Senior Scientist

Job Type: Permanent | Full TimeLocation: Christchurch, New ZealandJob Category: Biotech, R&D, Science Work across a wide range of terrestrial ecology disciplines Collaborate with other scientists in ecology, water, soil, air, and hazards Grow your expertise through continuous learning and development opportunities Kaunihera Taiao ki Waitaha │ About Environment CanterburyAs a regional council, we are responsible for managing natural resources including air, soil, water and land. We work in partnership with mana whenua Ngāi Tahu to protect the health of our environment to ensure a sustainable and prosperous future for our region.

The region’s evolving environmental and political context means we will continue to be agile and adaptive, as we respond to regulatory and environmental changes. Our mahi (work) is organised around the delivery of our three core services: Environmental Regulation and Protection Community Preparedness and Response to Hazards Public Transport Kōrero mō te Tūranga | About the RoleThe primary purpose of this permanent role is to support the core service of Environmental Regulation and Protection. Key responsibilities will include reviewing technical information to provide balanced, evidence-based advice to decision-makers, and leading or contributing to science monitoring programmes.

Monitoring undertaken by Land Ecology staff currently centres on two large programmes related to the regions braided rivers and wetlands. Opportunity also exists to either lead or support other smaller investigations into issues facing Canterbury’s biodiversity. Key Tasks Associated With The Work Include Consent application review and advice to inform the decisions of Consent Planners. This may lead to the preparation and presentation of expert evidence statements at consent hearings or environment court proceedings. Wetland delineation involving field survey and desktop reporting to support Consents.

Wetland monitoring involving field survey and desktop reporting to support Land Ecology delivery of the Long-Term Plan service measure to assess 50 wetlands/yr. Other Land Ecology field survey or desktop reporting to support other work programmes including Braided River Monitoring and ECan Land Biodiversity Advice. For more information on this role, please refer to the job description at the bottom of the advert. Mōu │ About YouYou’ll have a thorough understanding of Canterbury’s terrestrial ecology and have strong botanical skills.

You’ll have a working understanding of assessments for ecological significance and effects management under the Resource Management Act (RMA). You’ll be an effective communicator who works well independently, while also contributing collaboratively and supportively as part of a small team of ecologists working together to deliver a challenging and rewarding work programme. You’ll need to be physically fit and capable of conducting fieldwork in challenging terrain. Monitoring in braided rivers or wetlands often requires carrying equipment on foot, as many sites are inaccessible by vehicle or must be surveyed with minimal disturbance to sensitive environments.

Mātau ā-Wheako | Experience & Qualifications A master’s degree or PhD in a relevant field plus at least 5 years professional experience, or a bachelor’s degree plus 10 years professional experience is essential Excellent written communication skills and technical writing ability, ideally demonstrated by published work A current driver’s licence Ngā hua o te Mahi i te Kaunihera Taiao ki Waitaha | Working at Environment Canterbury Our Mahi Is Underpinned By Our Values Kaitiakitanga (stewardship) Pononga (integrity) Manaakitanga (people first) Whanaungatanga (collaboration) Māiatanga (can do) We understand and embrace a diverse workforce; this diversity will enable us to better serve our people, our community, and our greatest taonga, the environment.

We value everyone’s contribution, diverse thinking, and skills. We're on a journey to become a treaty partner of excellence, including incorporating te ao Māori into our work. We offer supportive opportunities to develop capability in this area and encourage our people to use kaupapa Māori, mātauranga Māori, and te reo Māori in our daily work. We welcome you with an open heart & mind, wherever you are on your personal te ao Māori journey Ko ētahi atu kōrero | Additional Information For a confidential chat about this role, please contact Jean Jack on 027 475 6285.

If your call is unanswered, please text your name and reason for calling and suggest suitable times to call you back. Applications close on Sunday, 17 August. Applications will be reviewed as we receive them, and interviews may take place before the close date. We reserve the right to close advertising early. Short-listed candidates will be required to complete an interview process, reference checks, and a criminal check. Further background checking will be required when relevant to the role.

Hours of work – Permanent full-time position - From time to time, as required, the role may require work outside of normal work hours for emergency and flood response and to represent Environment Canterbury at meetings and events with partners, other agencies, and the community. Location - This position is predominantly based at 200 Tuam Street, Christchurch  Salary - The indictive salary range for role is $87,491 to $108,078 per annum depending on skills and experience.  The specific salary will be discussed at interview stage.   Me mahi tahi tātou - Together we can Job Description Senior Scientist