Environmental/Senior Environmental Scientist

We're looking for a motivated and experienced groundwater scientist to join our Knowledge Water Ecosystems team. We're committed to finding the right fit for this role and welcome applications from both senior and non-senior Environmental Scientists.

This position is fixed term until August 2027, covering parental leave, and can be based in either Masterton or Wellington.

About the role

As demand and competition for water resources continues to grow across our region there is an increased need for robust information to inform decisions about water resource management.

In this role you will work closely with our Wairarapa-based Senior Environmental Scientist (groundwater) to provide technical support and advice with a particular focus on Wellington and Kāpiti.

Working as part of an experienced team of other freshwater scientists, you will:

• Support consenting and policy/compliance discussions, alongside other senior groundwater and hydrology scientists and monitoring officers
• Assist with/lead regional groundwater programmes, as well as carrying out targeted scientific studies that assist with our environmental management programmes
• Undertake contract management tasks
• Review, collate and analyse large amounts of technical information and summarise into reports
• Undertake field work alongside our Environmental Monitoring Officers

Skills and experience required

• Relevant post-graduate qualifications in groundwater (or equivalent experience).
• At least two years' relevant experience or, for senior level, at least five years' experience, including project management experience.
• Experience in groundwater sampling
• Some experience in surface water sampling is desirable
• Good level of physical fitness, including the ability to walk through a river in waders for extended periods, while carrying out sampling activities.
• Strong networking skills, the ability to mentor others, and an understanding of the importance of working in partnerships with others
• A high level of written skills, including a demonstrated ability to undertake scientific investigations, data reviews, analysis, and reporting.
• Sound understanding of resource management legislation in relation to New Zealand.
• Proven ability to present science to a wide range of audiences, including mana whenua, stakeholders, and community groups.
• Strong communication skills to be able to confidently talk with landowners, water suppliers and territorial authorities.
• For the Senior Scientist role, demonstrable experience in leading complex groundwater or water allocation projects as well as the preparation and presentation of scientific evidence in support of consenting or policy processes
• A full and current driver licence.

What we offer

• Work to suit your life and whānau with our flexible working policy.
• We'll encourage you to grow and prosper with a range of learning and development opportunities, internal secondments and career progression.
• Your wellbeing is our priority - we'll provide medical and trauma insurance, or an allowance to cover this, support through our employee assistance programme, including Rongoā Māori partner providers, generous annual leave. along with Tangihanga leave and support.
• We want you to have a sense of belonging, where you can reflect your personal and cultural identity in the way that you work.
• Social clubs, staff networks and a friendly and inclusive culture.
• Great working environments across our beautiful region.

Come help treasure and grow our rohe together

Our rohe and its lands, waterways, animals, plants and people can only grow stronger if they are nurtured.

To join our team is to step up and commit to playing an active part in this important mahi. That means restoring nature, connecting people and places, reducing environmental impacts and helping this rohe and its people prosper.

We are part of a collective movement alongside mana whenua and community members whose hopes for the future of this region are just as high as your own.

Our efforts across environmental management, public transport, flood protection, regional parks and water supply are interconnected and integral to treasuring our rohe and growing our future.

How to apply

Greater Wellington is proud to be a member of Te Uru Tāngata Centre for Workplace Inclusion. We value diversity and are committed to an inclusive, flexible, and supportive workplace. We encourage candidates from all backgrounds and welcome the unique talent and experience you will bring to our team.

We are passionate about ensuring our recruitment processes are fair and equitable. Please let us know if you have any accessibility needs or adjustments that need to be made so we can offer a recruitment process that is more accessible to you.

Click on the Apply link to view the position description and to apply for the role with a cover letter and CV. All applicants will be required to provide proof of their eligibility to work in New Zealand as we are unable to provide sponsorship for this position.

For further information, please contact Kristina Cranston, Team Leader Knowledge Water Ecosystems, 021 875 681 .

Applications close: 5.00pm, Thursday, 9 July 2026 . However, we will be shortlisting applications as they come in and will interview as soon as possible to secure the right person.

Greater Wellington is an accredited Living Wage Employer. We're committed to making sure our people, including people in our supply chain, earn enough to meet life's basic needs, support their whānau, and participate fully in their communities.

The remuneration for this position, inclusive of all benefits, is:

Environmental Scientist: $88,012 to $132,019, with a midpoint of $110,015

Senior Environmental Scientist: $100,486 to $150,729, with a midpoint of $125,608

Starting remuneration will depend on the skills and experience of the successful applicant.

Agency applications won't be considered at this time.