Scientist - Water Quality

We have an exciting opportunity for a Scientist – Water Quality to join our Environment Quality team.  This 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 new position of Scientist - Water Quality is responsible for contributing specialist expertise, knowledge and technical leadership in the area of water quality assessment and management. 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.

This varied and interesting role will have you working in close collaboration with staff across the Council to provide technical advice and guidance that will inform both regional and national policy development and implementation, and support the wider Environment Quality group in the delivery of state of environment and compliance monitoring and reporting.

Mōu | About you

You will have a passion for science and be keen to use your skills to contribute to the sustainable management of Taranaki’s natural environment. You will bring a high level of technical and practical proficiency and competency in water quality monitoring techniques and data analysis to the role, combined with a sound understanding of the key drivers of water quality and the environmental and human factors that influence it. You’ll be an agile problem solver and take pride in producing high quality work that helps guide good decision-making and policy development and implementation. Familiarity with the Resource Management Act 1991, the National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management 2020 and relevant national standards and regulations would be advantageous.

Successful candidates will require a relevant qualification in environmental or physical sciences, preferably with a speciality or relevant experience in chemistry, freshwater ecology or a related field. Previous working experience in freshwater science would be an advantage.

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

• An ability to manage/co-ordinate 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 data specialists to undertake water quality data analysis and reporting

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

• Experience collating and analysing scientific data and information, and communicating this information in an engaging and informative way

• 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

• Practical experience working in the field, with a full driver’s licence.

What’s on offer?

Taranaki Regional Council is a fantastic place to work! We have a great Land & Water 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, 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. Further details on the role can be found below in the Position Description, or for any other questions please contact Tamsin Moala, People and Wellness on (06) 765 7127.

Applications close on Tuesday 26 April 2022 and must be made directly through the application link.

Please note, all new employees to the Taranaki Regional Council must be able to provide proof that they have been vaccinated against COVID-19.

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.