your skills and experience to what we've outlined above, we would love to hear from you!

How to Apply

If you meet the above criteria, we welcome your application including your CV and cover letter outlining why you are the person for this role via https://joinus.orc.govt.nz/jobdetails/ajid/jgrf7/Scientist-Senior-Scientist-Hydrology,2874.html

Please note. We don't always work to fixed closing dates and may start considering and interviewing candidates as their applications are received so we encourage you to apply early.

Applications close Wednesday, 8th December 2021.

For further information, please contact human.resources@orc.govt.nz